Even though it doesn't look like a cactus and doesn't grow in the desert, the rush cactus is a member of the cactus family. As a succulent it prefers high humidity, and it doesn't grow in soil but prefers to grow on trees.
How do you properly care for a rush cactus?
To properly care for a rush cactus, you should choose a bright, warm location, if necessary place it outdoors in summer, water weekly, use cactus fertilizer every two months and let it overwinter at around 15 °C in winter.
Select location and soil for the rush cactus
A bright and warm location is well suited for the rush cactus, but it doesn't like direct sunlight. Temperatures around 20 °C are ideal. If it is warm enough in summer, the rush cactus can also be left outside.
The rush cactus is an epiphyte, which means it grows on trees and does not necessarily need soil to grow. If you want to grow it in a pot, use cactus soil or a mixture of potting soil, sand and peat. Due to its hanging growth, the rush cactus is well suited for planting a hanging basket.
Water and fertilize the rush cactus properly
As a tropical plant, the rush cactus needs regular water. Water it once a week, but not too much. If it is very hot, the rush cactus may need more water. You should only give fertilizer in the growth phase from February to July, ideally every two weeks in the form of cactus fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon).
Cutting the rush cactus correctly
The rush cactus does not need regular pruning. Nevertheless, you should remove dried and old shoots if necessary, as well as those that are annoying or become too long. Wear gloves when cutting, as the sap of the rush cactus is slightly poisonous.
The rush cactus in winter
In winter the rush cactus likes to be a little cooler. Now temperatures of around 15 °C are sufficient. It doesn't do well with excessive fluctuations between day and night temperatures. It is best not to place your rush cactus directly near a heat source but rather a little away. Due to the lower temperatures, the rush cactus is watered less in winter and is not fertilized at all.
The most important things in brief:
- Location: bright and warm at around 20 °C in summer
- can go outside in summer
- water regularly once a week
- Provide cactus fertilizer approximately every 2 months
- overwinter at around 15 °C
Tip
The rush cactus is an attractive and increasingly popular houseplant. With a summer freshness in the garden you can reliably get it to bloom.