Rhipsalis grandiflora as Propagation Material

Family: Cactaceae (the cactus family)
Genus: Rhipsalis (includes many Central and South American epiphytes)

Botanical/Binomial Name: Rhipsalis grandiflora
Meaning of Name:
Rhipsalis, from New Latin, from Ancient Greek ῥίψ (rhíps, ‘wickerwork’) + Latin -alis (‘-al’): pertaining to wickerwork; and
grandiflora, from New Latin grandiflōra (feminine form of grandiflōrus), from Proto-Italic grandis (‘large’) + Proto-Italic flōs (‘flower’) + Proto-Italic -a (suffix forming adjectives; feminine form): having large flowers

Common Names: none known for this species. The entire Rhipsalis genus may be referred to generically as ‘Rhipsalis’, ‘jungle cactus’ or ‘mistletoe cactus’

Botanical Characteristics: Herbaceous | Hanging Perennial | Evergreen | Frost tender
Propagation: Cuttings | Layering

Item Description:
PROPAGATION MATERIAL PROVIDED ON REQUEST
The photo is an example of a mature plant only, and not what you would receive, unless you purchase it outright here.
The propagated material actually supplied will be either unrooted cuttings, rooted cuttings, or potted rooted cuttings, all more than capable of growing to this stature!

Unrooted cuttings can be supplied immediately on request, but there may be a waiting period for rooted versions.

The listed price is an indication only, assuming unrooted cuttings are requested. The actual price may vary depending on your requirements.

I am most happy to discuss your needs with you, and supply accordingly.

Plant Description:
Rhipsalis grandiflora is an epiphytic cactus, meaning it grows on trees but does not take nutrients from, not harms, the host tree. Even though a member of the cactus family, Rhipsalis grandiflora is thornless and spineless.

R. grandiflora’s native habitat is the south-eastern and southern States of Brazil, specifically Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina and São Paulo.

The photo showcases this species’ delightfully quirky growth habit, whereby it mostly hangs but will also send up long, erect smooth stems, which gives it even more visual interest! Some may bend over under their own weight with time.

Small white flowers (not at all suggestive of the grandiflora name!) appear all over the cylindrical stems from June to September, followed by small, round, red fruits.

Growing Information:
As a Brazillian rainforest epiphyte, Rhipsalis grandiflora will need reliably frost-free, humid and moist well-draining conditions, dappled light, and occasional fertilising. It is otherwise a very easy-care plant and does very well indoors if your outdoor environment is not suitable.

Rhipsalis in general thrive all-year outdoors in frost-free climates, where they can be hung from porches, verandahs and even tree branches. Regular misting is enough to simulate a humid environment and a slow-release fertiliser mimics the nutrient release it would get in Brazil from collected leaf detritus.

Propagation is mostly by cuttings. Allow a 10 cm piece to callous over a few days before potting on. The plant may also self-root from stems in contact with soil or potting medium.