Slideshow for the Coffs Harbour Garden Club February 2019 meeting.

1. Rhipsalis Mistletoe Cactus

2. Summary
Rhipsalis is a genus of flowering plants in the cactus family,
typically known as mistletoe cacti. They are found in parts
of Central America, the Caribbean and northern regions of South
America.
Additionally they inhabit isolated locations in Africa and Asia, and are
the only cactus group naturally occurring in the Old World.
This is the largest and most widely distributed genus of epiphytic cacti
(those which live on other plants without damaging them).
The scientific name Rhipsalis derives from the Ancient Greek term for
wickerwork, referring to the plants' morphology.

3. Summary Cont.
Rhipsalis mistletoe cactus is also
called chain cactus and grows
epiphytically in its tropical forest
home.
The cactus has pencil thin succulent
stems that may reach 6 feet in
length.
The thick skin of the stems does not produce thorns, but it does have
almost imperceptible bumps on the surface of the plant.

4. Summary contd.
These plants are found clinging to tree crotches,
in branch nooks and nestled in rock crevasses.
The Rhipsalis mistletoe cactus is easy to grow and
has very minimal needs.
It is perfect for the home interior in a northern or western window.

5. Requirements for Growing Mistletoe Cactus
The plant is most often found indoors and may simply
be mounted on a piece of bark like an orchid or potted
in a good cactus mix.
If you are not prone to overwatering, you can plant the cactus in
regular potting soil mixed with sand or other gritty
material.
The plant is used to living in the understory of the
forest, where temperatures are at least 15 C and light
is filtered through the high limbs.
Growing Rhipsalis is practically foolproof as long as you mimic its native
conditions

6. How to Grow
Mistletoe Cactus
Mistletoe cacti are easy to grow from cuttings.
Seeds take way too long and they require very
even environmental conditions.
Take cuttings and let the severed end callus for a
few days.
Plant the callused end in a cactus mix or sand that has been lightly moistened.
Cuttings root in two to six weeks.
Seeds can be started indoors in flats filled with sand and peat.
Moisten the medium and plant the seeds 1/4-inch deep. Keep the medium barely
moist until the plants germinate.
Grow young plants in semi-shade and water when the surface of the soil is dry.

7. Mistletoe Cactus Care
Ensure that your mistletoe cactus is planted in
well-drained soil. Potted plants benefit from a saucer
filled with rocks and water to increase the ambient
humidity in the home interior.
The plant rarely needs fertilizing and has few other
needs except moderate light and even moisture.
Fertilize with a half dilution of cactus food in Spring, once per month.
Water frequently in spring and summer, but suspend water in winter.
If any of the stems are damaged, you can trim them off with a sharp,
sterile knife. Use these as cuttings to start new Rhipsalis mistletoe
cactus.

8. Types of Rhipsalis

9. Rhipsalis baccifera

10. Rhipsalis cereoides

11. Rhipsalis cereuscula is often called Rice
Cactus

12. Rhipsalis pilocarpa

13. Rhipsalis Puniceodiscus

14. Capilliformis Mistletoe Cactus

15. Elliptica Mistletoe Cactus

16. Ewaldiana Mistletoe Cactus

17. Pilose Mistletoe Cactus

18. Pseudorhipsalis ramulosa (Red Mistletoe)

22. Questions?