Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides

Natural range and habitat of Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides

Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides is native to a small area of Rio de Janeiro state in southeastern Brazil, including the region around Guanabara Bay. It grows mainly at lower elevations in Atlantic Forest and can also persist on trees in urban areas.

Its wild range is very restricted and has been heavily affected by urban development.

How to grow Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides indoors

Light: Bright indirect light supports the dense rows of tiny branchlets. Morning or evening sun is possible.

Water, humidity and airflow: Warm, stable room temperatures work well. Allow only the surface of the mix to dry between waterings. Water thoroughly and let the pot drain completely. Moderate to higher humidity suits this species, while some air movement helps the dense branchlets dry after watering.

Potting mix: Choose a loose mix with fine bark and pumice or perlite that stays airy while retaining a little moisture.

Feeding and repotting: Use fertiliser sparingly while new supporting stems and branchlets are appearing. Feed less when growth slows. Repot once roots become crowded or drainage starts to slow.

Propagation: For propagation, use a healthy supporting stem section. Set it in an airy mix that stays lightly moist while roots develop.

Troubleshooting guide for Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides

• Many tiny branchlets shrivel along the same stem: When many tiny branchlets shrivel on the same supporting stem, the plant may be too dry. If the mix is dry, water thoroughly and drain well.
• A patch of fine growth turns dark and soft inside: Dark, soft growth inside the dense branchlets 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 moisture lingers among the tiny branchlets after watering, improve airflow around the affected part of the plant. 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 hide among the short shoots: The dense branchlets can shelter 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 supporting stems remain unusually bare, with wide gaps between branchlets: Supporting stems that stay unusually bare can indicate that the plant needs more light. Move it to brighter indirect light.

Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides 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 the name Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides mean?

Rhipsalis comes from Greek rhips, wickerwork or basket weave. Mesembryanthemoides means “resembling Mesembryanthemum”, a reference to the plant’s dense covering of short succulent branchlets.

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

Ernst Gottlieb von Steudel first described Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides in 1841 in Nomenclator Botanicus, second edition 2: 449.