Rhipsalis cereuscula
Coral cactus
Also known as Rhipsalis simmleri, Hariota cereuscula, Erythrorhipsalis, Rhipsalis brachiata
- Height × spread
- 0.6m × 0.4m
- Position
- Part shade
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 15C & above (RHS H1a)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A compact epiphytic plant with jointed stems that look rather like some plastic building kit for children. There are stiff bristles at intervals. It is found growing over many warm parts of South America including Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and parts of Brazil. It makes an interesting bushy clump. It is 'dimorphic' in character which means it has different growth forms, having long or short stems. The flowers are attractive, borne in small clusters coloured white with prominent stamens and opening from neat bullet-like buds. White fruits follow. These are curious cacti that are found growing in tropical rain forests, relishing shade and humidity. They have small flowers and juicy berries that are enjoyed, and distributed, by birds.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- White
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 0.6m
- Spread
- 0.4m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Indoors, Exotic garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- All types
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 15C & above (RHS H1a)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Indoor light
- semi shade
- Indoor temperature
- 15C minimum temperature
- Hazards
- Yes, stems are prickly/thorny
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Feed a general fertiliser
Give a general purpose feed two or three times during the growing season, preferably not within a month of its end so the plant isn't encouraged to make fresh young growth.
Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Water houseplant when dry
Let the soil dry between waterings and then water thoroughly. Don't leave the plant standing in water, and try to avoid splashing the foliage on hot sunny days or it could cause the leaves to burn.
Spring-Winter · Indoors
Mist the plant daily
Soft or rain water is preferred as it doesn't mark the foliage. Don't mist when the plant is in sunshine or the foliage could be scorched.
Mist the plant daily.
Spring-Summer · Outdoors
Feed a general fertiliser
Give a standard houseplant feed several times while in growth.
Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring · Planting
Divide in early spring if too big
The plant can be divided though it resents disturbance and this is not always successful. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two. The new plants can be grown in a container or planted in the ground.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Bromeliad (epiphytic) compost for repotting
This is for bromeliads that are epiphytic in character, i.e. they grow on other plants or man-man structures. Their roots are used for clinging not absorption. Standard mixes are available or substitute with an orchid compost with a few bark chips.
If making one's own compost use a mix with equal parts of sphagnum moss peat (or its equivalent), fine bark chips and fine (horticultural) grit.
Indoor temperature · Planting
15C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 15 Centigrade.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in moderate light / some shade
This plant is happiest in a position with part or light shade, near a sunless window or some distance away from a sunny or bright window. It should not be exposed to full sunlight.
Found in
More Rhipsalis
Rhipsalis baccifera
Mistletoe cactus
Rhipsalis neves-armondii
Large-flowered rhipsalis
Rhipsalis paradoxa
Chain cactus, Link plant
Rhipsalis pilocarpa
Felted-fruit cactus
Rhipsalis pulchra
Pretty rhipsalis, Pretty cactus
Rhipsalis teres
Round-stemmed rhipsalis
Rhipsalis floccosa
Woolly aereole rhipsalis