Rhipsalis Cultivation and Watering Methods
Here are some experiences regarding the cultivation and watering of this Rhipsalis, as well as the best and most vigorous fertilizers for Rhipsalis in terms of green plant maintenance. The editor of this site will introduce the following to everyone.
Rhipsalis has evergreen leaves, a straight and elegant plant shape, and is a fine potted green plant. It can also be grown from seeds, and can grow into a large plant after a year. Rhipsalis is suitable for keeping in enclosed balconies and living rooms, requiring only a growth environment with scattered light to thrive, making the plant lush and vibrant. So, how to cultivate Rhipsalis potted plants to make them grow quickly with more and more beautiful and vigorous branches and leaves?
I. Pruning Rhipsalis
If you want Rhipsalis to grow very tall with continuously growing branches and vines, forming a large cluster, or even climbing up to the roof like pothos, there is no need to prune it, allowing it to grow naturally and smoothly.
If you want it to grow shorter and stronger, with a more upright shape, you can cut off the top branches and some overly long branches to control the plant shape. However, even if pruned, it doesn't matter, because as long as a few aspects are managed well, it can be pruned at any time, as it grows very fast.
II. Soil Preparation for Rhipsalis
You can add some peat, garden soil, and some vermiculite, pearlstone, etc. The soil must not be too compact or sticky; it must be loose. If the soil is too compact, its roots will struggle to grow, and water cannot drain after watering. Therefore, soil preparation should be carefully considered.
Rhipsalis Cultivation and Watering
III. Lighting for Rhipsalis
This is especially important because it is a shade-loving plant and should not be exposed to direct sunlight, especially in summer, as this can cause yellowing leaves, dried tips, and affect its appearance. It can be kept indoors all the time, by the door, or inside the door where there is scattered light. In general, it is better to keep Rhipsalis where there is no direct sunlight. If kept on a balcony, it should be placed in a spot without direct light to prevent yellowing leaves.
IV. Watering Rhipsalis
If the temperature is high and the potting soil dries up quickly, water can be watered more frequently, such as every two to three days. Since the soil is relatively loose, it does not accumulate water, which is not the case for soil that retains water easily. However, be sure to keep the potting soil from being too dry for extended periods, as this can also cause yellowing leaves. It's also important to keep the soil barely moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
To accelerate the growth of Rhipsalis and make it more vigorous, producing more tender branches and shoots, you can dilute a little fertilizer in the water when watering, or bury a few cooked soybeans in the soil around the pot as organic fertilizer, which is also acceptable.