Rhipsalis baccifera

Natural range of Rhipsalis baccifera

Rhipsalis baccifera has an unusually wide natural range across tropical and subtropical parts of the Americas, Africa and Sri Lanka. It grows on trees and rock, rooting into pockets where organic material and moisture collect around bark, branches and crevices.

Several subspecies are recognised across this range, and wild populations vary in stem and fruit characters from one region to another.

Growing Rhipsalis baccifera indoors

Light and display: Bright indirect light suits the long fine stems, especially in a hanging position where they can fall freely. Morning or evening sun can be introduced gradually.

Watering: Let the top of the mix dry before watering again. This species handles a short dry spell well. When you water, wet the mix thoroughly and empty any water left underneath.

Room conditions and mix: Warm, stable indoor temperatures and moderate humidity are suitable. A bark-based mix with pumice or perlite keeps plenty of air around the fine roots and drains quickly.

Feeding and repotting: Repot once roots are crowded or the old mix has become dense and slow to drain. During fresh stem growth, feed sparingly and use less fertiliser when growth slows.

Propagation: Take healthy stem cuttings and set them into an airy mix. Keep the mix lightly moist while they establish.

Troubleshooting Rhipsalis baccifera

• Many stems wrinkle at the same time: When many fine stems wrinkle together, first check the pot. If it is light and the mix is dry, water thoroughly and let the excess drain away.
• Yellowing and softness begin near the centre: Yellowing together with softness can point to rot if the mix has stayed wet. Use a clean tool to remove every soft or decaying section back to firm healthy tissue and discard the rot. Check the roots and potting mix as well; repot only if the roots are affected or the potting mix stays wet too long or has become dense.
• Cottony white insects appear along the stems: Cottony insects along the stems are likely mealybugs. Isolate the plant, remove visible insects, and use a product labelled for mealybugs on ornamental plants. Follow the label, including any repeat treatment.
• New stems become unusually long, pale and widely spaced: Long, pale new stems with wide gaps often develop in insufficient light. Shift it closer to a bright window while keeping the stems out of harsh direct sun.

Rhipsalis baccifera has sharp parts

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Its effects on people are unclear.
• Stiff bristles can poke or lodge in skin, paws, mouths or eyes.
• Handle it carefully. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after a serious injury, especially to the eye.

About the name Rhipsalis baccifera

Rhipsalis comes from Greek rhips, wickerwork or basket weave. Baccifera combines Latin bacca, berry, with -fera, bearing, and means berry-bearing.

Joseph Gaertner established the genus Rhipsalis in 1788 in De Fructibus et Seminibus Plantarum, volume 1, page 137.

Johann Sebastian Mueller first described it as Cassytha baccifera in 1771 in The Sexual System of Linnaeus, volume 1, order 1. William Thomas Stearn later placed it in Rhipsalis as Rhipsalis baccifera in 1939 in Cactus Journal (Croydon), volume 7, page 107.