Rhipsalis crispata
Partial shade is ideal for this plant.
Always water a few days after the substrate has dried out. You can water more often if necessary.
It can withstand temperatures as low as -1.1 °C for short periods. The plant is not frost-resistant.
Rhipsalis crispata is a forest cactus that often grows hanging from trees in tropical and subtropical forests in the wild.
Rhipsalis crispata is native to Brazil, where it grows as an epiphytic cactus in the southern and southeastern parts of the Atlantic Forest. In nature it lives on trees in humid environments, which is reflected in its cultivation requirements.
The plant is highly branched and produces long trailing stems made up of flattened, segmented dark green sections. In strong light the segments may take on purplish to violet tones. The surface is sparsely bristly, and the stems can eventually reach up to around 2 metres in length, making it especially suitable for hanging containers.
Flowering occurs in spring, when small yellow-white flowers appear. After flowering, reddish fruits may develop, reaching up to about 1 cm in length.
Rhipsalis crispata thrives at normal indoor temperatures and prefers a bright position without direct sunlight. The substrate can remain slightly moist, and the plant also benefits from occasional misting. With its naturally cascading habit, it is an excellent choice for a hanging display where the long segmented stems can be fully appreciated.