Ripsalidopsis cactus plant, care for which requires special knowledge at home, occupies a central place in indoor gardens. It is actively grown by lovers of unusual and exotic flowers. It grows in a tropical climate. Loves moisture and shady places.
Visually represents a bush. It has several shoots, each of which is additionally divided into 4-6 segments. Feature - the color of the shoots can be green or red. There are thorns on them - 1-2 pieces per escape. Active flowering lasts 2 months. 2-3 bright flowers are formed.
The main types of ripsalidopsis
Experts in the exotic flora distinguish the following plant species:
Beautiful flowers and their variety
- Ripsalidopsis Gartner;
- Ripsalidopsis pink (delicate color);
- Ripsalidopsis is white.
These are the most popular varieties among gardeners.
Ripsalidopsis Gartner
Gartner's Ripsalidopsis flower grows in Brazilian forests. Features:
- stems are smooth;
- divided into several segments (3-4 pieces);
- each segment can reach a length of 7-8 cm;
- shoot length - 20-25 cm (with good and quality care);
- the stems have a dark green hue with gloss.
Interesting! The beginning of flowering is in April. The term is 2 months. The flowers are large, in their place appear berries. By color, several varieties are distinguished: Elius, Sirius, Nina.
Ripsalidopsis pink
Pink succulents ripsalidopsis is a dwarf shrub. Plant Features:
- green stalks;
- shoots are flat, ribbed;
- there are serrated edges;
- changes in the shade of shoots depending on the intensity of lighting;
- pink flowers without interspersed with other shades;
- diameter reaches 5 cm;
- the shape of the flower is bell-shaped;
- pointy petals.
Pink flowers
These plants are actively grown, despite existing beliefs that men in the family begin to lead an idle lifestyle. The popular name of the flower is “dancing skeleton” or “drunkard’s dream”. They are associated with the shape of the stems. They visually resemble the shape of a bottle of alcohol.
Also called a cactus "Easter flower". It creates positive energy inside the house or premises where it is grown. It is believed that it protects against negative emotions. If care is carried out in accordance with all the rules, then positive energy prevails.
Ripsalidopsis white
White Ripsalidopsis cactus was obtained from the species of Gartner. Visually, the plant is a low bush. The maximum height is 30 cm. Segments of shoots of medium length are about 6-8 cm. They have rounded protrusions. Each of the segments is dense and thick.
During flowering, large flowers form. Their color is saturated white. Flowering time is about 1 month. On one plant, 10-12 flowers can form.
Important! To prolong flowering and improve the decorative look will help timely removal of those flowers that have faded or weakened.
Ripsalidopsis Home Care
Ripsalidopsis flower will bloom and demonstrate visual beauty abundantly under favorable conditions. In the process of care, flower growers must take into account the following parameters:
- room temperature;
- light intensity;
- soil condition;
- frequency of feeding (and whether they are necessary);
- transplant features.
Flowering period
All steps must be completed in a timely manner.
Room temperature and lighting
Succulent ripsalidopsis home care which should take into account the origin of the plant, does not like prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. At the same time, room temperature indicators are important.
Important! Cactus does not like sudden changes in temperature. He can get sick and die.
Key indicators to consider:
- in summer and spring, for comfortable conditions, temperature values of 18-20 degrees are required;
- prolonged heat for succulents is fatal;
- from air conditioners and other devices for creating a microclimate in the apartment, the plant must be removed at a considerable distance;
- in the first weeks of autumn, it is recommended to lower the temperature to 10-12 degrees;
- in houses and apartments it is necessary to take containers to the loggia or balcony to regulate the growing season.
The resting period for the cactus is October - February. It is recommended that these months maintain indicators within 12-15 degrees. This is necessary to ensure abundant flowering and powerful shoots for the next year.
Cactus bloom
With regard to lighting, the grower must take into account the following recommendations:
- direct sunlight to exclude;
- to put pots on the eastern or western windows;
- create a shadow in the daytime (close the window with a light cloth or use a paper screen).
If the container is located on the northern windowsill, then for a sufficient amount of light, it is recommended that the pot be turned in different directions during the day to the largest light source. In this case, flowering will be moderate. Continue to rotate the plant until the buds appear.
Soil and top dressing
Ripsalidopsis will bloom beautifully and not hurt if you feed and change the soil in a timely manner. Ripsalidopsis plant its growth and reproduction at home depend on the state of the soil and timely application of fertilizing. In order to care properly, it is recommended to choose a ready-made soil composition.
The acidity of the substrate is a must. Optimum pH values are 5.5-6. The soil must be loose to increase the amount of moisture and air entering. The composition should also contain large pieces of organic matter.
Note! If the soil for the flower is made on its own, then it should consist of 1 part of turf land with a slight interspersed clay, 2 parts of garden humus (leafy earth) and 1 part of small stone (gravel). You can also use washed and crushed gravel.
To improve the quality of the composition, it is recommended to add a little charcoal in powder, zeolite or fine brick chips. All components must be thoroughly mixed together. To regulate acidity, a little superphosphate should be added to the soil.
Top dressing is a must to maintain the health and strength of the plant. This exotic species requires formulations with a small amount of nitrogen. Its increased content leads to decay of the root system. According to indicators, the composition of top dressings should be in%:
- nitrogen - 9;
- phosphorus - 18;
- potassium - 24.
Bright flowers adorn the interior
The time of the first feeding is in the spring (growing season). The last time to feed the cactus should be in the fall (before the resting period in October). In summer, it is necessary to supplement the soil composition 2-3 times. In winter, top dressing is not carried out. Trimming stems is not required until the plant reaches the age of 4 years.
Transplant Features
Cactus Ripsalidopsis suggests that care will be done using transplants and circumcision. It is recommended to transplant at the moment when the plant begins a period of budding. If this time is missed, then you can transplant after flowering.
Note! Young plants are transplanted annually. Feature - you need to increase the volume of pots by 1-2 cm. Adult cacti are transplanted less often - 1 time in 2-3 years. The pot should be wide to make the plant comfortable. The process focuses on the root system.
It must be carefully freed from the old soil. In the new pot should be soil and some fertilizer. After transplanting, the plant should be sprinkled on top with a small amount of substrate.
Methods of reproduction at home
Cactus ripsalidopsis mix and other species can be propagated in 3 ways:
- by seeds;
- cuttings;
- vaccinated.
Succulent ripsalidopsis is an orange species and other varieties are easier to propagate by cuttings, if the grower is a beginner. Seeds will increase the time to get beautiful flowers. If propagation by cuttings is selected, it is best that the plant has young shoots. The same method can be used to propagate red ripsalidopsis.
