Rhipsalis paradoxa

RHS Plant Profile

chain cactus

RHS

Cactus Succulent Conservatory Greenhouse

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An evergreen perennial epiphytic cactus with bright green slender cylindical stems and small white flowers which appear along the stems in late winter to early spring. May grow up to 5 metres if space allows

Position

Partial shade

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or North–facing or West–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): H2

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Cactaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy, Spreading branched, Trailing
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 & S Brazil

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in an epiphytic cactus compost in bright indirect light and high humidity. Exposure to hot sun may burn and yellow the leaves so performs best in morning sun and afternoon shade. 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

Houseplants
Patio and container plants
Low Maintenance
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free