Forest Cactus - Lepismium pulvinigerum

Scientific Name
Lepismium pulvinigerum (cushion-bearing scaly plant)

Common Name
Forest Cactus

Origin
Native to the Eastern Andes, in Peru, Bolivia and Argentina

Description
This Forest cactus' unusual foliage is truly eye-catching, reaching out in all directions with articulated stems straight out of the South American rainforest. In its native habitat, this plant grows in the nooks and crannies of trees, so is used to dappled light and high humidity; by hanging it from your wall, ceiling or shelf you can bring a part of the rainforest into your home! Although it is a cactus, it needs higher humidity and more frequent watering than its desert cousins, and less direct light. Find a spot with indirect sun and plenty of space for it to reach into and this will be the ideal green centrepiece.

Light
Forest cacti like bright, indirect light; they will appreciate a couple of hours of sunlight per day but not much more, and can tolerate lower light levels too as long as they are watered less in a dimmer spot.

Water
In indirect light to deep shade, let the soil dry out between waters; in brighter, direct light only let the top third dry out.

Pet-safe
Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!

Sprouts Top Tips
The Lepismium may be a cactus, but it likes more water than its desert cousins; make sure it drains well and isn't left soggy while also not drying out completely - keep an eye on your plant to get the water right for it. Yellowing leaves are a sign of too much water, while with too little, the leaves will start to go crispy and your plant stop growing.