Ripsalidopsis (Easter cactus): care at home. Forest cactus - “Ripsalidopsis” (Easter cactus): photo and care at home Proper care of ripsalidopsis at home

Among the variety of indoor plants, cacti occupy a worthy place. They are unpretentious in maintenance and irresistible when flowering. A striking representative of the family is ripsalidopsis, or hathiora. Caring for this plant at home is quite simple. It can be placed in a hanging pot, on a high stand or placed on a windowsill.

Rhipsalidopsis is a small shrub native to tropical South American forests. In its natural habitat, it grows in shaded places, in hollows and stumps, and on mossy stones. The fleshy stems of the epiphyte succulent are rounded leaf plates, colored reddish at the edges. They grow from one another, hanging to the ground. The edges of the leaves are wavy and smooth. Many aerial roots allow ripsalidopsis to absorb moisture from the air.

Semi-double flowers with long corollas grow at the tips of the stem segments and along their edges. The sharp petals vary in color and brightness. Often the color changes from the edges of the petals to the center. There are several varieties of ripsalidopsis, differing in the shades of their petals:

• Andromeda;
• Anika;
• Auriga;
• Tsetuse;
• Phoenix;
• Sirius;
• Torano.

In indoor conditions they are often kept Ripsalidopsis Gartner and pink.

Main characteristics of the plant

Ripsalidopsis is often confused with another cactus - Schlumbergera (Decembrist). The plants are really similar. But based on their characteristic features, they can be identified with a 100% guarantee.

Ripsalidopsis and Schlumbergera: differences between cactus representatives

Bloom

Ripsalidopsis blooms in spring, for which it is called Easter cactus. Fully opened flowers reach a diameter of 4 cm. Up to three flowers emerge from one areola, and under comfortable conditions – up to eight. The colors of the flowers are very rich. The flowering period lasts up to 60 days.

Reproduction

Easter cactus can be propagated in three ways:

• planting seeds;
• cuttings;
• grafting.

For sexual reproduction, two cacti are used. Pollen from one of them is transferred to another using a brush. The seeds are removed when the formed berry is completely dry and wrinkled. They are placed in a wide container with soil made of equal parts of sand and leaf soil.

When cuttings, two or three stem segments are cut from a mature plant and dried for about three days. It is then fixed in a pot over moistened soil until roots appear. The prepared cutting is placed in the substrate.

Pereskia spinosa is usually used for grafting. Having freed its upper part from the leaves, they split the crown. Pieces of cactus stem are sharpened and placed in the crevice. Having secured the vaccine, it is covered with a plaster.

Important! Easter cactus seeds can remain viable for several years.

Features of caring for ripsalidopsis

Inexperienced flower growers often wonder: how to care for ripsalidopsis at home so that it pleases with lush flowering? The answer is simple - you need to properly care for the plant, observing a number of simple requirements.

Lighting

Ripsalidopsis loves bright, diffused light - direct exposure to the sun is detrimental to it. Windows oriented to the north or east are suitable for placing the plant. In western and southern directions, windows should be darkened with curtains at noon.

Watering

During active growth, the Easter cactus needs abundant watering with settled water. In autumn, the plant is watered less often - ripsalidopsis “sinks” into a dormant state. At low temperatures, watering is reduced to a minimum. It is necessary that the earthen ball dries completely.

Temperature

High temperature is not the best component of keeping ripsalidopsis. It should not rise above 25⁰C. During the resting phase, the preferred temperature is around 15-17⁰C. During hot weather, the plant can be placed in a cool room, even in the bathroom. The plant can survive without natural light for some time, and heat is destructive for it.

Top dressing

During active growth, special “cactus” fertilizers are added to the plant substrate once every two weeks. Universal ones are also possible, but their dose should be halved. During the resting phase, ripsalidopsis does not need fertilizer. It is better not to use organic fertilizers at all.

Humidity

Transfer

After flowering it needs replanting. Plants older than four years are replanted as their roots grow, on average once every three years. Expanded clay is not suitable as drainage for ripsalidopsis - it contains lime. You can place fragments of ceramics or bricks on the bottom of the pot.

The soil

The soil for ripsalidopsis needs to be rough and loose. The substrate is prepared from peat, leaf soil and river sand (perlite). You can prepare an earthen mixture from equal parts of peat, turf, sand and leaf soil. An ingredient such as brick chips wouldn’t hurt either.

Important! If the roots have grown, when replanting you need to take a container 1.5 times larger than the previous one.

Possible maintenance difficulties

Ripsalidopsis is considered an unpretentious plant. But when caring for it, unforeseen complications may arise:

1. Falling of trunk segments or flowers (stagnation of water, excess fertilizer, insufficient humidity or air temperature);
2. Slow growth (insufficient lighting, improper maintenance during the resting phase, insufficient feeding);
3. Paleness of stem segments, their redness or the appearance of brown spots (excessive lighting, sunburn);
4. General wilting, drooping shoots, blackening of the base of the stem (stagnation of water when kept cold).

But why doesn't rhipsalidopsis bloom? Most likely due to failure to comply with basic plant care requirements. Formed buds may fall off due to the fact that the pot with the plant was “disturbed” - rearranged or simply turned around.

Pests

Dangerous pests can settle on the Easter cactus:

• mealybugs;
• scale insects and false scale insects;
• spider mites.

Spider mites manifest themselves as small dots on the stems. Subsequently, a web forms on their lower surface. To kill pests, ripsalidopsis is treated with alcohol. When infested with scale insects, a waxy coating appears on the roots and stem of the plant. The flower needs to be transplanted into new soil, thoroughly washing the roots with a manganese solution. The stems are treated with alcohol, chemicals or calendula tincture.

The rapidly moving specks on the stems of the plant are scale insects. As a result of their activity, brown compactions and viscous liquid appear - ideal conditions for the development of sooty fungus. To combat the pest, alcohol or insecticide is used.

Diseases

Ripsalidopsis is susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases, including:

• fusarium;
• Phythium;
• late blight;
• gray rot;
• root rot.

Fungal diseases are a consequence of infections through stem damage. Phytophthora and phytium are transported with infected soil and usually affect the root system. The affected plant is treated with a fungicide.

When a bacterial disease occurs, the plant rots. If the stem becomes infected, the lesion is eliminated, then the ripsalidopsis is transplanted into a new substrate. The plant is treated with an acaricidal preparation twice a month. If the root system is damaged, the damaged roots are removed, and healthy ones are washed in a solution of fungicide or potassium permanganate.

Ripsalidopsis is considered a good absorber of negative emotions. In addition, it will decorate the room, creating a unique coziness. An Easter cactus “settled” in an indoor flower garden will be an excellent protection against negativity and will have a beneficial effect on the atmosphere in the house.

Rhipsalidopsis begins flowering in early spring and blooms luxuriantly for two months. Buds appear a month before flowering begins. Flowers bloom at the ends of the shoots. Their colors are abundant and can range from white to red.

When the buds appear, you cannot move or rotate the plant. Otherwise the buds will fall off.

Rhipsalidopsis has a variety of species that can decorate both indoor and outdoor areas. The following varieties are considered the most common:

You can mix several varieties in one pot or in a flowerbed and get an original decoration for your home or plot.

What to do in preparation for the rest period?

After the cactus has bloomed, it remains with a bare peduncle. If you don’t touch it, it will either wither or grow and new flowers will appear. If the peduncle has dried out, it must be removed. Sometimes, immediately after the flowers have fallen, the peduncle is trimmed. Do this over the third node. The plant may produce a new peduncle or produce a young shoot.

After flowering there must be a period of rest. It begins immediately after flowering. The flowerpot with the flower should be taken outside to a shady place or to the balcony. It needs to be in the fresh air until September, this promotes further abundant flowering. From October to January, ripsalidopsis is left in a cool room. For lush flowering, it will need 80 cool days to form buds.

Reasons why flowering does not occur

Flowering begins from April to May. If this does not happen, errors in care were made.

The most common reasons for lack of flowering:

1. The room temperature is too low.
2. Untimely transplant. Young individuals are replanted annually after the cactus has bloomed. Otherwise, it will not have the strength to bloom.

   Adult plants need replanting once every three years, or you can simply add soil.

3. Overflow or lack of light. You need to make sure that the water does not stagnate in the pan. Spray the flower daily.
4. Lack of nutrients. It is better to choose fertilizers rich in phosphorus or potassium. They stimulate the birth of buds.

A large amount of nitrogen in fertilizers inhibits the formation of buds.

How to make a cactus form buds?

To stimulate the appearance of buds, you should make a temperature difference. It must be reduced to four degrees. Special devices that can be purchased at flower shops will help you do this.

Many beginners discover that the ideal conditions created for the plant did not give the desired result. The reason may be that the cactus directed all its forces into growth and stopped throwing out buds. You can speed up flowering by moving the plant to a cooler place or reducing watering.

General rules of care

• Lighting. It is better to give preference to a bright place, but in direct sunlight the cactus should be darkened. Since the plant naturally lives in the shade of trees, it will grow well in an apartment on a north window. In summer, it is better to move the epiphyte to fresh air and place it under a tree.

  In order to form a symmetrical bush, the flower can be rotated. This must be done before the buds appear.

• Temperature. In summer, the temperature should be 20 degrees. In February and March, the recommended temperature is 12 degrees for the formation of buds.
• Humidity. Cactus needs high humidity. It is periodically sprayed with water at room temperature. In winter, spraying is stopped.
• Watering. In spring and summer, water abundantly as the top layer of soil dries. In autumn, watering is reduced, and in winter it should be moderate.
• Illumination. Lighting should be diffused. In summer, the flower is taken outside.
• Top dressing. Fertilizers are applied twice a month. For this purpose, special mixtures intended for forest cacti are used.
• The soil. For cacti, breathable soil with a slightly acidic reaction is suitable. It is recommended to use a light peat mixture with the addition of leaf soil and raising agents in the form of coarse river sand and perlite.
• Transfer. The transplant is done after the plant has flowered. The pot is selected to be shallow and not very large in size. Before the procedure, the roots are freed from the previous substrate.

Useful video

We invite you to watch a video about the features of caring for ripsalidopsis for lush flowering:

Conclusion

Once a Rhipsalidopsis is acquired, it may shed its buds as a result of stress. In this case, there is no need to worry. With proper care, the plant will delight you with its lush and bright blooms next year.

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Rhipsalidopsis is a charming small evergreen shrub with flat green ribbed leaves. In bright sunlight, a reddish pigment appears on their surface. Spines may appear at the tips of the leaves. Ripsalidopsis is popularly called the “Easter cactus.” The tropical forests of America are considered the birthplace of this plant. Both in nature and indoors, the plant blooms beautifully, but it does not lose its charm even in a non-blooming state.

Proper care of ripsalidopsis at home

Ripsalidopsis is quite easy to care for. Considering that in nature it thrives in the shade of forest trees, it also tolerates shade well in a room, but bright sunlight, on the contrary, can harm it. “Easter cactus” is best installed on windowsills on the west or east side.

Watering

The pot in which rhipsalidopsis grows must have a drainage hole, a tray, and a drainage layer of shards or expanded clay must be laid at the bottom. The delicate roots of a plant can very easily rot from excess moisture, therefore, even the water that has settled in the pan needs to be poured out.

Humidity

This indicator is very important for good growth of ripsalidopsis. It needs to be sprayed as often as possible, and also given a shower from time to time in order not only to moisten the leaves, but also to rid them of dust. In the blooming state, ripsalidopsis should be sprayed so that moisture does not fall on the delicate flowers.

Transfer

After the plant has flowered, it can be replanted. The soil used is light, and the pot for ripsalidopsis should not be too large.

Fertilizer

To feed the “Easter cactus”, mineral fertilizers without nitrogen are used. Compositions for cacti that are sold in stores are ideal. Fertilizer should be applied 1-2 times a month during the active growing season.

Video - how to distinguish Ripsalidopsis from Schlumbergera

Easter cactus propagation

Ripsalidopsis reproduces easily and quickly in several ways. The simplest one is cuttings. The leaves of this plant act as cuttings. You just need to break off a shoot with 2-3 segments and leave it to dry slightly for several days. Next, the cutting is simply placed in a pot, leaning against the wall and not deepening. If the soil is sufficiently moistened, roots will appear very quickly, and the plant can be planted in a separate pot.

If the plant produces small fruits in the form of berries after flowering, then it can be propagated by seeds. Sow the seeds in loose soil without going too deep. The substrate should be moistened regularly and not allowed to dry out. Young sprouts dive into separate cups or pots. This method will not allow you to get an adult plant soon. It may take several years from the moment of planting to a full-fledged bush.

Rhipsalidopsis spp.

In indoor floriculture, you can most often find two types of rhipsalidopsis - Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri (Gartner) and Rhipsalidopsis rosea (Pink). Ripsalidopsis Gartner typically produces pink or red flowers that form on the terminal segments. The flowers are long, about 6-8 cm. The plant itself resembles a bush, no more than 20 cm tall.

Ripsalidopsis Pink differs from the first species in the color of its flowering - it is most often white - and in the size of the leaf segments. They are smaller and slightly jagged at the edges. The flowers of this type of rhipsalidopsis are also smaller in size.

Diseases and pests

Ripsalidopsis may lose its decorative appearance due to improper care, which leads to diseases. You need to be especially careful about watering. If the roots rot, the plant will begin to shed its leaf segments. It also behaves if the soil mixture is depleted. In this case, it is necessary to remove the plant, inspect its roots, remove damaged ones and rinse healthy ones with a solution of potassium permanganate. The “Easter cactus” will need to be planted in new soil, which includes turf and leaf soil, sand and peat.

Like many plants, ripsalidopsis can be affected by harmful insects. Most often it is attacked by scale insects, but spider mites are less common on this plant. If pests appear, the flower is thoroughly sprayed with alcohol or given a “hot shower.”

Its homeland is the territories of South America, where it grows in tropical rain forests, settling on trees, in hollows, crevices of trunks, on stumps among accumulations of rotten foliage.

It differs from simple desert cacti not only in appearance, but also in the features of proper care. In apartments it is often grown in hanging pots or baskets. As they grow, the stems become long and begin to slide down.

Interesting! In nature, the flower grows in conditions of high humidity, in dark places.

Aerial roots are adapted to absorb moisture from the air, and dense stems allow them to accumulate and retain moisture well after the rainy season.

Types of "Easter cactus" with photos

Gartner

It is a bushy, epiphytic plant, 15-20 cm in height, with flat hanging shoots. On the branching shoots there are leaf-shaped small segments, with wavy edges and short spines (6 cm long, 0.5 cm wide). The stems may change color depending on the lighting.

In moderate light they are light green in color, but in bright sunlight they turn reddish. At the tops of the shoots there are yellow bristles collected in bunches. The segments are covered with light pubescence. This species is often grown in baskets and hanging pots. It grows naturally in tropical Brazilian forests.

The photo shows the “Ripsalidopsis Garnera” flower with proper care at home:

"Pink"

An epiphytic shrub with long stems, segments with jagged-crenenate edges 4-5 cm long. It is distinguished by charming, delicate flowering. The flowers are star-shaped, pink in color, with a bright yellow center.

At home it looks very compact, growing no more than 25-30 cm in length. Often grown in hanging pots and flowerpots.

The photo shows the flower “Ripsalidopsis Pink” with proper care at home:

"Andromeda"

In appearance it is similar to previous representatives of the genus. Endowed with long, green, drooping stems with small segments 4-6 cm in length. It is distinguished by large burgundy-pink star-shaped flowers, up to 5-6 cm in diameter, with orange centers. Flowering is long lasting.

The photo shows the flower “Ripsalidopsis Andromeda” with proper care at home:

"Auriga"

This species is often confused by gardeners with “Zygocactus Truncated” (Decembrist). It is endowed with hanging long stems with shortened segments and large red-orange flowers. The flowering time, unlike the winter Decembrist, occurs in the spring-summer period. The appearance of the flowers also differs.

The photo shows the flower "Ripsalidopsis Auriga" with proper care at home:

"Ripsalidopsis Phoenix"

This species features large, pale pink, star-shaped flowers with a deep orange stripe down the center of each petal. The heart is orange with light stamens. The petals are wide. It blooms very profusely and for a long time. The shoots are small and green.

The photo shows the “Ripsalidopsis Phoenix” flower with proper care at home:

Home care

Flower growers should pay attention to the fact that “Ripsalidopsis” is a representative of forest cacti. Care recommendations differ from those given for desert simple cacti.

Actions after purchase

Care must begin immediately after purchase. The flower must be immediately transplanted into a new spacious pot, with a drainage hole and fresh substrate. The container in which the flower was sold is not suitable for permanent cultivation. It contains plants only in the store.

Selecting soil and container

The container is selected approximately one size larger than the previous one, so that the flower can grow comfortably and freely. Be sure to make a drainage embankment at the bottom.

Important! Pay special attention to the choice of soil.

Moderately fertile soil, quite loose and rough, is suitable. The best option is clay-grain soil with the addition of charcoal and crushed brick chips as drainage.

Before planting, experienced gardeners advise heat treating the soil (steaming it in the oven), adding half a teaspoon of chalk and superphosphate to slightly increase the acidity of the soil.

The acidity of the soil should be approximately 4-6.

You can plant the flower in special soil for succulents and cacti.

Lighting

"Ripsalidopsis" is one of the few plants that thrives in sun-shaded areas.

It is suitable for growing on windows facing north, northeast. At the same time, on the eastern and western sides the flowering will be more abundant.

To make the bush more voluminous and to bloom evenly, you can turn the flower to the light with different sides from time to time. It is necessary to change the position of the pot only before the buds form, otherwise the flowering will not last long.

Temperature

Important! The room should have a comfortable, moderate temperature: about 20-23 degrees in summer and 16-18 in winter.

The cactus does not like heat and does not tolerate it well. During the hot summer months, it is better to move the pot from the window to a dark, cool place.

In dry, warm weather, you can take the pot outside to allow the plant to breathe and ventilate.
Protect the flower from drafts and temperature changes.

Air humidity

In nature, the cactus grows in tropical forests with high humidity.

In the apartment you need to try to create conditions for him that are close to the natural environment.

In spring and summer, spray the plant with water more often.

Gently wipe the stems with a damp cloth from time to time to remove dust and freshen them.

Watering

Note! Throughout the year, the watering regime is constantly changing.

In the spring and summer, watering should be regular and frequent so that the soil does not dry out completely.
From the flowering period, “Ripsalidopsis” needs more intense, abundant watering.

During this period, the soil should always be moistened, but not flooded. When watering, try not to let water get into the flowers.

As cold weather approaches, watering is suspended. In winter there comes a time of rest, during which the soil is practically not moistened.

Fertilizers

During the period of active growth, "Ripsalidopsis" is fed once every two weeks. Ready-made fertilizers for forest cacti are suitable for this. During the dormant period, the cactus is not fertilized.

Important! The flower cannot be fed with organic fertilizers.

Choose only mineral ones with a low nitrogen content. Nitrogen can provoke the development of root rot.

Bloom

It is no coincidence that the plant received the name “Easter cactus”. Flowering time occurs around Easter (around the beginning of April). Remember that failure to follow plant care recommendations will negatively affect flowering.

Transfer

A young cactus needs annual replanting, which is carried out in May after flowering has ended.

An adult cactus is replanted much less frequently, approximately once every 2-3 years.

The root system of "Ripsalidopsis" is small and requires a good flow of oxygen.

For replanting, choose a small, wide pot.

If the roots have not grown much since the previous transplant, you should not choose a larger container.

The plant is carefully removed from the pot and the roots are shaken off from the old soil. Then they put it in a new container, carefully straighten the roots and sprinkle it with earth. Press the top a little with your fingers.

If the flower has grown greatly over the summer, it needs to be replanted before the onset of cold weather.

Reproduction

The cactus is easily propagated by cuttings, or rather by one segment of the stem, resembling a leaf in appearance:

• Reproduction occurs from November to January.
• The segment is carefully separated from the stem and dried for 2 weeks on a sheet of paper.

Then the cuttings are planted in a small pot (5-6 cm). It is better to take 2-3 segments for planting at once. Moistened sphagnum (peat moss) is preferred as a filler.

The substrate should be moistened once a week. Excess moisture can lead to rot. Cuttings are planted 5 months after planting.

Another method of propagation is by seeds.

To do this, it is pollinated with pollen from another species of “Ripsalidopsis”. After pollination, a berry will appear in place of the flower, in which the seeds will ripen.

The fruit can remain on the bush for a long time. The seeds sometimes germinate internally and grow into small spherical plants that can be placed in the soil. Seeds can be stored for 2-3 years.

This method of reproduction is labor-intensive and time-consuming. A normal bush is formed from seedlings only 4 years after planting.

Diseases and pests

Note! that diseases appear as a result of improper plant care.

The most common of them are:

1. Root rot. Associated with excessive soil moisture. It is very important to detect the disease in a timely manner and transplant the plant into a new substrate, otherwise it will die. During transplantation, the root system must be thoroughly washed from rot, the affected parts removed, and disinfected in a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
2. The most common fungal diseases are: phytium, late blight, and fusarium. A flower can become infected with fusarium through wounds on the surfaces of the stems or after insect bites. For treatment, fungicides with the components benomyl and chlorothalonil are used. Phythium and late blight affect the root collar through contaminated soil. For treatment, fungicidal preparations against fungal diseases are used.
3. Among the pests, the plant can be affected by mealyworms. It is difficult to notice because it affects the root system. An effective control method is replanting into new soil with pre-treatment with insecticides and a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

"Ripsalidopsis" is an amazing, beautiful, exotic plant that many gardeners love to grow. It attracts attention with its charming flowering and unusual appearance.

If you want to purchase this flower, you should carefully read the recommendations for proper care. Unlike simple desert cacti, caring for forest representatives will be different. If you treat the flower with attention and care, it can become a real decoration for your home.

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For a long time I believed that a Decembrist or zygocactus, to give it its scientific name, lived on my windowsill. A friend gave me a plant and she introduced me to the basics of care. To be honest, there were no serious problems with him. But then December came, and my flower, apparently not looking at the calendar, stood without a single bud. I attributed his “refusal” to my own mistakes in care. But around mid-March, the Decembrist suddenly acquired buds, and later pretty pink flowers resembling bells. I decided that I got the “wrong” plant. I complained about the strangeness to my colleagues. More experienced cacti lovers enlightened me: my flower is a close relative of the Decembrist, its name is long and complex, almost like the Egyptian pharaoh - ripsalidopsis. And people called it “Easter cactus”, since the buds bloom at the beginning of spring, just in time for this holiday. Caring for it at home is easy, and the flowering plant looks very impressive (you can see this by looking at the photo).

Ripsalidopsis is an Easter cactus, not a Decembrist

The homeland of most forest cacti, including rhipsalidopsis, is the South American tropics. In humid and warm jungles, they feel great, living on tree trunks, stumps, in hollows - wherever a little old foliage and a little soil have accumulated.

Ripsalidopsis is an epiphyte; it is able to absorb moisture from the atmosphere with the help of aerial roots. For climbing plants, the presence of leaves is a luxury, so they atrophied, turning into thin bristles; ripsalidopsis consists only of stems. They, in turn, are divided into flat segments or segments. By the way, their shape is one of the distinctive features of ripsalidopsis.

The shade of the petals of the Easter cactus is very delicate

How to distinguish ripsalidopsis from zygocactus (Decembrist)? At first glance, these plants are similar, like twins. They really are relatives. But there are some signs by which even a non-professional botanist can unmistakably identify them.

Table: differences between ripsalidopsis and Decembrist

Rhipsalidopsis flowers look like stars

The ancestor of domestic ripsalidopsis was accustomed to above-average humidity and rather poor lighting in the jungle. It grew aerial roots to cling more tightly to the tree on which it settled and absorb moisture from the atmosphere. Thanks to their presence, plant cuttings take root very quickly. To survive during drought, ripsalidopsis acquired thick, intensively branching stems that serve as a reservoir for moisture and nutrients.

Ripsalidopsis shoots are a chain of flattened, fleshy segments, about 3 cm wide and 4–6 cm long. The color of the stem is usually light green, but with excess bright light it becomes reddish. Inflorescences appear at the ends of the shoots. The more magnificent the “crown” of ripsalidopsis, the more buds are formed. The color of flowers in nature is limited to different shades of pink and red. Then the plant produces fruits - scarlet pentagonal berries, they contain seeds.

Modern scientists have recently made further changes to the taxonomy. According to the latest classification, the genus Ripsalidopsis has been abolished. The species that were included in it are assigned to the genus Hatiora and are considered a subspecies of Rhipsalidopsis. Therefore, now in stores, ripsalidopsis is sometimes called in a new way - hathiora.

Photo gallery: options for placing rhipsalidopsis in the house

The Easter cactus looks spectacular in a flowerpot basket. The compact variety of Easter cactus looks good on the windowsill. A large rhipsalidopsis bush can be placed directly on the floor. A rhipsalidopsis bush is a decoration for a flower arrangement.

Easter cacti have been grown as indoor plants for decades. Their popularity is due to their ease of care, exotic appearance, and long flowering time. Ripsalidopsis can be grown as an ampelous plant, placed in a hanging pot or on a high stand. Then the arched shoots will droop picturesquely. Another option is to simply place the Easter cactus on the windowsill; compact varieties are suitable for this.

From white to orange: popular varieties

Now breeders have created many varieties of ripsalidopsis with very different flower colors. They can be pink, burgundy, red, purple, orange and even white, which you will never find in nature. Some hybrids are generally variegated. The most common varieties of Easter cactus:

• Ripsalidopsis Gartner. A medium-sized bush, up to 20 cm in height, with drooping, highly branched stems. The segments are slightly pubescent with a wavy edge and small setae. It is convenient to grow it as a hanging plant. Originally the flowers were red. Nowadays, many varieties of Gartner's ripsalidopsis with different colors have been bred. Variety Nina - purple buds and flowers; Eliza - burgundy buds, deep red flowers; King's Dream - neon pink flowers with pink-orange edges; Sirius and White Magic - snow-white inflorescences.
• Rhipsalidopsis pink. A plant with stems of about 30 cm, serrated segments, 4–5 cm long. The flowers are star-shaped, pink, with a bright yellow center and fragrant. Miniature bush.
• Rhipsalidopsis Andromeda. Large (5–6 cm in diameter), burgundy-pink flowers, orange in the center. They last quite a long time.
• Rhipsalidopsis Auriga. He is often mistaken for a Decembrist. It has drooping long stems with short segments. The flowers are large, red-orange.
• Rhipsalidopsis Phoenix. Easily recognizable by its flowers. They are large, soft pink with an orange core, and shaped like a star. It blooms very luxuriantly and for a long time. The shoots are not long.

Ripsalidopsis grown at home - photo

Ripsalidopsis Andromeda - the flowers shimmer in different shades of pink and lilac, like a sunset in the tropics. Ripsalidopsis Auriga is distinguished by the shade of the petals, the flowers look like tongues of flame. Ripsalidopsis King's Dream - one of the most popular breeding hybrids. Gartner's Ripsalidopsis - the basis for most breeding experiments. Pink rhipsalidopsis is valued by gardeners for its compactness Ripsalidopsis Phoenix differs in the size of flowers and the duration of flowering Ripsalidopsis White magic - very pure, snow-white tone of the petals Ripsalidopsis Sirius flowers really look like stars Ripsalidopsis Scarborough - unusual golden-orange flowers

How to create optimal conditions for a plant at different times of the year

Ripsalidopsis is a cactus, but a forest one. It thrives in humid and warm climates. But the plant does not require lighting. Unlike its distant relatives, desert cacti, rhipsalidopsis in nature lives in partial shade under a canopy formed by intertwining tree branches.

Table: optimal conditions for growing ripsalidopsis

Ripsalidopsis blooms magnificently if it has managed to grow green mass. And for this you need light. In autumn and winter (until February), periodically rotate the pot so that the “crown” is relatively symmetrical. When it's time to set buds, stop moving the rhipsalidopsis to prevent it from becoming stressed and dropping future flowers.

Video: how to create the right microclimate for a flower

Transplantation and preparation for it

Once you have your rhipsalidopsis plant, give it some attention. You should start by replanting the plant. To do this, you need a new pot, wide and low, with large holes for water drainage. The roots of an epiphyte cactus will not take up much space, and they need a constant flow of air. The soil in which the plants are kept in the store is no good. Prepare a new substrate. Ripsalidopsis prefers slightly acidic, not very fertile, rough and crumbly soil:

• special soil for growing succulents and cacti;
• leaf, turf soil, sand, charcoal or broken brick, coconut fiber (4: 4: 2: 1);
• clay-turf soil, charcoal, small brick chips (5:1:1);
• leaf soil, peat, perlite, chopped sphagnum moss (3:2:2:1).

Drainage is required in any case. Disinfect the soil before planting. If you prepared the mixture yourself, increase its acidity. For 3–4 liters of soil, add a teaspoon of crushed chalk and superphosphate.

The soil in which the rhipsalidopsis grew in the store is absolutely not suitable for the development of the plant

Young ripsalidopsis requires replanting every year; this should be done after flowering, in May. Cacti older than four years are disturbed less often, about once every three years. Large specimens in one pot can live up to five years.

When choosing a container for replanting, give preference not to a deeper, but to a wider new pot. If the roots of the ripsalidopsis have grown significantly, then increase its volume by about half.

1. Place drainage - expanded clay or broken bricks - at the bottom of the new pot. On top is a little prepared substrate.
2. Carefully remove the rhipsalidopsis from the pot, shake off the soil (but do not wash it off).
3. Transfer the plant to a new container, distribute the roots and sprinkle with fresh substrate. Remember: ripsalidopsis has a shallow root system, it does not need to be deeply buried.
4. Compact the soil a little with your hands. Don't overdo it, the cactus likes loose soil at the roots.
5. After transplanting, water the plant, provide it with high humidity, and especially carefully protect it from direct sun for 7–10 days.

Care for pleasure

Caring for rhipsalidopsis is a pleasure. The plant is not picky. The only thing it cannot do without is fairly high air humidity, which must be maintained almost all year round. We will tell you about this and other secrets of care.

How to ensure high air humidity?

It is not so difficult to fulfill the main condition imposed by ripsalidopsis on the microclimate. Here are a few ways to arrange mini-tropics in a separate corner of your apartment:

• Place a pot of Easter cactus in the kitchen or bathroom if it has a window. The air in these rooms is already humid. And keep away from radiators and other heating devices.
• Spray the plant with warm water more often. The best option is a fine spray that creates a suspension in the air.
• Place rhipsalidopsis next to other flowers with the same need. For example, an excellent neighbor is asplenium. Then it will be more convenient to carry out water procedures, and the humidity will remain longer.
• Fill the tray where the cactus pot sits with wet pebbles, expanded clay or sphagnum moss. Water its contents as they dry.
• Place the pot in a waterproof container filled with peat or sphagnum moss. Moisten the substrate regularly.
• Place an indoor fountain, aquarium or humidifier next to the plant.

Ripsalidopsis loves moist and fresh air

Don't be afraid of waterlogging. Firstly, this will not affect the overall atmosphere in the apartment. Secondly, it is even useful, especially in winter. After all, you spend a lot of money on moisturizing skin creams. So take advantage of the tropics that you create for your forest cactus. In spring you will bloom with it!

Don't skimp on water in summer

Ripsalidopsis is watered unevenly throughout the year. Changing needs are associated with the life cycle of the plant.

During flowering, the Easter cactus requires abundant watering. The soil should not dry out. Warm water is used to moisten both the substrate and the stems, but do not pour it on the flowers, otherwise they will quickly die. Avoid stagnation of moisture by draining excess from the pan.

After flowering is complete, the plant begins to intensively grow green mass; abundant watering is also required. The motto of your ripsalidopsis: a lot of moisture, but not too much.

The closer the dormant period, the less water the Easter cactus needs. From the end of September to the second half of February, the soil in the pot is only slightly moistened. But the earthen lump should not be overdried either.

Water for ripsalidopsis should be warm and soft. Boiled, filtered or settled water is suitable. Ideally - rain or melt.

During the active growing season, ripsalidopsis must be supported with mineral supplements. Natural organics do not suit him. Use ready-made liquid fertilizers for cacti with a reduced nitrogen content. Its excess provokes rotting of the roots.

Add fertilizer to the irrigation water every two weeks. On the eve of the rest period, food is reduced. Do not fertilize ripsalidopsis in winter.

When the Easter cactus begins to “wake up” (around the end of February), carry out the first foliar feeding by adding fertilizer to the spraying water.

Bouquet of ripsalidopsis for Easter - ensuring flowering

Rhipsalidopsis is not grown for its greenery. The owner dreams of receiving a lush bouquet of flowers from this cactus for Easter. I must say, even on the eve of flowering the plant looks beautiful. The buds give it a very attractive appearance. And when it’s in full swing, the inconspicuous cactus in winter is miraculously transformed beyond recognition. The flowers, on average about 4 cm in size, are located at the ends of the stems. Each areola produces from one to three buds, and sometimes, if the ripsalidopsis is well rested, 7–8.

Ripsalidopsis blooms in spring - just when after a long winter you want bright colors

In nature, flowers do not differ in a variety of shades: from pink to dark red. Breeders have bred cacti with purple, orange and white petals. But this is quite enough. Ripsalidopsis flowers are very bright, they seem to glow from within.

The plant blooms for about two months. At this time, it should not be disturbed; the buds will fall off. Then a fruit can form - a soft berry with seeds. It is difficult to grow it at home. To do this you will have to take on the role of a bee. Moreover, pollen must be borrowed from another plant. It turns out that in order to “harvest” the fruit, you need at least two ripsalidopsis.

Proper care is the key to lush flowering and absence of diseases in the plant.

Not everyone is able to achieve abundant flowering from ripsalidopsis. One of the main reasons for the lack of buds is that the plant has not accumulated strength. During the summer months, the cactus did not breathe enough fresh air and did not receive enough nutrients and water. This means that it did not grow new stems. In winter, when the plant should have rested before flowering, you did not create the necessary conditions for it.

It also happens that the ripsalidopsis has already formed buds, and you decide to change the location of the pot or simply turn it the other side towards the window. And the flowers stopped developing, dried out and fell off. When dealing with forest cacti, follow the main rule: do not make sudden movements, do not fuss around the pot during the process of bud formation.

Hibernation

The hibernation time for ripsalidopsis begins early. Around October, the flower gradually goes dormant. And he should “doze off” until the beginning of February. But how well the Easter cactus sleeps depends on its owner. The plant needs a low temperature, about 15–17ºС. It is necessary to exclude fertilizing and water moderately. Air humidity should be at 60%.

High-quality hibernation is a prerequisite for the formation of buds and flowering of ripsalidopsis. At the end of winter, “wake up” the cactus by gradually increasing the air temperature, watering, and feeding.

Typical gardener mistakes

No gardener, especially a beginner, is immune from mistakes. Improper care has a negative impact on the decorative appearance of the plant. But the flower, with its appearance, unambiguously signals what exactly it is not happy with. You just need to learn to decipher the signs he gives.

Table: mistakes in caring for ripsalidopsis

Deterioration in the appearance of ripsalidopsis is an unambiguous hint of individual mistakes of the grower

Diseases and pests that often affect plants

The fleshy stems of ripsalidopsis are an attractive breeding ground for insect pests and pathogenic fungi. Easter cactus can be attacked by spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, and can be affected by fusarium and late blight.

Table: the most common diseases and pests of ripsalidopsis