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Rhipsalis Paradoxa – 8 Caring and 4 Propagating Tips!

Rhipsalis Paradoxa is an epiphytic plant that belongs to the cactus family. They have long vines with beautiful foliage that never loses its charm. The plant’s leaves are evergreen, which means they retain their sensational colors throughout the year.

The low maintenance and durability of these plants make them the best choice for those who have just started growing plants in their garden. They are becoming rarer every day due to the loss of their natural habitat.

If it continues at the same rate, these plants will become extinct soon. Please make sure that you take good care of these precious plants if you luckily get your hands on one.

Rhipsalis Paradoxa 1
Rhipsalis Paradoxa – via Etsy

Characteristics of Rhipsalis Paradoxa

Paradoxas are one of the unique plants of the Rhipsalis genus. We have listed some of its characteristics that will help you understand how these plants truly capture the hearts of every plant lover.

Foliage

These plants have green foliage attached to long vines that are perfect for hanging baskets. These vines drop from the basket like chains to give you a forest vibe to your room. The plant’s foliage is evergreen, allowing you to enjoy its beauty throughout the year without worrying about replacing them.

Flowers

They produce white flowers in the late winter to the early spring season. They also produce inedible red fruits, which is an addition to countless features they provide.

Height and width

These plants can grow to a maximum height of 6 feet. The height of the plant can be controlled by regular pruning, but they look best when they are left to grow freely. The hanging vines look absolutely stunning after reaching their mature size.

Origin

They are native to Brazil, so keep them under similar climate conditions to their native lands for ideal plant growth. Replicating the atmosphere of their natural habitat makes the plant feel at home. It encourages them to grow with their full zeal and zest.

Toxicity

You do not need to worry about placing your plant near children or pets as they are non-toxic in nature. We recommend you still keep your plant at a distance from your pets as they can harm the beautiful foliage.

Drought resistance

These plants ask for moist soil, but it will damage the roots if you keep them in standing water for too long. They do not need to be watered every day, so please carefully read the wagering requirements discussed later in this article.

Dormancy

They are one of those plants which do not become inactive, even in the winter season. Your plant will actively grow throughout the year if you provide it with the right conditions.

Rhipsalis Paradoxa 2
Rhipsalis Paradoxa – via Etsy

Caring tips for Rhipsalis Paradoxa

These plants are not very difficult to care for but knowing when to water and which soil to use is essential for your plant’s health. Following are some tips to ensure your plant’s strong and speedy growth.

Sunlight

Provide your plant with indirect, bright sunlight. Ensure that a shade protects your plant if you are placing them outside, as direct light from the sun can adversely affect plants’ foliage.

South, east, or west-facing windows are an ideal placement where sunlight becomes less harsh after passing through the window’s glass.

Soil

They want well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. Keep the pH between 6.1 and 7.8, but make sure that the pH is not irregular or unsustainable. They prefer slightly alkaline or slightly acidic soils to thrive and flourish.

Water

You don’t need to water these plants every day. We recommend that you check the soil before watering them. Dry soil indicates that the plant needs water, whereas wet or soggy soil indicates that you have massively overwatered your plant.

Temperature

They love warm and humid environments, so keep the temperature between 18 to 24 degrees Celsius. Temperatures must be kept stable, ensuring that they do not cross the range mentioned above. These plants cannot survive extreme temperatures.

Humidity

These plants prefer high moisture levels, so use an indoor humidifier to keep the humidity levels stable at a high percentage. Humidifiers can be quite expensive for some people, so there are some other methods you can use that are economical and effective at the same time.

These include misting and pebble trays. You can place pebble trays with water under the plant, making sure that the plant is placed on pebbles, not water.

Fertilizer

Use diluted, liquid fertilizers to feed the plant every two weeks. Avoid using fertilizers with a high concentration of nitrogen as it can burn the plant’s roots; However, a moderate amount works fine.

Pruning

Prune the plant if the vines grow in an unwanted direction to make the plant look untidy and unappealing to the eye. Please do not prune the plant more than 2/3 of its length as it can stunt its new growth. We recommend you prune your plant in the spring season.

Pests and other diseases

Crispy brown leaves can be seen if you do not water the plant enough and leave it thirsty for a long time. You can avoid this disease by simply revising your watering routine to keep the plant hydrated.

Propagating Rhipsalis Paradoxa

You can propagate these plants by using either seed planting or stem cutting methods. A seed obtained from the ripe fruits can easily be planted in the soil to grow a new plant; however, if you choose stem cuttings to propagate, there are a few tips for you to keep in mind.

  • Choose an 8 to 15cm long stem and make a clean cut with a sterile knife.
  • Treat the cutting with water and rooting hormone.
  • Once the roots develop, plant them in a cactus potting mix.
  • Place the plant under bright direct sunlight and water to keep it hydrated.

Conclusion

Rhipsalis Paradoxa is an outstanding hanging plant that looks sensational when provided with all its basic requirements. They are not toxic at all, and their low maintenance makes them one of the most wanted plants of recent times.