Erythroripsalis

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin: Brazil. 

Description. A very unusual and attractive epiphytic cactus. The shoots are long, green, abundantly branching, drooping, cylindrical. Some species have burgundy or even purple shoots. The ribs are not pronounced, the frequently located areoles bear long, straight, light bristles. Small bell-shaped flowers appear at the ends of the shoots, in shades of white and pink, have a very pleasant intense aroma.

Height. The length of drooping shoots can reach 45 - 90 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

In summer and spring, the temperature range from 18 to 24° C is suitable. In winter, do not expose the plant to temperatures below 15° C. The cactus does not like sudden changes in temperature. 

Lighting

A well-lit place without direct sunlight, can successfully develop in partial shade and even shade.

Care

Easy to grow and does not have any special requirements for maintenance conditions. Erythroripsalis is one of the easiest epiphytic cacti to grow and tolerates neglect. Flowering specimens should not be moved to another location - they will drop their buds.

Substrate

The soil should easily pass water and air, pH not higher than 6.0. A mixture of leaf humus, turf soil, sphagnum moss with the addition of coarse river sand or perlite to improve drainage and small pieces of charcoal is suitable. Requires a fairly nutritious, coarse-fibered substrate.

Feeding

During the growing season, fertilizing should be done monthly, in the fall, fertilizing is stopped and resumed only in the spring - with the beginning of new growth. For fertilizing, use liquid fertilizers for cacti and succulents with a high potassium content.

Purpose

Looks great in hanging baskets with long stems hanging over the edges of the pot.

Flowering time

Late spring – summer.

Air humidity

In the summer, when there is intense heat, it may be necessary to spray with water at room temperature. As the air humidity increases, it is also worth taking care of sufficient ventilation so that the moisture has time to evaporate from the surface of the plant before dusk. 

Soil moisture

In spring and summer, water generously, but allow the top layer of soil about 2 cm thick to dry out before the next watering. In autumn and winter, water much less often. Before flowering, it will also be useful to arrange a small drought. For watering, use softened water at room temperature.

Transplantation

In spring, adult plants are replanted every 2-3 years. It tolerates replanting easily.

Reproduction

Propagated by lateral shoots that take root in wet sand in spring and summer. The cut shoot is dried for several days before planting. Seeds are sown in spring. Seedlings are kept at a temperature above 20° C.

Pests and diseases

Cacti can rot due to high air humidity and insufficient ventilation in the autumn-winter period, as well as due to stagnant moisture at the roots. Shoots get sunburned when exposed to direct sunlight.

Note

Feels great in indoor conditions for many years.