What is the difference between Rhipsalis and Hatiora?

Rhipsalis and Hatiora are two very similar genera of trailing epiphytic cacti. Rhipsalis has thinner, cylindrical stems, while Hatiora often has more angular or flattened segments.

How do you water a Rhipsalis?

Water regularly but moderately, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings. Rhipsalis needs more water than a typical cactus because it is a tropical forest epiphyte.

What kind of light exposure does a Rhipsalis need?

Bright indirect light to partial shade, never direct sunlight that would burn the stems. Rhipsalis naturally grows under the canopy of tropical forests.

Is Rhipsalis a cactus?

Yes, Rhipsalis is an epiphytic cactus. Unlike desert cacti, it grows on trees in tropical forests and therefore has different water and light needs.

Why is my Rhipsalis turning yellow?

Yellowing usually indicates too much direct light or lack of water. Move the plant to a shadier spot and adjust watering.

How do you propagate a Rhipsalis?

Cut a 10-15 cm stem, let the cut dry for 24 hours, then plant it in a lightly moist, well-draining substrate. Roots appear in 2-3 weeks; it’s very easy.

Can you put a Rhipsalis in a bathroom?

Yes, perfect for the bathroom. Rhipsalis enjoys ambient humidity and indirect light, ideal conditions for a bathroom with a window.

Does Rhipsalis need a lot of light?

No, Rhipsalis prefers partial shade to indirect light. Too much direct light yellows and burns its stems; it’s an understory tropical plant.

Rhipsalis – Trailing, Spineless Cactus for Indoors

Q: Is Rhipsalis toxic to pets?

No, Rhipsalis is non-toxic to cats and dogs. It’s a trailing plant ideal for homes with pets.

No thorns, no direct sunlight, no hassle — the Rhipsalis is the tropical cactus that adapts to indoor living. Graphic, trailing, perfect for hanging.

Rhipsalis – The Spineless Cactus That Loves Indoors

The Rhipsalis, nicknamed "mistletoe cactus" or "coral cactus," is a tropical forest cactus that has nothing in common with its desert cousins. Spineless, trailing, and very graphic, it thrives indoors in filtered light — where most cacti give up. A sculptural, original, and truly easy-to-care-for plant.

A Cactus That Really Loves Shade

Native to the tropical forests of South America where it grows as an epiphyte on trees, Rhipsalis has adapted to much lower light conditions than its desert relatives. It prefers partial shade, away from direct rays that would burn its delicate stems. It’s one of the few succulents that can be placed far from a window. Discover all our low-light plants for other species suited to darker spaces.

Perfect for Hanging

Its long trailing stems make it a perfect plant for hanging baskets or high shelves. The threadlike or flattened foliage depending on the species creates a very natural and graphic effect, somewhere between a tropical plant and a living sculpture. It pairs perfectly with our hanging and trailing plants to bring greenery to elevated spaces.

Care Tips

🌥️ Light: indirect light to partial shade — avoid direct sunlight
💧 Watering: moderate, let the soil dry out between waterings — more frequent than a desert cactus
💦 Humidity: enjoys a slightly humid atmosphere, mist occasionally
🌡️ Temperature: between 15 and 25 °C, protected from cold and drafts
🪴 Soil: mix of universal potting soil and sand or perlite for good drainage

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rhipsalis really a cactus?
Yes, Rhipsalis belongs to the Cactaceae family, but it’s a forest epiphytic cactus, very different from desert cacti. It has no spines, tolerates partial shade, and needs more water than its cousins. Explore all our cacti and succulents to discover other unique species.

Why are my Rhipsalis stems softening?
Either too much water (root rot) or too much direct sunlight dehydrating the stems. Adjust watering and location. Our guide never overwater again will help you find the right balance.

Is Rhipsalis toxic to pets?
No, Rhipsalis is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs — a real advantage for homes with pets. Check out all our pet-friendly indoor plants for other safe species.

Also to Explore

Rhipsalis is part of our Cacti & succulents collection. Also discover our hanging and trailing plants, our low-light plants, and our selection of decorative pots and pots to showcase it.