Rhipsalis paradoxa

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.

How to care for Rhipsalis paradoxa

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Rhipsalis paradoxa, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Rhipsalis paradoxa does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

The Rhipsalis paradoxa 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 Rhipsalis paradoxa 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 Rhipsalis paradoxa 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

Rhipsalis paradoxa 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 Rhipsalis paradoxa 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

Rhipsalis paradoxa’s native range is Central, South America, and the Caribbean.


More info:
Wikipedia