Key Facts
- Epiphytic cactus in the genus Rhipsalis
- Trailing or pendant growth habit suited to hanging baskets
- Produces small white to cream flowers and small berry fruits
- Native to tropical regions of the Americas
- Prefers bright indirect light and moderate humidity
- Easily propagated from stem cuttings
- Not frost tolerant and usually grown indoors in cool climates
Rhipsalis Clavata is an epiphytic cactus with trailing stems commonly grown in hanging baskets for a soft, pendant display. It prefers bright indirect light, warm conditions and moderate humidity but will suffer in frost and prolonged cold.
Identification
A member of the epiphytic cactus genus Rhipsalis, this species has slender, pendent stems that can trail a meter or more when well grown. It produces small white to cream flowers followed by small berry fruits and is native to tropical regions of the Americas.
Best uses and where to grow
Use Rhipsalis Clavata in hanging baskets, mounted displays or high shelves where stems can trail freely. In tropical and frost free climates it can be grown outdoors as an epiphyte; in cooler areas keep it as a houseplant or bring it inside before temperatures drop below USDA 10.
Light and location
Place the plant in bright indirect light and avoid hot midday sun that can scorch stems. It tolerates lower light but will grow more slowly and produce fewer flowers.
Soil and potting
Plant in an open free draining mix with good organic content. An epiphytic cactus or orchid type mix amended with perlite or pumice works well. Avoid heavy, poorly drained soils that encourage root and stem rot.
Watering and visible problems
Keep the potting mix moderately moist during active growth and reduce water in cooler, darker periods. Overwatering or poor drainage leads to soft or blackened stems and root rot. Underwatered plants show shriveling or brittle stems.
Propagation
Propagate easily from firm stem cuttings. Let cut ends callus briefly then set into a free draining mix. Keep cuttings lightly moist until roots form and avoid sitting them in water.
After flowering and maintenance
Remove spent flowers and trim back stems to shape or control length. Repot or refresh the potting mix when the plant becomes rootbound or every few years; perform major repotting during active growth in warmer months.
Controlling spread
Rhipsalis Clavata is a trailing species rather than an aggressive spreader. Control overall size by pruning stems and by choosing an appropriately sized container to limit horizontal spread.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Rhipsalis Clavata grow?
- Growth rate varies with light and temperature. Expect moderate growth in bright indirect light and warm, humid conditions and slower growth in lower light. Stems commonly reach the 1 to 3 foot range when mature.
- Is Rhipsalis Clavata cold hardy?
- No. It is intolerant of frost and light freezes and is best kept where temperatures stay within the USDA 10 to 11 range or grown indoors in cooler climates.
- How do I propagate Rhipsalis Clavata?
- Take firm stem cuttings, allow the ends to callus, then root them in a free draining epiphytic mix. Keep cuttings lightly moist until roots are established.
- Will it tolerate low light?
- It tolerates lower light but growth will slow and flowering is less likely. Bright indirect light gives the best balance of growth and plant health.
- Are the flowers showy?
- Flowers are small and white to cream colored. They are more notable close up than as a distant display.
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