Rhipsalis pulchra

Natural range and habitat of Rhipsalis pulchra

Rhipsalis pulchra is native to southeastern Brazil, especially mountain forests in the Serra dos Órgãos and Serra da Mantiqueira regions. It grows on trees and rock in cool, humid forest at roughly 1,000 to 2,500 m elevation.

How to grow Rhipsalis pulchra at home

Light and position: Bright indirect light suits the long smooth stems, with enough room below the pot for them to hang freely. Morning or evening sun can be added gradually.

Temperature, humidity and water: Mild, stable room temperatures and moderate to higher humidity work well. Let the surface dry slightly before watering again. Water thoroughly, then let the pot drain well.

Potting mix: A loose mix of fine bark with pumice or perlite keeps plenty of air around the roots while holding some moisture.

Feeding and repotting: Feed lightly as fresh stems form, then reduce feeding when growth slows. Repot after roots fill the pot or the old mix becomes dense.

Propagation: Take healthy smooth stem sections for cuttings and start them in an airy mix kept lightly moist.

Common issues to watch for on Rhipsalis pulchra

• Long smooth stems become limp and finely wrinkled: Fine wrinkling along otherwise smooth stems usually means the plant is short of water. If the mix is dry, water thoroughly and let excess drain.
• The stem base turns dark and soft: Dark, soft tissue at the stem base can indicate rot 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 appear where branches divide: Branch forks are easy places for mealybugs to settle. Isolate the plant, remove visible insects, and use a product labelled for mealybugs on ornamental plants. Follow the label, including any repeat treatment.
• New stems become unusually thin, weak and stretched: Low light can cause this stretched growth. Move the plant to brighter indirect light and keep the long stems away from hot midday sun.

Rhipsalis pulchra 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 pulchra

Rhipsalis comes from Greek rhips, wickerwork or basket weave. Pulchra is Latin for beautiful, a straightforward reference to the graceful stems and coloured flowers.

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

Albert Loefgren first described Rhipsalis pulchra in 1915 in Archivos do Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, volume 1, page 75.