Rhipsalis baccifera is also called rush cactus because of its thin, drooping shoots. Caring for this non-toxic and thornless type of cactus is incredibly easy. How to properly care for Rhipsalis baccifera.
How to properly care for a Rhipsalis baccifera cactus?
The care of Rhipsalis baccifera includes year-round watering with lime-free water without causing waterlogging or drying out of the root ball, fortnightly fertilizing with liquid fertilizer and occasional spraying for increased humidity.
How to water Rhipsalis baccifera?
- Watering all year round
- Never let the root ball dry out completely
- Avoid waterlogging
- use lime-free water
Rhipsalis baccifera is watered continuously. The root ball must not get too wet but should never dry out completely.
Since Rhipsalis generally does not tolerate hard water, only use rainwater or softened tap water for watering.
Rhipsalis baccifera prefers slightly higher humidity. Therefore, occasionally spray the cactus with a little decalcified water.
Is fertilization necessary?
So that the rush cactus produces flowers, fertilize it at fortnightly intervals with liquid fertilizer (€6.00 at Amazon). As soon as the first flower buds appear, stop fertilizing. Only after flowering is fertilized again.
When is repotting indicated?
Rhipsalis baccifera doesn't need a larger pot that often. However, you should take the cactus out of the pot in spring and replace the substrate with fresh soil.
After repotting, you must not fertilize Rhipsalis baccifera for several weeks.
Are you allowed to cut Rhipsalis baccifera?
Cutting is not necessary. If the shoots become too long, you can shorten them. Cut them back by a maximum of two thirds in spring.
The cut shoots can be used for propagation. They need to dry for several days before sticking.
Does Rhipsalis baccifera need a winter break?
Rhipsalis baccifera does not take a winter break. You can care for the cactus all year round at room temperatures. But you shouldn't put it directly next to the heater in winter.
What diseases and pests can occur?
If the root ball is kept too wet, the roots and later the entire cactus will rot. Therefore, do not leave water standing in the saucer.
Spider mites are more common, especially when the humidity is low. They can be recognized by the small webs that form on the shoots. You should treat an infestation immediately.
Tip
Rhipsalis baccifera is quite easy to get to bloom if you provide different temperatures during the day and night. The flowers appear in early spring and give off a strong, pleasant scent.
