Rhipsalis paradoxa

Natural range and habitat of Rhipsalis paradoxa

Rhipsalis paradoxa is native to Brazil. Its two accepted subspecies together extend from Pernambuco and Bahia in the northeast through southeastern Brazil and south to Rio Grande do Sul. It grows mainly as an epiphyte in Atlantic and seasonal forest, where its roots occupy organic pockets on branches.

Caring for Rhipsalis paradoxa indoors

Light and support: Bright indirect light is suitable. Long mature stems need secure support once they become heavy. A sturdy hanging pot or high shelf with clear space below works well.

Watering: Allow the surface to dry and wait until the pot feels lighter before watering again. Soak the mix evenly and let the container drain fully.

Room conditions and mix: Warm, stable room temperatures and moderate humidity are suitable. A loose bark-based mix with pumice or perlite provides quick drainage.

Feeding and repotting: Feed lightly while new linked sections are growing, then reduce feeding when growth slows. Repot once the roots fill the container or the old mix becomes dense.

Propagation: Linked stem sections can be propagated as cuttings in an airy mix kept lightly moist.

Common care issues with Rhipsalis paradoxa

• The linked sections become thin and lose their firm shape: When linked sections lose firmness and become thin, check the mix. If it is dry and the pot is light, water thoroughly and drain well.
• A stem joint becomes brown, soft and unstable: A soft, unstable joint can indicate rot, especially after prolonged wetness. 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 sit around recessed areoles: Recessed areoles can hide 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 cream-coloured scars form on the raised ribs: Cream-coloured scars on the raised ribs are typical of sun scorch. Keep the plant in bright indirect light, then introduce gentler sun gradually.

Rhipsalis paradoxa 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 paradoxa

Rhipsalis comes from Greek rhips, wickerwork or basket weave. Paradoxa means strange, unexpected or contrary to expectation, an apt reference to the alternating chain-like ribs.

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

Louis Karl Georg Pfeiffer first described it as Lepismium paradoxum in 1837 in Enumeratio Diagnostica Cactearum, page 140; Joseph Franz Maria Anton Hubert Ignatz Fürst zu Salm-Reifferscheid-Dyck had proposed that name. Joseph Franz Maria Anton Hubert Ignatz Fürst zu Salm-Reifferscheid-Dyck later placed it in Rhipsalis as Rhipsalis paradoxa in 1845 in Cacteae in Horto Dyckensi Cultae, 1844, page 39.