Rhipsalis crispata

Eastern Brazilian forest habitat of Rhipsalis crispata

Rhipsalis crispata is native to eastern and southern Brazil, where it grows on trees in seasonally dry tropical forest.

The canopy provides warm conditions, filtered light and humid air. Rainfall varies through the year and exposed roots dry between wet periods. Its broad, often wavy stems catch filtered light and store water. Indoors, use a loose mix and water once the surface has dried.

Caring for Rhipsalis crispata indoors

Filtered light across flat segments

Choose bright, filtered light or gentle morning sun. The thin, broad segments expose a large surface to light, so hot midday sun can scorch their lobed margins.

Water after the surface dries

Water thoroughly when the upper mix has dried, then drain. Allow a slightly longer pause as light and growth decline. Prolonged drought will leave the thin segments limp.

A loose mix for shallow epiphytic roots

Choose a bark-rich blend loosened with perlite. A hanging pot lets excess water drain quickly. A compact root volume is easier to moisten evenly without leaving the centre saturated.

Humidity, airflow and light feeding

Moderate humidity helps the broad stems stay firm. Gentle airflow lets their surface dry after watering. Protect from cold draughts and feed weakly as fresh segments expand.

Common problems with Rhipsalis crispata

The lobed edges turn crisp and brown

The thin flattened segments lose moisture quickly when the root ball dries, hot air passes over them or humidity drops sharply. Rehydrate the roots evenly and move the plant away from heated glass or radiators.

Yellow softness develops near the stem base

This points to prolonged saturation; normal ageing does not make the stem base soft. Remove soft tissue, loosen the mix with bark and perlite, and let it dry slightly before watering again.

New flat segments remain small and weak

Check filtered light first, then inspect the roots. Deep shade and declining roots both restrict segment growth. Extra fertiliser cannot compensate for either problem.

Dry bleached patches form across the broad surface

Hot direct sun can scorch the wide segments. Move the plant into bright filtered light and acclimatise it gradually if a brighter position is required.

Scale or mealybugs settle beneath the lobes

Inspect both faces of each segment, the central vein and branch junctions. Isolate the plant and repeat a gentle treatment that does not tear the thin margins.

Rhipsalis crispata is non-toxic to cats and dogs

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Its effects on people are unclear, so keep it away from young children who may chew it.
• Eating a large amount can still cause an upset stomach. Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms continue.

The meaning and history of Rhipsalis crispata

Rhipsalis comes from Greek rhips, wickerwork or basket weave. Crispata means curled, waved or finely crinkled, referring to the pronounced margins of its flattened stems.

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

Adrian Hardy Haworth first described it as Epiphyllum crispatum in 1830 in Philosophical Magazine and Annals of Philosophy, new series, volume 7, page 111. Louis Karl Georg Pfeiffer later placed it in Rhipsalis as Rhipsalis crispata in 1836 in Allgemeine Gartenzeitung, volume 4, page 186.