Rhipsalis (genus, mistletoe cacti)

Japanese name: リプサリス
Scientific name: Rhipsalis

[Overview]
A forest cactus that grows as an epiphyte on trees and rocks in tropical rainforests.
The stems branch well and produce aerial roots; their shape varies, being cylindrical, flat and leaf-like, or ridged.
The areoles are small and spineless, bearing soft hairs, bristles, or spine-like hairs.
When the stem segments grow long, they hang down.
The flowers are usually solitary on the areoles and are white, cream, or pale pink.
There are many stamens, and the stigma is usually 4-lobed.
The fruit is a spherical berry, translucent white, or tinged pink or red.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by cuttings.
It needs 5 degrees or higher over winter.
Attach it to a tree fern board, or plant it in sphagnum moss or bark.
When planting in soil, use a well-drained, well-aerated mix; cactus soil works well.
It is best placed all year round in bright partial shade, with about as much light as comes through a lace curtain.
In spring and autumn, water when the soil or planting material has dried; in summer, water once or twice a month after evening; in winter, almost stop watering.
It dislikes excess moisture in the soil but prefers high humidity in the air, so mist the leaves with a sprayer while watching its growth.
Apply liquid fertilizer in spring and autumn.
Pests include spider mites and scale insects.

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