Rhipsalis rauhiorum

Scientific Name
Rhipsalis rauhiorum (wickerwork plant with a bundle of branches)

Common Name
Jungle Cactus, Mistletoe Cactus

Origin
Native to tropical areas in South and Central America

Description
This jungle cactus snatches attention with its explosion of branching foliage, which looks great whether sat on your sideboard, hanging from the ceiling or anything in between. Unlike desert cacti, rhipsalis cacti like a bit more water and humidity, having adapted to survive in a moist, jungle environment instead of the arid desert. Be careful- unlike its desert cousins, this cactus doesn't want to be in bright sunlight all the time, and needs a bit more wateringdespite its being a cactus! Choose the Rhipsalis rauhiorum for an explosion of bright green foliage which grows in all directions and adds interest with wacky leaf shapes.

Light
Rhipsalis, or 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
Although they like more water than their desert cousins, rhipsalis cacti still don't like soggy roots. In brighter or more direct light only let the top third dry out, and in a dimmer spot let most of the soil dry out but don't leave it to dry entirely.

Humidity
Average humidity is fine, just make sure it's not too close to a heater.

Soil
Use a cactus & succulent mix, or one with added coir or bark for drainage; repot every three years in spring as the plant grows. If it's flowering, keep it pot-bound a little longer to prevent it from getting shocked by the move and losing flowers.

Food
Feed every four waters in the growing season, and reduce to every six in autumn and winter.

Temperature
Temperatures of about 18-26°C are great make sure it doesn't drop below 10°C in winter.

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

Sprouts Top Tips
Rhipsalis may be cacti, but they like more water than their desert cousins; make sure they drain well and aren't left soggy while also not drying out completely- keep an eye on your plant to get the water right for it. Yellowing leaves is a sign of too much water, while with too little, the leaves will start to go crispy and your plant stop growing.