The small shrub is indigenous to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America and is commonly found in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.The scientific name “Rhipsalis” is derived from the Ancient Greek word “wickerwork” which refers to the morphology of the plant. Belonging to the Plantae family, the genus was first described by Joseph Gaertner in 1788. The other half of the plant’s name “Cereuscula” means small candles or small torch, referring to the shape of the flowering plant.
In the growing season, the plants should be watered at least once a week. When watering, the soil should be given a good soaking, allowing excess water to drain away. Allow the compost to dry out slightly between each watering.
Cacti and succulents thrive with good light sources, and it is best to place cacti and succulents in a bright place. A south facing position will provide good sunlight. However, be careful to not put them in direct sunlight because the intense light can make the plants turn a yellow colour.
When it comes to fertilizers, you want to avoid over-fertilizing (just like an overdose of vitamins isn't great for us, either). Less is more, so it’s important to follow what the package says for application amounts.
They need well-drained, moisture-retentive soil, so add lots of organic matter when planting. In heavy clay soils, plant the bulbs on a layer of coarse sand or gravel to improve drainage.
To prune a plant to encourage bushy new growth, snip off the dominant buds on select stems, staggering the cuts to encourage varied growth.
The ideal temperature for the evergreen succulent is from 30° to 50° degrees Fahrenheit (-1° to 10° C).
Many seasoned gardeners recommend using a container that is about 10% larger in diameter than the cactus plant at its widest point.
