Rhipsalis paradoxa aka Chain Cactus
Taxonomy
Rhipsalis paradoxa is a species of plant in the family Cactaceae, endemic to Brazil. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. This evergreen perennial epiphytic cactus has bright green slender cylindrical stems and small white flowers that appear along the stems in late winter to early spring. It can grow up to 5 meters if space allows. One distinguishing feature of Rhipsalis paradoxa is its 3 angle chain-like growths, which can grow very long and hang far out of pots, making it a great-looking epiphyte. The flowers are white and small, and the foliage is 3-angled. Rhipsalis is a genus of epiphytic cacti, mostly pendent, with small white or whitish flowers, though R. dissimilis and R. elliptica have yellowish flowers, and R. hoelleri has red flowers. The fruits of Rhipsalis species are always berries, ranging in color from whitish to pink, red, or yellow. Overall, Rhipsalis paradoxa is an easily identifiable plant that is threatened by habitat loss.
Common names
Chain CactusHow to care for Chain Cactus
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Chain Cactus, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Chain Cactus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
The Chain Cactus is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Chain Cactus prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Chain Cactus plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Humidity
Chain Cactus prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.
Fertilizer
The Chain Cactus is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.
Region of origin
Chain Cactus’s native range is Central, South America, and the Caribbean.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Rhipsalis Genus
Rhipsalis parasitica Mistletoe Cactus
Rhipsalis campos-portoana
Rhipsalis burchellii Mistletoe Cactus
Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides Clumpy Mistletoe Cactus
Rhipsalis cereuscula Coral Cactus
Rhipsalis floccosa
