Rhipsalis teres f. prismatica

Name, habitat and history of Rhipsalis teres f. prismatica

The older form name f. prismatica refers to Rhipsalis teres plants with rounded lower stems and more angular outer stems. The name is still used in cultivation. Today, this form is generally included within Rhipsalis teres.

Plants historically described as f. prismatica are especially associated with Brazilian coastal restinga, where they have been found growing in sand, on rock and on trees.

Indoor care guide for Rhipsalis teres f. prismatica

Light and display: Bright indirect light is suitable for the mix of rounded supporting stems and angular outer shoots. Give the longer stems room to hang, and introduce any morning or evening sun gradually.

Watering: Water when the surface is dry and the pot feels noticeably lighter. Soak the mix evenly, then let the pot drain before returning it to its usual place.

Room conditions and mix: Warm, steady room temperatures and moderate humidity work well. Fine bark with pumice or perlite gives the roots a loose, fast-draining medium.

Feeding and repotting: While new faceted shoots are forming, feed lightly. Feed less when growth slows, and repot once roots fill the container or the old mix drains slowly.

Propagation: Healthy stem sections can be rooted as cuttings. Use an airy mix and keep it lightly moist.

Plant health problems with Rhipsalis teres f. prismatica

• Angular outer shoots become narrow and wrinkled: Narrow, wrinkled outer shoots usually mean the plant is too dry. If the mix is dry and the container feels light, soak the mix and allow it to drain fully.
• A short faceted section becomes soft from its base: A faceted section turning soft from the base 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 gather around the bristled areoles: Bristled areoles 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.
• New outer sections become unusually long and thin, with weak facets: Outer sections that become unusually long and thin with weak facets can be a low-light response. Move it into stronger indirect light and protect the plant from harsh direct sun.

Keep Rhipsalis teres f. prismatica 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.