magic plants

RHIPSALIS

Rhipsalis is a genus of epiphytic cacti. They are typically known as mistletoe cacti. The scientific name derives from the Ancient Greekterm for wickerwork, referring to the plants' habitus. Rhipsalis is part of the tribe Rhipsalideae within the subfamily Cactoideae of theCactaceae. It is the largest and most widely distributed genus of epiphytic cacti. The genus was described by Joseph Gaertner in 1788. But when he described the plant, he had in fact not realised it was a cactus. Instead, he assumed to have found a new species ofCassytha, a parasitic laurel. Hence, Cassytha is often indicated as a generic synonym for Rhipsalis, although this is not the case, since this generic name had been applied for a completely different genus in a different plant family'

Based on the latest taxonomic treatment in the New Cactus Lexicon (Hunt et al. 2006), 35 species of Rhipsalis are recognised.

Rhipsalis are not hard to grow, protect from frost and intense sun.

Ideal in a Hanging basket but can also be grown in containers.

Position the plant where it will receive bright filtered light,

They are hardy to about 10°C, but require at least 15°C (60°F) during the growing season, so are best grown in a heated greenhouse, conservatory or indoors and prefer a humid atmosphere in a bright location, but not direct strong sun, mist regularly.

From mid spring to late summer, water when the compost starts to dry out, but do not let the compost dry out completely, In winter they prefer cooler temperatures 11-14C keeping the compost on the dry side, only just damp.

Lepismium is a group of highly branching epiphytic cacti. They are native to Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina. Lepismium (especially Lepismium bolivianum) are ornamental plants because of there long stems. Flowers are rather small, usually in the collors white or pink. The plants grow well in an Epiphyllum soil mix or regular cactus soil with some perlite and peat added. Lepismium requires shade and regular waterings when kept warm and when the plant is growing. Winter temperatures must remain above 13 °C.

The link below will take you to excellent comprehensive sites giving a wealth of information on this species.

http://rhipsalis.com/index.html

https://rhipsalis.net/care/

http://gardendrum.com/2014/02/09/mistletoe-cactus-and-the-rhipsalis-riddle/

http://www.llifle.com/Encyclopedia/CACTI/Family/Cactaceae/4573/Rhipsalis_houlletiana

http://www.llifle.com/Encyclopedia/CACTI/Family/Cactaceae/32874/Rhipsalis_cereuscula

http://www.llifle.com/Encyclopedia/CACTI/Family/Cactaceae/4604/Rhipsalis_monacantha

http://www.llifle.com/Encyclopedia/CACTI/Family/Cactaceae/7214/Rhipsalis_pachyptera

http://rhipsalis.com/species/bolivia.htm

https://rhipsalis.net/care/

https://www.cactusexpert.org/cultivation-of-cacti/lepismium.html

http://www.llifle.com/Encyclopedia/CACTI/Family/Cactaceae/26979/Rhipsalis_pilocarpa