Rhipsalis cereuscula in pot

Credit: Heidi Hellstern

Segmented stem Rhipsalis cereuscula

Credit: Christer Johansson

Rhipsalis cereuscula flowers

Credit: Eisjen Schaaf

Rhipsalis Cereuscula berries

Credit: Epiphyticcacti

Rhipsalis cereuscula, the coral cactus

Not all cacti grow in arid deserts! Rhipsalis cereuscula, a member of the Cacteaceae family also known as the coral cactus, comes to us from the tropical forests of Bolivia and Brazil.

How to recognize Rhipsalis cereuscula, the coral cactus?

Rhipsalis cereuscula is 60 centimetres high and wide. This epiphytic succulent plant has a compact, drooping habit.

The cylindrical stems reach 90 centimetres in length. They begin by growing straight up, towards the sky, and fall back as they lengthen. They are divided into segments, forming a bulge when two sections meet. Because of this feature, reminiscent of underwater reefs, Rhipsalis cereuscula is nicknamed the coral cactus.

The segments are smooth and hairless, as in rhipsalis baccifera. They have no hairs or spines. Only white cells enhance the green of the segments. And when the plant is cold, the apex of the stems turns red.

White flowers bloom in clusters at the tips of the stems. They are bell-shaped and contain white stamens.

These are replaced by round, translucent, white or pink berries. Fruits measure less than a centimetre in diameter, but contain numerous seeds.

Rhipsalis cereuscula is non-toxic. The cactus-corail would present no risk to humans or domestic animals in the event of ingestion or contact.

Our maintenance tips

Rhipsalis cereuscula may be a cactus, but its needs are different from those of other succulents. It likes humidity, appreciates a spot in partial shade and can't stand overheated interiors. Grow it in a veranda or room with a temperature between 15 and 25°C.

Watering

Water your plant generously during the growing season.

The plant should be watered when the surface of the root ball is dry (about one centimeter deep). Water with non-calcareous room-temperature water, such as rainwater or demineralized water.

To prevent root rot, never leave standing water in the saucer or at the bottom of the planter.

Reduce watering during dormancy.

When the soil is dry on the surface, for about five centimetres, water generously, but without flooding the pot. Use non-calcareous water, such as rainwater. If you don't have any, you can use tap water that has been left to stand for 24 hours. Always ensure that the water is at room temperature.

As with most plants, stagnant water causes roots to rot. If your Cactus-corail pot is on a saucer, empty it after watering. If your plant is too large to be moved, raise the pot above the saucer (by placing it on gravel or clay balls) or remove the saucer.

Spray

Spray foliage with non-calcareous water at room temperature. This increases humidity, prevents pest attacks and repels dust.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Rhipsalis cereuscula to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Choose a shallow, pierced pot with a larger diameter than the previous one. Rhipsalis cereuscula are epiphytes, their roots are superficial.

Fill the bottom of the pot with potting soil for cacti and succulents. If you don't have any, you can use a mixture of houseplant potting soil and perlite.

Plant your Cactus-corail in the center and add substrate. Tamp gently and water generously to encourage rooting.

Cleaning

To promote photosynthesis, remove any dust that accumulates on the leaves with a feather duster or a clean, damp cloth.

Prune

Remove wilted flowers. If you can't cut the flower stem with your hands, you can use pruning shears. Remember to clean your tool beforehand to prevent disease transmission.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Section a branch about ten centimeters long, containing two to three articles and no buds. Cut with a clean tool where the two sections meet.

Leave your cutting to dry for a day to allow the wound to heal.

Fill a perforated pot with potting soil for cacti and succulents.

Make a hole and plant your Cactus-corail. Several cuttings can be placed in the same pot to create a fuller plant.

Keep the substrate moist until growth resumes, to encourage rooting.

Diseases / Threats

Red spiders

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Cactaceae - Cactaceae
Type	Rhipsalis - Rhipsalis
Species	Cactus-corail - Rhipsalis cereuscula
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Half-shade
Substrats	Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Interior Herbaceous Succulent Hanging plants
Tags	Beginner Fritillary
Origin	South America
Hardiness (USDA)	10a
Leaf color
Flower color
Fruit colors