Cacti are extremely popular plants grown at home. They are very beautiful, especially during the flowering period. There are more than three thousand species in nature. Their differences lie in the shape, size of the stems, structure of the flowers, and the presence of spines or hairs. Forest cacti grow in the tropical forests of Central and South America. Their appearance is completely different from their spiny counterparts from the desert. These plants have leaf-like, hanging stems.
- Epiphyllum.
- Rhipsalis.
- Rhipsalidopsis.
- Schlumbergers.
In the modern classification there are no clear distinctions and you can often find the same plant in different genera. And in various publications there is practically no division at all and all the names can be seen interspersed. We are interested in ripsalidopsis, so let's try to get to the bottom of the truth. Previously, experts classified them into seven genera, but most often they were called this or epiphilopsis.
Today all ripsalidopsis or Easter cacti belong to the family of Gatiora.
Description
The country of origin of these plants is Brazil. They grow in hot and humid conditions and can be seen on tree stumps, in hollows, and in piles of leaf mulch. Rhipsalidopsis thrives in the shade of tall trees and will suffer in direct sunlight. They do not have thick skin or spines like other cacti. This is not necessary, because there is no need to condense vapors from air where there is constant humidity.
Ripsalidopsis stems adapted to absorb moisture from the air, for this purpose a large number of aerial roots develop on them. They are capable of turning into a root system at any time, only by coming into contact with the nutrient medium.
If the air is saturated with moisture and there is no direct sunlight, this Easter cactus can develop well at home at temperatures from 17 to 20 degrees in summer and from 15 to 17 degrees in winter. Because its fleshy stems are well adapted to accumulate nutrients and moisture.
Under favorable conditions, ripsalidopsis forms flowers at the ends of the shoots. Their color is not very diverse, but always bright and juicy. The flowers come in white, pink and red in various shades. Blooming in early spring, the plants delight with their beauty for about two months.
Types and varieties
There are few species and varieties of ripsalidopsis. In natural conditions, the most common plant is Ripsalidopsis Partner, with bright orange flowers. The pink species, named for its flower color, is a hybrid rhipsalidopsis that has lilac-pink flowers and a bright yellow center of stamens.
Varietal rhipsalidopsis are distinguished by a more refined beauty of flowers.
Since the flowering of rhipsalidopsis begins at Easter, it is called the Easter cactus. But many people confuse it with Schlumbergers, which are called Decembrists, and wait in vain for flowering in December. These plants are similar, but the stem shape is slightly different.
The leaf-shaped segments of Ripsalidopsis, the photo of which you see below, are more rounded, their shape has almost no protrusions, but the tips still have spines, more reminiscent of thick bristles.
Schlumbergera have sharp teeth along the edges instead of bristles. The sizes of the segments are the same for both, a maximum of 3 cm in width and 6 cm in length. The Easter cactus, like the Decembrist, grows by forming segments that form at the ends of the shoots and bend towards the ground.
Ripsalidopsis can be distinguished from Schlumbergera by the shape of the flowers. Ripsalidopsis produces flowers that are symmetrical with an even corolla, while its relative has noticeably slanted corollas. Also, the pink variety of ripsalidopsis blooms, emitting a fragrance.
Ripsalidopsis: care
Since plants develop in their natural environment at high air humidity, then home conditions need to be created as close as possible to natural ones. Forest cacti have delicate and underdeveloped roots, so they do not need soil rich in microelements and abundant moisture in the pot, this will have a detrimental effect.
Soil and planting
A forest cactus needs a loose, coarse substrate consisting of coarse sand, crushed stone without dust, crushed brick without dust, clay-turf soil with lumps without grass and roots, and charcoal. Before use, the mixture is steamed in the oven, one teaspoon of superphosphate and crushed chalk or slaked lime is added to 3-4 liters. The soil should have a slightly acidic reaction, its index is from 6 to 4.5. Prepared superphosphate will acidify the soil.
Homemade ripsalidopsis require care with annual replanting after flowering. This occurs at the end of May, beginning of June. It is necessary to take into account that the root system of the plant is small and it is demanding of air, so you need to select a shallow and small bowl. Old soil should be carefully removed from the roots using a brush; they should be thoroughly cleaned without being damaged or broken off.
The root system should be assessed for development. If they are healthy, the volume of the pot can be increased by 1.5 times. A smaller size is taken for underdevelopment. During planting, the roots of the plant are evenly spread over the pot and carefully sprinkled with soil over and over again.
You can do this: first deepen the stem, then lift it and fill it, compacting the substrate by tapping the walls of the container.
Then the soil can be easily compacted by hand. Make sure that the green part of the plant remains uncovered, otherwise it will rot. After this, the forest cactus is watered and placed in the sun.
Watering
During the flowering period, ripsalidopsis needs abundant watering, but without stagnation of water in the pot. Water can be poured directly onto the stems, excluding the flower area. They also like care that includes frequent spraying and washing with warm water before buds set.
The plant needs watering all year round, but reduce it from October to February, as does fertilizing, since this is dormant time. From February to March - the time of bud development - proper care is resumed, increasing watering. Once or twice a month supply the plant root and foliar feeding. Following the instructions, use humus- and nitrogen-containing ready-made mixtures for forest cacti.
Important! Organic fertilizers cannot be used to feed these plants.
If care is organized correctly, then expect flowering in April-May. If there are a lot of branches on the bush, then a sufficient number of flowers will be formed. During the flowering period, the tropical cactus is also protected from the sun and fed. Tell all family members that the pot with this plant during the flowering period cannot be rearranged or moved, it is not even advisable to turn it, since it can drop all the buds. During the dormant period, a tropical cactus needs a temperature of 15-17 degrees to set buds; as soon as the plant is about to bloom, the temperature is raised to 18-20 degrees.
Reproduction
As soon as the rhipsalidopsis has finished flowering, it can be propagated and replanted, as he enters a growth streak. Reproduction is very simple: you just need to wrap the segment around its own axis and it will easily break off. Then it should be dried for 3 days, after which it should be placed vertically, leaning against a stick, on moist soil without burying it.
After some time, roots will appear, after which the cuttings are deepened into the ground. If care is carried out correctly, you can expect several flowers next spring.
The plant is susceptible to pests and diseases. Symptoms of undesirable conditions may include drooping and drying of the joints. The inspection begins from the top; if rusty deposits and stripes are detected, then there may be ticks. They are fought with hot water or 70% alcohol. It is enough to process the segments with one of the means. Nothing will happen to the plant, and you will get rid of mites.
Ripsalidopsis can wilt and lose a large number of segments due to poor roots. Inhibition of the root system occurs in the following cases:
- Stagnation of water and excess moisture.
- Depleted soil.
- Root burns from poorly diluted fertilizers. They are used only after watering.
- The appearance of scale insects - white worms - in the soil.
If such symptoms occur, remove the plant from the pot and inspect the roots and soil. Diseased roots are removed, and healthy ones should be doused with hot water so that the hand can barely bear it, the remaining soil should be removed in a dark crimson solution of manganese, dried and planted in a new substrate. To reduce the load on the roots of the upper part of the plant Can be shortened a little with scissors.
The segments may fall off from a lack of air humidity, from stress caused by frequent moving of the pot, if the plant feels cold.
After purchasing ripsalidopsis, the plant at home may drop all its buds due to stress. You shouldn’t be upset about this, because next year for Easter, with good care, it will present a whole fireworks display of bright and delicate flowers.
Rhipsalidopsis - Easter cactus
Rhipsalidopsis.
Rhipsalidopsis are native to the coastal foothills of Brazil and Ecuador, where they grow as epiphytes in montane forests.
This is a herbaceous perennial epiphytic leafless plant up to 20 cm high. The stems are prostrate or drooping, strongly branched, jointed, almost round in cross-section at the base, pentagonal above four, pubescent along the ribs. Flowers with a separate petal corolla, about 4 cm long and about 5 cm in diameter, pink, fragrant. The fruits are juicy red berries.
On the stems, to absorb moisture from the air, numerous aerial roots develop, which in the shortest possible time can turn into a normal root system when in contact with any nutrient medium. To retain moisture and nutrients, ripsalidopsis has fleshy stems and wide leaf-like plates.
Rhipsalidopsis is also called the Easter cactus because it blooms around Easter. But sometimes people incorrectly call it Decembrist and are very surprised if it does not bloom in December. In fact, ripsalidopsis are very similar to Schlumbergera, which are called Decembrist and Zygocactus, but Schlumbergera have different shaped stem segments. Ripsalidopsis differ from Schlumbergera not only in the structure of the stems, but also in the shape of the flowers.
If you provide it with proper care, it will bloom with large pink or red flowers for almost 2 months in the spring. During flowering, the plants are also well fed and shaded from the sun. But they cannot be rotated, moved or rearranged - they can throw off all the buds.
It looks good in a vertical composition, although it looks no less impressive in pots.
LOCATION
Ripsalidopsis prefers bright but diffused light and can grow in partial shade. But with a lack of light, there may be stunted growth or yellowing (chlorosis) of the edges of the stems. For abundant and spectacular flowering, the plant needs as much diffused light as possible; it grows well in diffused lighting on windows of western and eastern orientation. On north-facing windows, flowering may not be as abundant. On southern windows, shading is necessary during the midday hours.
In summer, the plant is exposed to fresh air, in a bright place without direct sunlight.
TEMPERATURE
To form buds in February - March, plants must be kept at a low temperature (about 10-12°C) luk clutch. In March, the temperature gradually increases to 17-20°C (not lower than 15°C). In summer, it is advisable to keep ripsalidopsis at a moderate temperature (18-20°C) in the fresh air.
WATERING
Such plants usually have underdeveloped, delicate roots, and they do not need either soil rich in organic matter or an abundance of earthen moisture - they will simply rot. During flowering, ripsalidopsis is watered frequently, but so that the water does not stagnate in the pot. When watering, water can be (carefully!) poured directly onto the green plates, but not onto the flowers. Ripsalidopsis are watered all year round, but during dormancy - from October to February - the intensity of watering is reduced and they are not fed. From February (in the period before flowering) to March, watering is slightly increased and root and foliar fertilizing is carried out 1-2 times a month with humus- and nitrogen-containing fertilizer ready-made mixtures for forest cacti, following the recommendations of the instructions. Under no circumstances should organic fertilizers be used to feed ripsalidopsis.
AIR HUMIDITY
Since ripsalidopsis grows in nature, where there is high air humidity, the conditions for good growth and flowering must be created appropriately. Excess moisture on the stems is not a hindrance for epiphytes; they like daily spraying and frequent washing with warm water (before the buds appear).
FEEDING
During the growth period and during flowering, ripsalidopsis is fed 2 times a month with mineral fertilizers without calcium. Use mineral fertilizers diluted by half; it is also necessary to use fertilizers with an average nitrogen content; excess nitrogen is contraindicated for cacti, as it promotes root rot. The optimal ratio is nitrogen (N) - 9, phosphorus (P) - 18, potassium (K) - 24. During the dormant period, the plants are not fed.
TRANSFER
Plants require coarse and loose soil: coarse sand with crushed stone without dust, clay-turf soil with lumps, but without remnants of grass and roots, charcoal and crushed brick without dust. Before planting, the prepared soil mixture is subjected to heat treatment (steamed in the oven). For 3-4 liters of this mixture add 1 tsp. superphosphate and 1 tsp. crushed plaster (slaked lime, chalk). These forest cacti require soil with a slightly acidic reaction - pH from 6 to 4.5. Added superphosphate will acidify the soil. Ripsalidopsis are replanted immediately after flowering: late May-June. Considering that the size of the root system is relatively small and they have a high need for air, the dishes should not be deep and not very large. When replanting, the roots are freed from the old soil. Using a brush and stick, carefully (as much as possible) remove the old soil, protecting the roots from damage and breaking off. If the roots are healthy and well developed, the size of the pot is increased by 1.5 times; if the roots are depressed and small, the pot is not changed or a smaller one is taken. When planting, the roots are evenly distributed throughout the volume of the pot and carefully covered with soil. When replanting plants, you can first deepen the stem, then slightly pull it up and finally fill and compact the soil by tapping the walls of the pot with your hand. The soil on top is lightly compacted by hand. The trunk of the plant cannot be buried deep into the ground. The green part is not covered with earth at all - it will rot. Then the plant is watered and placed in a shaded place.
REPRODUCTION
Immediately after flowering, the plant begins to grow vigorously, and it can be replanted and propagated. Reproduction is very simple: just rotate the segment around its own axis and it will break off. It is dried for 2-3 days, then placed vertically (without burying), leaning against some support, on moist soil. Very soon the cutting produces roots and is planted in an earthen substrate. With proper care, the plant can produce several flowers the following spring. Ripsalidopsis can also be propagated by seeds. But to do this, they first pollinate the flower with pollen from another variety or type of ripsalidopsis. If you cross-pollinate two bushes propagated from the same mother plant, there will be no positive result. After pollination, a fruit will appear in place of the flower - a reddish or crimson berry containing black seeds. The berry can remain on the bush for a long time, and the seeds can even germinate inside and turn into small plant balls, which can then simply be stuck into the ground. Cleaned mature seeds retain their viability for 3-4 years. From seedlings, a good bush can form only in the 4th year.
DISEASES AND PESTS
Ripsalidopsis, like all living things, are susceptible to diseases and pests. Most often this is expressed in the falling and drying of plant segments. You need to start examining a suspicious plant from the top. Inspect the segments for the presence of a light rusty coating and stripes. If such spots are observed, check to see if there are ticks on them (they are rare). It’s easy to fight mites on epiphytes; just pour hot water (not boiling water) or 70% alcohol over the segments. It is not harmful to plants, but death to mites.
Rhipsalidopsis, or translated from Latin ripsalidopsis, is an evergreen epiphytic shrub that is a member of the Cactus family. Its homeland is considered to be the mainland of South America, namely its tropical forests. Currently, about ten different species of these epiphytes are known.
Unlike other plants in the family, ripsalidopsis loves moisture and abundant watering. This is due to the fact that it is a forest species and not a desert species.
In its natural environment, it prefers the shady tropics, so it lives in the rainforests of Brazil.
Close relatives of Ripsalidopsis are Zygocacti, Rhipsalis, and Epiphyllum. They are also considered forest cacti.
More recently, scientists have assigned rhipsalidopsis plants to the genus Hatiora, which has led to changes in the names of many flowers. But this epiphyte has two more names: Easter cactus or Easter cactus and forest cactus.
This is how the plant was dubbed by the people, the first name was not given by chance, it appeared due to the fact that many ripsalidopsis begin to bloom in mid-spring and often the opening of the buds coincides with the bright holiday of Easter.
Often such plants are confused with Christmas or Decembrist, which bloom in winter, and often they are distinguished only because of the different time of appearance of flowers. Among other characteristic features of the Easter egg, one can highlight the shape of the leaf plate; it has rounded edges, while the leaves of the Christmas tree are pointed on the sides. You can also note the differences between these ornamental plants by looking at their inflorescences; they differ from each other in shape. Easter cactus flowers look much more symmetrical.
It is important to know the characteristics of plants in order to be able to determine what species they belong to. After all, the needs of a flower and the rules for caring for it depend on its belonging to a certain species. Inexperienced gardeners often confuse Ripsalidopsis and Schlumbergera because of their rather similar appearance. But these cacti have fundamental differences:
If you have determined that it is a forest cactus that “lives” on your windowsill, then you should determine what species it belongs to. There are two of them: dwarf pink ripsalidopsis (Rhipsaliodopsis rosea) and Getner's ripsalidopsis (Rhipsaliodopsis gaertneri).
It’s quite easy to understand this issue, since their main difference is size. As you can guess from the name, the dwarf species is much smaller than the Getner cactus.
Ripsalidopsis are very convenient to keep at home, which is what many gardeners around the world use. This popularity is primarily due to its ease of care and unusual appearance. They look great in hanging pots or on window sills.
Gallery: Easter cactus rhipsalidopsis (25 photos)
Description of the cactus
This decorative flower came to us from America and has taken root well on the windowsills of many Russian residents. Today it is very popular among lovers of indoor flowers.
This plant has long drooping branches and oval-shaped leaves with blunt spines, colored light green. Ripsalidopsis reproduces by small aerial roots, which, upon reaching the soil, immediately take root and eventually form a new plant. The flowering period occurs in spring, when the cactus is covered with numerous buds, which, when blooming, turn into star flowers of pink, white or red.
Shoots and branches are divided into four to six flat or ribbed segments. Each of them reaches three centimeters in width. If the plant is placed on the sunny side, the shoots may acquire a reddish tint.
Since rhipsalidopsis is a member of the cactus family, it has spines. They are located at the very tips of the shoots.
Blooming cacti
Many novice gardeners are interested in when ripsalidopsis begins to bloom. 
The flowering period of these cacti occurs in March - May and lasts about two months. It has beige, burgundy, coral flowers that bloom where the spines are located - at the ends of the shoots.
The more the plant grows, the more magnificent it becomes. A large number of shoots ensures lush and abundant flowering. Branches that are too long drain the plant and make it look sloppy, so rhipsalidopsis need pruning. If you shorten the shoots, the plant will look nice and resemble a lush, flowering bush. Cactus pruning should be done after flowering has finished.
Plant care
Many indoor plants require good lighting, but the forest cactus does not. In its natural environment, it prefers to grow near large trees and bushes, and sunlight rarely reaches such places.
When growing at home, there is no need to place ripsalidopsis on southern windowsills and balconies; it is better to give it a shaded place where direct sunlight does not reach it. They are dangerous for the plant, can cause burns and create uncomfortable conditions for the cactus. Windows facing north, east or west, as well as corridors, halls and basements are perfect for Easter. In such places there is little natural light and the plant will be very comfortable.
Temperature and humidity
Regarding the temperature, it is worth noting that it should be moderate and maintained at almost the same level all year round, varying slightly depending on the time of year. So for the summer period, the ideal temperature is considered to be eighteen - twenty-three degrees Celsius, and for the winter period - sixteen - eighteen degrees.
In hot weather, the plant feels uncomfortable; it is very difficult to tolerate high temperatures. Therefore, on especially hot days, it is recommended to put the Easter cactus in the coolest and darkest place in the apartment, for example, the bathroom is perfect for such purposes. Ripsalidopsis will live quietly without natural light for some time, but the heat can cause harm and irreparable damage to its health.
Since the home Easter egg belongs to forest cacti, and in the wild it prefers tropical forests, we can conclude that air humidity is a very important aspect when keeping it in an apartment.
High air humidity is simply necessary for this plant for healthy growth and development. Therefore, it should be regularly sprayed with a spray bottle, and the leaves should be wiped with a soft, damp cloth or dish sponge. Such procedures are best carried out late in the evening, after sunset.
If the air in your house or apartment is very dry, a special device - an air humidifier - will help save the situation. In cases where you do not have such a device, and purchasing it will cost a pretty penny, you can use a cheaper method to provide the plant with the required level of humidity:
occurs from January to September, during which time ripsalidopsis requires abundant watering. Water is needed for the formation of buds and lush, abundant flowering in the future.
The watering regime follows a simple pattern; the soil in the pot should always be kept moist. As soon as the soil dries out slightly after the last watering, it needs to be repeated. Make sure that the soil is damp and not flooded.
To water the forest cactus, use clean, soft water. Filtered or bottled is perfect for these purposes. In extreme cases, you can use tap water, but before you start watering, it should be poured into a container and allowed to sit in a dark place for several days.
At the beginning of autumn, the plant goes into a dormant state, which lasts about three to four months. During this period, the amount of watering should be reduced, but the soil should not be too dry.
Plant propagation
If you already have a rhipsalidopsis flower in your house, you don’t have to run to the store to get a new plant. You can propagate an existing cactus using one of the following methods:
Feeding and replanting
Ripsalidopsis prefers light, breathable and nutritious soil. It should also be slightly acidic - with a pH level of no more than six. Soil for planting and replanting can be found at a flower shop; ready-made substrate for cacti is perfect for this. You can also prepare the soil yourself using the following ingredients:
- Six hundred grams of leaf soil.
- One hundred grams of turf soil.
- Four hundred grams of humus or peat.
- Two hundred grams of clean river sand.
It is best to calcine the sand before use to destroy all bacteria and viruses.
Due to their unusual life cycle, forest cacti should be replanted not in the spring, but in the early summer, after the plant has finished blooming. This procedure helps the plant to hibernate in time and replenish its strength in order to bloom in full force next season.
Young ripsalidopsis are replanted annually, and adults once every two to three years. The new pot should not be too deep or large. To replant a plant, remove it from the pot, carefully remove the roots from the old earthen ball and replant it in fresh soil. Keep in mind that the stems should not be buried in the soil, this can lead to negative consequences, such as plant rotting.
During the period of active growth, ripsalidopsis needs additional feeding, which should be applied once every two weeks. Organic fertilizers for forest cactus are strictly contraindicated. Therefore, you need to use mineral complexes for cacti with a minimum nitrogen content; they can be purchased at any flower shop.
Common mistakes in care
Flower growers sometimes make mistakes in care. Wrong actions can lead to disease and death of the flower. You should pay attention to the following symptoms:
Rhipsalidopsis begins flowering in early spring and blooms luxuriantly for two months. Buds appear a month before flowering begins. Flowers bloom at the ends of the shoots. Their colors are abundant and can range from white to red.
When the buds appear, you cannot move or rotate the plant. Otherwise the buds will fall off.
Rhipsalidopsis has a variety of species that can decorate both indoor and outdoor areas. The following varieties are considered the most common:
You can mix several varieties in one pot or in a flowerbed and get an original decoration for your home or plot.
What to do in preparation for the rest period?
After the cactus has bloomed, it remains with a bare peduncle. If you don’t touch it, it will either wither or grow and new flowers will appear. If the peduncle has dried out, it must be removed. Sometimes, immediately after the flowers have fallen, the peduncle is trimmed. Do this over the third node. The plant may produce a new peduncle or produce a young shoot.
After flowering there must be a period of rest. It begins immediately after flowering. The flowerpot with the flower should be taken outside to a shady place or to the balcony. It needs to be in the fresh air until September, this promotes further abundant flowering. From October to January, ripsalidopsis is left in a cool room. For lush flowering, it will need 80 cool days to form buds.
Reasons why flowering does not occur
Flowering begins from April to May. If this does not happen, errors in care were made.
The most common reasons for lack of flowering:
- The room temperature is too low.
- Untimely transplant. Young individuals are replanted annually after the cactus has bloomed. Otherwise, it will not have the strength to bloom.
Adult plants need replanting once every three years, or you can simply add soil.
- Overflow or lack of light. You need to make sure that the water does not stagnate in the pan. Spray the flower daily.
- Lack of nutrients. It is better to choose fertilizers rich in phosphorus or potassium. They stimulate the birth of buds.
A large amount of nitrogen in fertilizers inhibits the formation of buds.
How to make a cactus form buds?
Many beginners discover that the ideal conditions created for the plant did not give the desired result. The reason may be that the cactus directed all its forces into growth and stopped throwing out buds. You can speed up flowering by moving the plant to a cooler place or reducing watering.
General care rules
- Lighting. It is better to give preference to a bright place, but in direct sunlight the cactus should be darkened. Since the plant naturally lives in the shade of trees, it will grow well in an apartment on a north window. In summer, it is better to move the epiphyte to fresh air and place it under a tree.
In order to form a symmetrical bush, the flower can be rotated. This must be done before the buds appear.
- Temperature. In summer, the temperature should be 20 degrees. In February and March, the recommended temperature is 12 degrees for the formation of buds.
- Humidity. Cactus needs high humidity. It is periodically sprayed with water at room temperature. In winter, spraying is stopped.
- Watering. In spring and summer, water abundantly as the top layer of soil dries. In autumn, watering is reduced, and in winter it should be moderate.
- Illumination. Lighting should be diffused. In summer, the flower is taken outside.
- Top dressing. Fertilizers are applied twice a month. For this purpose, special mixtures intended for forest cacti are used.
- The soil. For cacti, breathable soil with a slightly acidic reaction is suitable. It is recommended to use a light peat mixture with the addition of leaf soil and raising agents in the form of coarse river sand and perlite.
- Transfer. The transplant is done after the plant has flowered. The pot is selected to be shallow and not very large in size. Before the procedure, the roots are freed from the previous substrate.
Useful video
We invite you to watch a video about the features of caring for ripsalidopsis for lush flowering:
Conclusion
Once a Rhipsalidopsis is acquired, it may shed its buds as a result of stress. In this case, there is no need to worry. With proper care, the plant will delight you with its lush and bright blooms next year.
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