Rhipsalis ewaldiana

Warm, humid tree canopies of Rio de Janeiro

Rhipsalis ewaldiana is native to Rio de Janeiro state in southeastern Brazil. It grows as an epiphytic cactus in wet tropical forest.

Frequent rain, high humidity and filtered light are balanced by airflow around the branches and rapid drainage from bark-mounted roots. The canopy stays warm and receives frequent rain. The roots also drain quickly, so indoor compost must stay loose and never waterlogged.

Rhipsalis ewaldiana plant care

Bright filtered light for layered branching

Give bright, indirect light with mild morning or evening sun. Adequate light keeps the primary axes firm enough to carry their shorter flowering branches; harsh midday sun can bleach exposed ridges.

Water by the condition of the root ball

Water once the upper mix has dried and some moisture remains deeper down. Saturate the root ball, drain fully and shorten the interval during warm active growth.

A light hanging mix

Use a hanging pot with a clear drainage hole and fill it with coarse bark and pumice. Keep major stems clear of narrow hangers and hard pot rims so they can support the finer branches.

Warmth and humidity without stagnant air

Maintain mild to warm conditions, moderate humidity and gentle air movement. Use a weak fertiliser as fresh side branches appear. Reduce water and feeding in dimmer, slower periods.

Move fine stems when they are firm

Untangle or reposition the cascade after the surface has dried. Firm stems are easier to guide without crushing the primary axes.

When Rhipsalis ewaldiana shows signs of stress

A primary supporting axis becomes soft

Dark translucent tissue on one of the main axes indicates decay from a wet, poorly aerated root zone. Remove the damaged section and improve drainage before the finer branches lose their support.

Short triangular side branches stay pale and weak

These flowering branches need adequate filtered light and functioning roots. Increase brightness gradually and inspect the root ball before adding fertiliser.

The entire cascade wrinkles in wet mix

Wet compost with dehydrated-looking stems points to root damage. Extra water will worsen the airless root zone. Remove rotten roots and reset the plant in fresh open mix.

Exposed angles develop dry tan scars

A sudden move into strong sun can burn the ridges of the angled stems. Move the plant into gentler light. Firm scars are permanent and should stay dry without spreading.

White insects collect where fine branches meet

Inspect the junctions between the main axes and their shorter branches for mealybugs. Isolate the plant and repeat control and support the delicate branching.

Rhipsalis ewaldiana 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.

What does Rhipsalis ewaldiana mean, and who first published it?

Rhipsalis comes from Greek rhips, wickerwork or basket weave. Ewaldiana is an honorific epithet formed from the surname Ewald.

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

Wilhelm A. Barthlott and Nigel Paul Taylor first described Rhipsalis ewaldiana in 1995 in Bradleya, volume 13, page 66.