Rhipsalis

New Zealand’s Best Rhipsalis Plants

Adding interesting plants to your garden or indoor space delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact
• They purify the air
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have Dancing Bones Cactus and Mistletoe Cactus that will be right for your space. We’ll help you chose the right plant to thrive in your climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Rhipsalis, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Rhipsalis

1. Do Rhipsalis like sun or shade?

Rhipsalis plants, also known as mistletoe cacti, prefer bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some direct morning or evening sunlight, but too much direct sun can scorch their leaves. These plants are native to the understory of tropical forests, so they are accustomed to growing in dappled light.

Here are some tips for providing the right amount of light for your Rhipsalis plant:

• Place your plant in a north- or east-facing window. These windows receive bright, indirect light for most of the day.
• If you only have south- or west-facing windows, filter the light with a sheer curtain or shade. This will help to protect your plant from getting too much direct sun.
• Rotate your plant regularly so that all sides receive an equal amount of light. This will help to prevent the plant from becoming lopsided.
• Monitor your plant's leaves for signs of stress. If the leaves are turning yellow or brown, it is getting too much sun. If the leaves are pale or leggy, it is not getting enough light.

With proper care, your Rhipsalis plant will thrive in your home and provide you with years of enjoyment.

2. Is Rhipsalis easy to grow?

Rhipsalis plants are easy to grow and care for, even for beginners. They have a low-maintenance requirement and can thrive in a variety of indoor environments. Here are some of the reasons why Rhipsalis plants are easy to grow:

• Rhipsalis plants prefer bright, indirect light, but they can also tolerate some shade or even low light conditions. This makes them versatile houseplants that can be placed in a variety of locations in your home.
• Rhipsalis plants are epiphytes, which means they grow on other plants in the wild. As a result, they have adapted to store water in their stems and leaves, making them drought-tolerant. You only need to water your plant when the top 25 mm of soil feels dry to the touch.
• Rhipsalis plants are relatively pest-resistant and are not prone to many common houseplant diseases.

3. Is Rhipsalis poisonous to humans?

Some sources claim that Rhipsalis plants are classified as non-toxic to humans. However, it is still important to exercise caution and handle them with care. It is recommended to avoid direct contact with the sap of the plant, as it may cause skin irritation.

4. What are some fun facts about Rhipsalis?

Some fun facts about Rhipsalis, also known as mistletoe cacti:

1. Diverse and unique: With over 60 species, the Rhipsalis genus is one of the most diverse groups of cacti. Unlike most cacti, they lack prominent spines and have flattened, leaf-like stems that come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from thin and delicate to thick and fleshy.
2. Epiphytic lifestyle: Rhipsalis are primarily epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants or trees for support, not in the ground. This adaptation allows them to access more light and moisture in their rainforest habitats.
3. Nocturnal bloomers: Many Rhipsalis species produce striking flowers that open at night, often releasing a sweet fragrance to attract pollinators like moths and bats. Their flowers come in a range of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and red.
4. Edible berries: After flowering, Rhipsalis plants produce small, fleshy berries that are edible to both humans and wildlife. These berries are often a valuable food source for birds and other animals.
5. Global distribution: While most Rhipsalis species are native to Central and South America, a few species, like Rhipsalis baccifera, have a more unusual distribution, extending to Africa, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka. This distribution pattern is thought to be due to bird dispersal.
6. Easy-care houseplants: Rhipsalis are relatively low-maintenance houseplants, making them popular among indoor gardeners. They prefer bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and occasional watering.
7. Diverse uses: In addition to their ornamental value, Rhipsalis have been used traditionally for a variety of purposes, including medicinal remedies, food sources, and even fishing bait.
8. Symbolism and folklore: In some cultures, Rhipsalis are associated with protection and good luck. They are sometimes used in traditional ceremonies or kept as household plants to ward off evil spirits.
9. Scientific significance: Rhipsalis have been studied extensively by botanists, providing valuable insights into the evolution and adaptation of cacti. Their unique characteristics have also inspired research in fields like pollination biology and biomimetics.
10. Conservation status: While some Rhipsalis species are widespread and abundant, others face threats from habitat loss and overcollection. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these vulnerable species and ensure their survival in the wild.

5. What conditions do Rhipsalis like?

Rhipsalis, also known as mistletoe cacti, are a group of epiphytic cacti that are relatively easy to care for as houseplants. They prefer bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and occasional watering.