Rhipsalis teres f. heteroclada

Name, origin and background of Rhipsalis teres f. heteroclada

The older form name f. heteroclada refers to Rhipsalis teres plants with stout main stems and much finer side branches. The form name remains in horticultural use. These plants are now included within Rhipsalis teres.

Rhipsalis teres is native to southern and southeastern Brazil and grows in Atlantic Forest.

Indoor growing conditions for Rhipsalis teres f. heteroclada

Light and spacing: Bright indirect light works well, with some open space around the dense fine side branches. If you want to add direct sun, start with a short period early or late in the day.

Airflow and water: Warm room temperatures and moderate humidity are suitable. Because the outer growth can become crowded, gentle air movement after watering is useful. Wait until the surface is dry and the pot feels lighter before watering again. Water thoroughly and let all excess drain from the pot.

Potting mix: Use an airy bark-based mix with pumice or perlite so excess water drains quickly and the roots get plenty of air.

Feeding and repotting: Feed lightly while new side branches are growing. Reduce feeding when growth slows, and repot when roots crowd the pot or the mix becomes dense.

Propagation: Both main-stem sections and finer side stems can be used for propagation. Root healthy pieces in an airy mix kept lightly moist.

Solving common problems with Rhipsalis teres f. heteroclada

• The finest outer branches wrinkle first: The finest side branches often wrinkle first when the plant is too dry. If the mix is dry, soak it evenly and allow the container to drain completely.
• Several branch clusters soften where they meet a thicker stem: Softness where dense branch clusters meet a thicker stem can indicate rot where moisture has lingered. Use a clean tool to remove every affected section back to firm healthy tissue and discard the rot. If the crowded side branches remain damp after watering, create a little more space around them and improve air movement. Check the roots and potting mix too; repot only if the roots are affected or the potting mix stays wet too long or has become dense.
• Cottony white insects hide among the fine side branches: Fine side branches can conceal mealybugs deep inside the plant. Isolate the plant, remove visible insects, and use a product labelled for mealybugs on ornamental plants. Follow the label, including any repeat treatment.
• The fine outer branches become sparse and stretched: Sparse, stretched outer branches can develop when light is too low. Increase the amount of filtered or indirect light.

Keep Rhipsalis teres f. heteroclada away from children and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its effects after chewing or swallowing are unclear, and plant material can still cause an upset stomach.
• Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop or do not settle.

Rhipsalis teres: where the name comes from

Rhipsalis comes from Greek rhips, wickerwork or basket weave. The epithet teres is Latin for rounded, cylindrical or smoothly rounded in cross-section and describes the stems.

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

José Mariano da Conceição Vellozo first described it as Cactus teres in 1829 in Flora Fluminensis, page 207. Ernst Gottlieb von Steudel later placed it in Rhipsalis as Rhipsalis teres in 1841 in Nomenclator Botanicus, second edition, volume 2, page 449.