Rhipsalis occidentalis

Natural range and habitat of Rhipsalis occidentalis

Rhipsalis occidentalis is native to Suriname, Ecuador and Peru. It grows as an epiphyte on trees in wet tropical forest, including areas around 800 to 950 m elevation.

Care needs of Rhipsalis occidentalis

Light: Bright indirect light works well. An east-facing window or another bright position protected from strong midday sun is a useful indoor placement.

Water and humidity: Let only the surface of the mix dry slightly before watering again. Water thoroughly and let the pot drain before returning it to its usual place. Moderate to higher humidity suits this wet-forest species.

Temperature and mix: Warm, steady room temperatures are suitable. Fine bark with pumice or perlite gives the roots an airy mix that still holds some moisture.

Feeding and repotting: Use fertiliser lightly as new flat sections appear. Once growth slows, reduce feeding. Repot when roots fill the container or the old mix becomes dense and slow to drain.

Propagation: Flat stem sections can be taken as cuttings and rooted in an airy mix kept lightly moist.

Symptoms and solutions for Rhipsalis occidentalis

• The thin margins curl and feel papery: Papery, curling margins usually mean the plant is too dry. If the mix is dry, water thoroughly and let the container drain before returning it to its saucer or cover pot.
• A soft brown patch spreads across a flat section: A soft brown patch spreading across a flat section 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 inside the marginal notches: Marginal notches 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.
• Chalky pale areas develop on the glossy surface: Chalky pale areas on the exposed surface are consistent with sun scorch. Move the plant to bright indirect light and introduce any direct sun gradually.

Rhipsalis occidentalis 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 occidentalis

Rhipsalis comes from Greek rhips, wickerwork or basket weave. Occidentalis means western, referring to this species’ Andean distribution west of the main eastern Brazilian centre of similar flat-stemmed species.

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

Wilhelm A. Barthlott and Werner Rauh first described Rhipsalis occidentalis in 1987 in Kakteen und andere Sukkulenten, volume 38, page 17.