Ripsalidopsis: how to care for your Easter cactus

A flower native to the rainforests of South America. Getting moisture from the air there is much easier than in the desert or savannah, so there is no need for thorns. Instead, ripsalidopsis grew aerial roots and learned to use trees and stumps as a support.

Types of culture

Breeders have bred many varieties of ripsalidopsis. Therefore, the color of its inflorescences can vary from white to purple and rich red. But there are only two types of plants. They are grown at home, and both of them are popular with flower growers.

1. Gartner. Reaches 30 cm in height. It differs in large scarlet flowers (up to 10 cm in size).
2. Pink. It is less common. Its parameters are almost two times more modest, for which it is considered more decorative and sophisticated.

Regardless of the species, the stems of the forest cactus consist of small flat fleshy segments of green color. On them in the beginning or in the middle of spring inflorescences are formed, and then - red berries, inside which there are seeds.

Basic care

The plant is quite unpretentious, but there are certain requirements for the conditions of its maintenance.

Lighting

Under natural conditions, a cactus grows among trees. This means that at home it is better to place the flower pot in places where direct sunlight does not fall. Optimum window sills located on the north side. He feels comfortable on the east or west sides, if not put on the window, but next.

In summer, ripsalidopsis is advised to be taken out onto a shaded balcony or garden, hiding a flower under a tree.

Climate

The plant feels comfortable in a non-hot and well-moistened space. It is desirable that the air temperature in the room with the cactus does not exceed 20 ° C, and during the "hibernation" - decrease by another five units. How to realize this moment, each grower decides for himself. One is more convenient to hide the flowerpot in the bathroom, the other - in winter to move closer to the window.

From spring to autumn, the plant needs daily spraying. If this is problematic, it is better to put the cactus in a pan with water on sand or stones so that moisture does not touch the bottom of the flowerpot. With the onset of cold weather, all manipulations cease.

Watering

Depends on the season and this part of the care. In the warm season, you need to water ripsalidopsis often. In the cold - less often so that the plant can fully "fall asleep."
The correct irrigation scheme is considered in which the upper layers of the soil do not dry out. But excess moisture is also not allowed. Since the roots of the plant are weak and fragile, they can easily be damaged and begin to rot.

The soil

For the plant, a slightly acidic loose and breathable soil is suitable. The mixture can be bought at a flower shop or made up by yourself. There are several options to choose from:

• ready-made substrate for succulents or cacti - use immediately;
• deciduous soil, peat, sand, humus - this mixture must be combined in a ratio of 6: 4: 2: 1;
• clay-soddy soil, ash, broken brick - all mixed in a ratio of 5: 2: 1.

The store material is immediately ready for use. "Street" must first be treated from pests. The earth is placed in an oven at 220 ° C and held for 20 minutes.Then the crushed chalk and superphosphate are cooled and added at the rate of one teaspoon of each substance per 3 liters of soil.

Top dressing

Twice a month, fertilizer is recommended. A special nitrogen mixture for cacti, which is sold in the store, is best suited. The method of its application depends on the specific product and will be indicated on the package. But organic home dressing is not suitable for this plant. It can lead to decay, and the pet will die.

Flowering period

If the conditions for the maintenance of ripsalidopsis were met as much as possible, in early spring it will please with its flowering, which will last about two months. It is believed that precisely because the period of the appearance of buds falls on the main holiday of Orthodox Christians, the plant earned its second name "Easter cactus".
Care for ripsalidopsis during this period should be careful. To give the plant a full open, it is important to adhere to such rules.

• Do not move. The plant can not be rearranged in another place and even turn the pot. Flowers may stop developing, dry and fall off.
• To feed. To give strength, fertilizer must be applied more often - three times a month.
• Moisturize. The plant will still need to be sprayed, only it will have to be done so that the drops do not fall on the inflorescences.
• Water in a timely manner. The flower will have to be watered more often. It is important to ensure that water does not accumulate in the pot.

Only after flowering, ripsalidopsis can be moved to another place, change the flowerpot or planted.

Transfer

Young plants are transplanted every 12 months. Adults - as the roots grow. Usually every three years or less.

• Time. The best moment for replanting is considered the end of spring or the beginning of summer, when the plant has already blossomed. But let's say another period before the onset of "hibernation".
• Pot. Since the roots of the cactus are poorly developed, the pot should be spacious, but not deep. If the flower has grown - choose a larger pot.

For transplantation, it is recommended to carefully remove the plant with soil from the pot.
At the bottom of an empty flowerpot (old or new) lay a small drainage. Pour a thin layer of suitable soil from above and moisten it. With the hands of the plant to remove the old earth. Roots do not need to be washed. If the earth remains on them, shake it off with a soft brush. Carefully inspect the roots. If necessary, remove damaged or rotten parts with clean scissors. Then put the cactus in a pot and add enough new soil to completely cover the root system. All green stems should be on the surface. Press and pour lightly.

Breeding

Ripsalidopsis is also better to propagate immediately after flowering. Choose one of three ways.

1. Cuttings. Break off a piece of stem with several segments from the mother flower. Air dry for two or three days. Then put with support on well-moistened soil. After the appearance of the roots, plant the stalk in the ground.
2. The seeds. They need to be planted in the spring and wait for the sprouts to appear. Grains themselves are bought or harvested from a home plant. To do this, the flowers of two unrelated ripsalidopsis need to be dusted with a brush. After the berry that appears has dried and wrinkled, seeds are taken out.
3. Vaccinated. This method is implemented in the summer. First, you need to prepare a second plant - perennial prickly. From its stem, it is necessary to remove the upper part with leaves. Split the tip and insert into it the pointed shoot of ripsalidopsis with two or three segments. Secure with tape or tape.Two weeks later, the updated cactus will begin to grow and will have a very lush flowering.

Growing difficulties

Easter cactus can die as a result of illness, pests, or improper care. Florists note the following problems and share ways to solve them.

• The stem segments fall. This can happen if you go too far with moisturizing or fertilizing. And also if the room is too cold. The way out of the situation is to create comfortable conditions for the plant and observe moderation in everything.
• The stalks turn pale or brown. Most often, this speaks of sunburn. It is necessary to remove the flower from the "dangerous" windowsill.
• A spider mite appeared. Its characteristic feature is the dots and cobwebs on the underside of the leaves. This pest dies after local treatment of the plant with alcohol or hot water.
• The mealybug attacks. It affects the root system and the upper part of the cactus. It can be identified by plaque, similar to a dense web. Escaping from it will only help replanting in a new soil and treating the plant with antiseptics. For roots, a weak solution of potassium permanganate is suitable, and for stems - special preparations.
• Parasitic scale shield. These parasites are like moving spots. Traces of their activity are brown or beige growths on the segments of ripsalidopsis and a change in the color of the soil. Treatment - treatment of affected areas with special chemicals.

It is necessary to carry out the treatment of plants with insecticides only in rubber gloves, observing the exact dosage of the drug and the method of its use indicated on the package.