Rhipsalis 'Cashero'

Cultivated identity and origin of Rhipsalis 'Cashero'

'Cashero' is a cultivated Rhipsalis whose exact species identity and wild origin remain uncertain.

How to care for Rhipsalis 'Cashero'

Light and space: Bright indirect light works well for Rhipsalis 'Cashero'. Leave some open space around the dense centre.

Humidity, airflow and water: Warm indoor temperatures and moderate humidity are suitable. Gentle air movement helps the crowded branchlets dry after watering. Water when the surface is dry and the pot feels lighter. Water thoroughly, then empty any water that collects below the pot.

Potting mix: Use a loose bark-based mix with pumice or perlite so water can drain freely around the fine roots.

Feeding and repotting: Repot once roots fill the container or the mix stays wet too long. A small amount of fertiliser is enough while new branches are appearing; use less when growth slows.

Propagation: Healthy branched pieces can be started as cuttings in an airy, lightly moist mix.

Common care problems with Rhipsalis 'Cashero'

• Dense tip clusters lose firmness and wrinkle: If the tip clusters wrinkle and the mix is dry, water thoroughly and let the excess drain.
• A branch cluster turns dark and soft inside: A dark, soft patch inside a crowded branch cluster can indicate rot where moisture has lingered. Use a clean tool to remove every affected section back to firm healthy tissue and discard the rot. If the middle of a branch cluster stays damp for a long time, give the surrounding stems more space and air movement. Check the roots and potting mix too; repot only if the roots are affected or the potting mix stays wet too long or has become dense.
• Cottony white insects sit between the short branchlets: Short branchlets can conceal mealybugs between them. Isolate the plant, remove visible insects, and use a product labelled for mealybugs on ornamental plants. Follow the label, including any repeat treatment.
• New branch clusters become unusually open, with longer gaps between branchlets: Unusually open new clusters with long gaps between branchlets can indicate low light. Give the plant a brighter position with indirect light.

Keep Rhipsalis cereuscula ‘Cashero’ 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.

When was Rhipsalis cereuscula first published, and what does it mean?

Rhipsalis comes from Greek rhips, wickerwork or basket weave. The epithet cereuscula is a Latin diminutive of Cereus, meaning little Cereus or a small candle-like cactus, fitting the short, narrow branchlets.

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

Adrian Hardy Haworth first described Rhipsalis cereuscula in 1830 in Philosophical Magazine and Annals of Philosophy, new series, volume 7, page 112.