Rhipsalis micrantha f. micrantha

Natural range behind Rhipsalis micrantha f. micrantha

This horticultural form is included within Rhipsalis micrantha. The species occurs naturally from Costa Rica through the northern Andes to Peru, where it grows in wet tropical and montane forest on trees and sometimes on rock, from lowland forest into much higher Andean sites.

Care and growing tips for Rhipsalis micrantha f. micrantha

Light and position: Bright indirect light is suitable for the narrow winged stems. Give the branches room to hang, with any direct morning or evening sun introduced gradually.

Watering: Wait until the top of the mix is dry and the pot feels lighter before watering. Soak the mix evenly, then let the excess drain away.

Room conditions and mix: Mild to warm, stable room temperatures and moderate humidity work well. A bark-based mix with pumice or perlite keeps plenty of air around the roots.

Feeding and repotting: Feed lightly while new angular sections are growing. Reduce feeding when growth slows, and repot once roots fill the pot or the old mix becomes dense.

Propagation: Healthy winged sections make suitable cuttings in an airy mix kept lightly moist.

Common issues and solutions for Rhipsalis micrantha f. micrantha

• The narrow wings wrinkle and fold toward the centre: Wrinkled wings folding inward usually indicate water loss. If the mix is dry, water thoroughly and let the pot drain.
• A winged section turns soft and brown near a joint: A soft brown area near a joint can indicate rot. 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 around the areoles: Cottony insects around the areoles are likely mealybugs. Isolate the plant, remove visible insects, and use a product labelled for mealybugs on ornamental plants. Follow the label, including any repeat treatment.
• Dry beige strips form along the upper margins: Dry beige strips along the upper margins are consistent with sun scorch. Move the plant away from strong direct light and introduce gentler sun gradually.

Rhipsalis micrantha f. micrantha 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.

About the name Rhipsalis micrantha

Rhipsalis comes from Greek rhips, wickerwork or basket weave. Rhipsalis refers to wickerwork and micrantha means small-flowered.

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

Karl Sigismund Kunth first described it as Cactus micranthus in 1823 in Nova Genera et Species Plantarum, volume 6, page 65. Augustin Pyramus de Candolle later placed it in Rhipsalis as Rhipsalis micrantha in 1828 in Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis, volume 3, page 476.