Hanging Rhipsalis in My Greenhouse

March 1, 2018

As many of you know, I love tropical plants and I feel fortunate to have large greenhouses in which many varieties can survive the harsh winters of the northeast.

Over the years, I have amassed quite a collection of beautiful tropicals. Among my favorites is rhipsalis. Also known as chain cactus or mistletoe cactus, rhipsalis is a genus of epiphytic cacti native to the rainforests of Central America, parts of the Caribbean, northern and central South America, and tropical Africa, Madagascar and Sri Lanka. This week, my head gardener, Ryan McCallister, mounted two rhipsalis plants to hang at the entrance of my main greenhouse.

Enjoy these photos and our how-to on making the ideal plant mounting frame.

: Rhipsalis is a fast grower that hangs down in long messy tendrils that are dark green at the top and somewhat paler at the ends. I have several specimens. This one is ready to be mounted and hung in my main greenhouse.

: For mounting, we use these sturdy frames made from wood collected and milled right here at my farm. I love to reuse and repurpose anything I can. Epiphytic cacti do not root in soil like many plants. Instead, they sprout in the crotches of trees or on large branches in rain forests, using their roots to cling tightly to their roost. Epiphytes have specially designed stomas, or leaf openings, that allow them to absorb moisture from the air, keeping them hydrated.

: These are easy to make. Pete, a member of my outdoor grounds crew, created the rectangular frame starting with four pieces of wood – each about an inch thick. The length of the pieces depend on how large a frame is needed. These frames are approximately 12-inches by 15-inches when done.

: Pete prepares two sets of rectangular frames and drills pilot holes at each corner where they will be connected.

: The frame sides are secured together with two-inch screws.

: In between the two frames, Pete places six smaller wooden slats evenly spaced across the structure. Doing this helps to make it more sturdy. Pete then lines up all the pieces perfectly.

: And screws the slats into place.

: Here he is adding screws to the opposite side. The rhipsalis will eventually feel very comfortable on this board and form new growth.

: Once everything is complete, he covers the screw holes and sands down the entire structure so it is smooth.

: Here is one completed frame. Pete makes about a dozen in all. I will use them to hang my rhipsalis as well as several of my staghorn ferns.

: Back in the head house, Ryan cuts a piece of burlap to fit the frame and the rhipsalis.

: Ryan then folds the burlap in half to make a pocket and fits it over the frame.

: Ryan then tucks the sides into the frame and using a staple gun, secures the burlap onto the wooden mount.

: He adds staples to three sides, so it is very secure. The rhipsalis will sit in the burlap pocket very nicely.

: Here is the burlap covered frame ready for planting.

: Ryan places a little bit of potting medium inside the burlap pocket.

: And then using a knife, loosens the plant rootball. it is important to loosen the roots before planting. This helps the plant absorb moisture in its new environment and also makes it easier for the plant to adapt to the new surface.

: Ryan gently inserts the plant into the burlap pocket of the frame.

: And here it is – Ryan adds a few more staples to ensure it is snug, but the plant fits perfectly.

: The back is secured with monofilament, or fishing wire, which is not only strong, but also transparent. Monofilament can be purchased in hardware stores and fishing supply stores.

: Finally, using a strong piece of wire, the plant and frame are hung on this pillar at the entrance to my greenhouse. There are some 60-different species of rhipsalis, most of which grow on tree trunks. Its jungle origins make it one of the better air-purifying plants for the home according to research by NASA.

: Ryan gives the plant a good drink of water. Even though rhipsalis is a pretty tolerant cacti, its best not to let it dry out or especially get over-watered. It should only be watered when it feels dry to the touch. Rhipsalis plants are tropical and subtropical, so be sure to also protect them from the cold.

: Ryan mounted another to put on the oppsite pillar. Surprisingly, growing Rhipsalis requires shade to partial shade. While most cacti are found in hot, sunny, arid zones, mistletoe cactus is unique in its requirements for moisture and dim light – just keep an eye on it and move to a window if it loses its perkiness. Well cared for, these pencil thin succulent stems may reach six-feet in length.