Rhipsalis cereuscula

coral cactus
Shrubby epiphytic cactus looks great in pots, baskets, and vertical gardens. Long dangling stems end in bushy clusters. Mature plants bob in the breeze like living mobile art pieces.
height 1–3ft
width 1–2ft
tolerates Heat, Pots
water
needs		 Moderate
water
info		 This plant is a stereotype buster. Not only is it a cactus, yes a cactus! It also lives up in the tree tops - a so called epiphyte. While these plants can go mostly dry, do not water them like a cactus. Rhipsalis are from South American forests that receive consistent rainfall and, as such, they appreciate a drink when they are mostly dry to just barely dried out. If you push them too far the stems will begin to shrivel and later fall off. While they can take some sun they respond to drought much better in shady locations.

If rhipsalis are in very fast draining material they are hard to overwater.
hardy
to		 30F
exposure Full Shade – Part Shade
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Pots: Cactus Mix, Orchid Bark
fertilizing All Purpose
origin W South America
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 16, 17, 21–24, H2

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

In habitat these plants cascade from the treetops, rooting wherever they land. This makes them ideal for hanging planters and elevated pottery. It also makes them exceedingly easy to propagate by cutting. They do well in pots, even tiny ones, where they can live indefinitely as long as the water is consistent.
Many small white bell shaped flowers at branch tips add grace when in bloom, though this plant is shy to put on such a show.
Typically this plant is not grown in the ground.