Rhipsalis burchellii

Native range and habitat of Rhipsalis burchellii

Rhipsalis burchellii is native to southeastern and southern Brazil. It grows on trees in Atlantic Forest habitats, including areas with a clear seasonal change in rainfall.

Caring for Rhipsalis burchellii at home

Light and position: A bright position protected from harsh midday sun works well for the fine stems. A hanging pot or high shelf gives them room to lengthen.

Water and room conditions: Warm, steady temperatures and moderate humidity are suitable. The narrow stems show dryness quickly, so water when the surface is dry and the pot has become noticeably lighter. Soak the mix evenly and let excess water drain away.

Potting mix: Fine bark with pumice or perlite provides the quick drainage the roots need.

Feeding and repotting: Use a little fertiliser while the stems are extending, and feed less once growth slows. Repot when roots crowd the pot or the old mix becomes dense.

Propagation: Use healthy pieces of the fine stems for cuttings, placing them in an airy mix that stays lightly moist.

Problems and solutions for Rhipsalis burchellii

• Fine stems develop lengthwise wrinkles: If many fine stems develop lengthwise wrinkles, the plant is probably dry. If the mix is dry, water thoroughly and allow the pot to drain.
• Whole strands soften where they leave the pot: Softening where whole strands leave the pot can indicate rot, especially after the mix has remained 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 at branch points: Check the branch points closely: cottony insects there are usually 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 and sparsely branched: Unusually long new stems with little branching can develop in low light. Move the plant closer to bright indirect light.

Keep Rhipsalis burchellii away from children and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its effects after chewing or swallowing are unclear, and plant material can still cause an upset stomach.
• Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop or do not settle.

The meaning and history of Rhipsalis burchellii

Rhipsalis comes from Greek rhips, wickerwork or basket weave. The species epithet burchellii honours the English explorer and naturalist William John Burchell.

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

Nathaniel Lord Britton and Joseph Nelson Rose first described Rhipsalis burchellii in 1923 in The Cactaceae, volume 4, page 255.