Rhipsalis elliptica

A flat-stemmed epiphytic mistletoe cactus that hangs in chains of oval, leaf-like segments, and is widespread in the Atlantic Forest from northeastern to southern Brazil. It is easy to grow in bright filtered light, with a free-draining epiphyte mix and steady moisture, and it is drier and cooler in winter.

At home, aim for

Day IntermediateTargets in Plantistry

Night Close to the dayTargets in Plantistry

Humidity Ordinary room humidityBand in Plantistry

Light Dappled lightDLI and PPFD in Plantistry

Expects a seasonal restGrows on trees (epiphyte)

Where it grows wild

Grows on trees and mossy rocks in humid Atlantic Forest, from coastal lowlands to the mountains, usually in partial shade below or within the canopy.

Records lie from near sea level (7 m) to 1,650 m, with a median of about 620 m.

Brazil NortheastBrazil SoutheastBrazil South

🔒 Growing it like that

The wild conditions above, turned into targets for a shelf, a tent or a greenhouse. The full profile has:

✓ Day and night temperature targets, and the limits it tolerates

✓ Humidity band, and how to hold it

✓ Light as DLI and PPFD for a grow light

✓ Wet and dry seasons, and whether to rest it

✓ Substrate and airflow

✓ A step-by-step setup to grow it like the wild

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More Rhipsalis

Rhipsalis baccifera Rhipsalis pilocarpa Rhipsalis crispata Rhipsalis floccosa Rhipsalis cereoides Rhipsalis hoelleri Rhipsalis oblonga Rhipsalis pacheco-leonis Rhipsalis paradoxa Rhipsalis russellii Rhipsalis sulcata Rhipsalis agudoensis All 45 →

Profiles are drafts built from measured range and climate and from published sources; each section carries its own confidence in the app. Photo from Wikimedia Commons, used under its CC BY 2.0 licence, unmodified.