Ripsalis is an amazing succulent perennial. It is difficult to imagine a more unusual representative of the Cactus family. Cactus does not grow in the desert, but in the tropical forests of Brazil. Its countless thin shoots hang down in a green cascade or form a rounded hat. At home, ripsalis feels great and quickly builds green mass. In just a few years with proper care you can get a large and very beautiful plant.
Botanical Description
Ripsalis is a perennial epiphytic plant with a small superficial rhizome. To protect the roots from heavy rain and flooded soil, a cactus settles on trees.
The shoots of the plant consist of small elongated lobes. They can have a narrow cylindrical, flattened or ribbed shape. The lobes are covered with a smooth bright green peel. Some species have pronounced areoles with soft whitish nap. The segments are arranged in whorls, so each shoot forms a fairly large and dense branch. Its length is 70-100 cm, the width of the stem is only 3-4 mm. Young plants resemble unusual green bushes, but gradually lashes descend. At the junction of the segments, air roots are formed.
In areoles or at the tops of shoots, solitary sedentary flowers form. They have the shape of a bell with several rows of narrow petals and a bunch of long stamens. Ripsalis flowers are painted in white, yellow or pink. The flowering period falls on October-January, when the hot season begins in the southern hemisphere.
If the flowers are pollinated, miniature rounded berries ripen in their place. In shape, they resemble gooseberries and are covered with a short, slightly sticky pile.
Types of Ripsalis
In the genus of ripsalis, there are about 60 species. Many of them can grow exclusively in vivo, and some have been adapted to culture.
Ripsalis Barchela. The plant consists of narrow cylindrical shoots with a diameter of 2 mm and a length of about 6 cm. The stems are covered with dark green shiny skin with small whitish areoles.
Ripsalis is hairy. The plant has very thin and elongated lobes. They branch heavily and twist a bit, resembling a mop of light green hair. Flexible shoots hang from the pot and are densely covered with white flowers in late autumn.
Ripsalis is bumpy. Cactus shoots are cylindrical or bottle-shaped. At first, they are directed vertically, but over time they wilt under their own weight. The segment in diameter is 2-3 mm, and in length - 5 cm. The length of the whip reaches 1 m.
Ripsalis cassata (empty). The plant consists of thin cylindrical stems of light green color. The scourge can reach 3 m in length, and the proportion is 10-50 cm. Small whitish flowers form at the ends of the shoots.
Ripsalis pilocarp. The species has more powerful dark green shoots. Many areoles on the surface of the lobes contain long yellowish hairs. This ripsalis blooms several times a year. The yellowish flowers are composed of petals and long stamens, so they seem fluffy.
Ripsalis is elliptical. Stems 1-2 m long consist of flat and wide segments covered with slightly pubescent areoles. Flowers are formed along the lateral edge of the lobe and have a light yellow color.
Ripsalis prismatic. The flower consists of several cylindrical upright stems up to 15 cm long. At its apex there are whorled shoots with 3-5 faces that resemble a prism in shape. During the flowering period, it is covered with white flowers.
Breeding methods
Ripsalis propagation is carried out by the method of sowing seeds or rooting stem cuttings. Seeds quickly lose their germination capacity, so they need to be sown immediately after harvest, after being pre-treated with a solution of manganese. Crops are produced in shallow containers with a mixture of peat and vermiculite. Sprinkle with soil they do not need. The soil is watered and covered with a film, daily ventilation is necessary. At a temperature of + 23 ... + 25 ° C, friendly shoots appear by the end of the second week. Seedlings need warmth and a bright room. It is better to transplant them several in one pot.
To propagate ripsalis with cuttings, it is enough to unscrew the area with 2-3 lobes. The shoot is dried for several hours, and then planted in moist sand and peat soil. Rooting takes 1-2 weeks, after which new segments soon begin to appear.
Transplant Rules
Since it is easy to damage thin roots and tangled shoots during a ripsalis transplant, they are carried out only if necessary. Use small and wide containers in the form of floor or hanging planters. The soil for ripsalis should contain a large amount of nutrients and have a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. Mixtures with the following composition are suitable:
- sand;
- deciduous humus;
- turf land;
- peat.
The bottom of the pot is lined with small pebbles or shards. The transplantation is carried out by the method of transshipment of an old earth coma. Within a week after manipulation, watering is limited.
Care Features
Caring for ripsalis at home does not require much effort. It is important to choose the right place for the plant and sometimes pay attention to it.
Lighting. Ripsalis prefer bright diffused light. They can withstand a small penumbra, but suffer from direct sunlight. For the summer, it is recommended to take the flower to the shaded balcony or veranda.
Temperature. The optimum temperature for the plant is + 18 ... + 22 ° C. On hot days, you need to ventilate the bowl or put a cactus on the street. Air flows will contribute to natural cooling. The plant is not afraid of drafts, but strong gusts of wind can damage fragile shoots. For the winter, it is necessary to transfer ripsalis to a cool room with a temperature of + 10 ... + 12 ° C.
Humidity. There is no need to constantly maintain high humidity near ripsalis. It easily adapts to home conditions. It is periodically useful to bathe him under a warm shower. If the pot is near a radiator, it is recommended to spray the flower.
Watering. Ripsalis should be watered regularly and abundantly, but between irrigations the soil should dry out by a third. During dormancy, watering is reduced. Water is used at room temperature, well standing.
Fertilizer. During the period of active vegetation, twice a month it is recommended to apply fertilizers for cacti to the soil. It is enough to use half the dose indicated on the package. It is necessary to ensure that the fertilizer contains a minimum amount of nitrogen salts, otherwise the risk of root decay increases.
Diseases and pests. Ripsalis can suffer from root rot with regular stagnation of potted water. Subcooling can lead to the death of part of the segments. The most common cactus pests are scale insects and red flat ticks. A good effect in the fight against parasites shows a soap solution. They are treated with shoots, but make sure that the liquid does not enter the soil. You can also use an insecticide ("Karbofos", "Aktara").
