Rhipsalidopsis (Rhipsalidopsis) is a plant from the cactaceae family, growing as an evergreen epiphytic shrub. The place of origin of the plant is the hot tropical forests of South America.
Shoots-branches consist of 4-6 segments (flat or ribbed) each, the width reaches about 3 cm. The color of the shoots is pale green. If the plant is in the sun, then the color of its branches can reach a reddish tint. Since Ripsalidopsis belongs to the cactus family, it cannot do without thorns. They are located at the tips of the shoots.
Rhipsalidopsis is prized for its excellent flowering. Flowers bloom at the tip of the segment. Each flower can grow to about 4 cm in diameter. Usually one inflorescence collects about three flowers. The color of the flowers can range from white to pink or dark red. Berries can be seen on the faded plant.
Inexperienced growers in appearance often confuse Ripsalidopsis and schlumberger... But these two plants have fundamental differences:
- The segments that make up the stems in Ripsalidopsis have smoothed edges, while in Schlumberger they have sharp teeth.
- If we consider the shape of the flower, then in Ripsalidopsis the corollas are symmetrical and even, while in Schlumberger they are noticeably oblique.
- By flowering period: Ripsalidopsis delight their owners with flowering in spring, and Schlumberger in winter.
Ripsalidopsis care at home
Location and lighting
Special attention should be paid to the florist where the ripsalidopsis is located. The plant will not fully develop without bright, diffused sunlight. Its location on the east or west window would be ideal. In summer, the flower will feel good on the balcony or in the garden, as fresh air will only strengthen it.
Temperature
The optimum air temperature in summer should be between 18-20 degrees. March-February is a period when the temperature drops to 10-12 degrees. Such conditions are necessary for buds to begin to form on Ripsalidopsis.
Air humidity
The plant feels comfortable only with high humidity. Regular spraying of distilled water at room temperature over the flower will help to maintain it. The pot can also be placed on a pallet with wet sand or moss, but care must be taken to ensure that the bottom of the pot is not in water. With the onset of winter cold and low temperatures, spraying with water is stopped until spring.
Watering
For proper watering in spring and summer, you need to monitor the state of the topsoil in the pot. It should be slightly damp all the time. With the onset of the autumn season, watering begins to gradually reduce, preparing the ripsalidopsis in this way for winter. In winter, watering is moderate.
The soil
Ripsalidopsis should be planted in soil with a pH level of no more than 6. The substrate should be light, nutritious and breathable.The content of deciduous, sod, humus, peat and sandy parts in the soil should be 6: 1: 4: 2.
Top dressing and fertilizers
In spring and summer, when the plant is in the active growth phase, it is recommended to apply fertilizers at least 2 times a month. Mineral-type dressings with a minimum nitrogen content in them are suitable. The ideal option would be to use a special cactus fertilizer.
Transfer
A young plant needs an annual transplant, while an adult plant needs to be transplanted once every 2-3 years. Rhipsalidopsis can be transplanted into a looser pot immediately after flowering.
Reproduction of ripsalidopsis
The plant can be propagated using one of the following three methods:
Cuttings - for this, a piece of the stem, consisting of 2-3 parts, is separated from an adult plant, dried in the air for about 3 days. Further, fixing it above the surface of the moist soil in a pot, it is left in this position until the first roots appear. Only then is the ripsalidopsis stalk placed in the potting mix.
Vaccination - for grafting, a plant such as peresky prickly is used. This operation is best done during the summer. The upper branched part of the pereskia is freed from the leaves, and its crown splits. Pre-prepared pieces of the stem of Ripsalidopsis with 2-3 knees are sharpened with blades and inserted into the crevice. Such an inoculation is attached with a needle, thorn or thorn, and is closed with a plaster from above to prevent it from drying out. The grafted plant remains in normal indoor conditions at a temperature of 18-20 degrees. After 2 weeks, the grafted parts of the stem of Ripsalidopsis will take root and grow. Then the patch can be removed. Grafting is the most effective method of propagation for Ripsalidopsis, as it alone produces an unusually lush flowering.
Seeds - for this method of propagation, two types of related plants are taken. A brush transfers pollen from one to pollen from another. The red berry formed as a result of pollination has a long ripening period. Only after it becomes dry and shriveled can the seeds be removed from it. A wide container is used to germinate seeds. The substrate should consist of equal parts of sand and leafy earth. The grown processes are formed in the form of a bush so that the plant is lush as it grows. Ripsalidopsis seeds remain viable for several years.
Diseases and pests
Rhipsalidopsis can be affected by the following types of pests or bacterial infections: spider mite, false shield, scale insect, mealybug.
Also, the plant is susceptible to fungal or bacterial infections, when infected with which rotting areas with wet spots appear on the plant, which subsequently spread to other parts of the plant. In this case, the use of chemicals is practically ineffective. To save the plants, the affected parts are removed or healthy ones are rooted.
The most common bacterial disease of ripsalidopsis is fusarium. Less common are lesions by phytium and late blight.
Fusarium plants can be infected through wounds on the stems or leaves, applied mechanically or through insect bites. You can help the plant recover by using fungicides.
Phytophthora and phytium enter a healthy plant through contaminated soil. They spread and develop in the root collar. The plant begins to wilt gradually, the leaves and stems become pale, sometimes gray in color. You can fight these diseases with the help of fungicidal antifungal drugs.
Growing difficulties
Any florist who owns Ripsalidopsis, when growing and caring for a plant, may face a number of the following difficulties:
- Falling leaves or entire segments of the stem can occur due to too moist soil or air, an excess of fertilizer, low temperatures out of season.
- Brown spots or pallor on the stem most often occurs due to the large amount of sunlight falling on the plant. Simply put, such spots are called burns.
- Slow growth and development, lack of flowering occurs due to a lack of nutrients in the soil.
- It is important not to move the Ripsalidopsis from place to place, especially when buds have begun to appear on it. A change in location threatens to drop them.
Popular types of Ripsalidopsis
Rhipsalidopsis Gartner - shrub, evergreen epiphyte, reaching a height of 15 to 20 cm. It usually grows in a coiled or creeping form. Stems are flat and glossy, dark green in color. The segments reach a length of up to 7 cm, and the width of the stem usually rarely exceeds 2.5 cm. This type of ripsalidopsis flowers in April or May. The length of the flowers varies from 4 to 8 cm. The flowers are usually bright red;
Rhipsalidopsis pink - shrub of compact size, evergreen. Stems, like in other species, consist of segments (flat or ribbed). Flowers no more than 5 cm in diameter, pink.
