Rhipsalis pilocarpa

RHS Plant Profile
hairy-fruited wickerware cactus

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hairy-fruited wickerware cactus RHS
hairy-fruited wickerware cactus Dorling Kindersley 2003
Conservatory Greenhouse Cactus Succulent
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An epiphytic cactus with slender cylindrical stems to 45cm, bearing whorls of branches in the upper part; white flowers 4cm across are followed by deep red berries

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H1B

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cactaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Rhipsalis are epiphytic perennials with branched stems that may be cylindrical, winged or leaf-like, and small funnel-shaped flowers followed by berry-like fleshy fruits
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
SE Brazil

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in an epiphytic cactus compost in bright indirect light and high humidity. Mist daily with soft water. Water moderately when in growth and apply a dilute low nitrogen fertilizer monthly. Keep just moist in winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed or stem section cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free