Rhipsalis paradoxa

Seasonally dry Atlantic Forest from northeastern to southern Brazil

Across its two accepted subspecies, Rhipsalis paradoxa is native from Pernambuco and Minas Gerais through southeastern and southern Brazil. It grows as a succulent epiphyte in seasonally dry tropical forest.

Warm humid growing periods alternate with drier intervals. The canopy filters strong sun, and roots on bark drain quickly after rain. Its three-angled stems store water and may form aerial roots for support. Indoors, give it bright filtered light, a loose potting mix and a short drying period between waterings.

Caring for Rhipsalis paradoxa at home

Filtered light for chain-like stems

Give bright, indirect light with a little mild sun. Strong midday exposure can bleach the raised ribs. Insufficient light stretches the spaces between the linked sections.

Let the mix dry between waterings

Water thoroughly after the upper mix has dried and let all excess drain. This species comes from seasonally dry forest, so leave a longer gap between waterings, especially during slower winter growth.

An open hanging mix

Choose a modest pot and fill it with chunky bark and perlite. Let water run out freely. Suspend the plant where the long linked stems can hang without collecting on a damp surface.

Warm growth with moderate humidity

Keep away from cold draughts and provide humidity with gentle air movement. Use a small amount of fertiliser when fresh links appear. Water and feed less once growth slows.

Guide only flexible new links

Older angled stems crease when tied or bent. Position the youngest growth early, then allow mature chains to hang freely.

Troubleshooting Rhipsalis paradoxa

Aerial roots appear along older chains

Aerial roots are normal anchoring growth on this epiphytic cactus. Leave them in place or guide them onto support; their presence alone does not indicate excessive moisture.

Brown folds form between the linked sections

The angular chains crease when pressed against a rim or bent after they have hardened. Reposition the basket and guide only flexible new links.

A stem base becomes dark and soft

Decay follows prolonged saturation or a cold, wet root zone. Remove the affected chain, improve drainage and let the remaining mix dry partly before rewatering.

Firm chain-like stems become deeply wrinkled

Check the root ball first and base the response on its condition. A dry root ball needs a full soak. If the mix is wet and the stems keep shrivelling, clean the damaged roots and repot in fresh potting mix.

White wax appears at the interrupted joints

Mealybugs settle in the recessed junctions between the linked sections. Isolate the plant, remove visible insects and repeat control as new generations emerge.

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.