Cactus without thorns – rhipsalis, care at home

Room Rhipsalis cactus, care, cultivation, planting, breeding and description in the home

Room rhipsalis cactus, care, cultivation, planting, breeding and description in the home

Rhipsalis – one of the most unusual cacti. This plant is deprived of the main attribute of cactus – spikes. Rhipsalis homeland – the tropics, where it grows on trees and is powered with the help of rainwater and organic matter. The scientific name of the plant – the epitaph.

The stems are long, light green, cylindrical shape, so rhipsalis grown in our conditions as a basket plant. stubby little hairs grow instead of thorns and needles.

All kinds rhipsalis combines the presence of long, branching shoots. Branches can be of different length (shorter or longer). There is also a difference in the shape of stem segments, they can be pointed, rounded or flattened leaf-like.

Appearance rhipsalis also easily be confused with rhipsalidopsis (hatiora) to accurately determine the type of features you need to know and a second plant. Rhipsalis consists of long (10 cm) and short (1-2 cm) branches. Long branches – it is the most mature and strong, and has a short leave from their side and betray Pot density and fluffiness. The older rhipsalis the greater number of small and large branches.

In their homeland, Brazil, rhipsalis bloom in summer. In our latitudes, this time coincides with the winter period. Color pure white flowers, or with a slight pink tinge, flower tube absent. During flowering flowers appear on all the shoots.

cactus without needles – rapsalis, care and reproduction

To adhere to the tropical climate conditions, it is best to place rhipsalis near light source or on the balcony. Direct sunlight can adversely affect, it is best to use a diffused light.

In summer, the temperature should be moderate content (18-20 degrees), and in winter at least 10 degrees. If the air temperature is high, it is necessary to additionally humidify the air. In winter rhipsalis easily tolerates dry air, the main thing that room temperature is not above 20 degrees.

All cacti do not like excessive moisture, because of this begin to rot the roots and the plant dies. Watering should be implemented in the summer as the drying of the soil, and in the winter, in a period of rest, much less.

For the active growth rhipsalis need to feed it in a warm fertilizer for cacti., Which is about 1-2 times a month. The fertilizer must be diluted two times greater than that specified in the instruction, to avoid excess nitrogen.

Often it is impossible to transplant rhipsalis, because the root system and stems are very thin and fragile. Somewhere in 3-4 years is necessary to repot the plant in a new pot. It is advisable to choose a wide and shallow pot that can be hung.

The soil for rhipsalis can buy in the store, the soil is suitable for cacti, or do it yourself. It is necessary to prepare and mix in equal proportions of leaf, grassy land and sand. Turf and ground sheet can be replaced with peat and conventional vegetable garden soil.

Rhipsalis need to multiply by means of cuttings, which should be 2-3 segments. Break off (this broken off, and do not cut) Cuttings need to dry out, and put into the damp earth. For a short period of time to take root and the plant will start to grow actively.

Harm can scale insects and red flat mite.

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