Imagine a cactus that defies all stereotype – it ’s flat , fleshy and likes to advert around ! Meet Acanthorhipsalis monacantha , the one - birl wickerware cactus that will captivate you with its unequaled charms . Originally from Bolivia and Argentina , this quirky industrial plant is an epiphytic wonder that attaches itself to trees and rocks in the wilderness . With flattened unripened halt draped like vine and smart orangish flowers , it ’s a show-stopper you wo n’t want to miss . Keep reading to unlock the secret to keeping this South American beauty thriving in your habitation !
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About Acanthorhipsalis monacantha
Unlike distinctive cacti , A. monacantha is a branching epiphyte with pendant ( hanging down ) stems up to 20 inches long . The fleshy , flattened green staunch depend like thick leafy vines and produce pocket-size thorn . In spring , vibrant orange - red peak up to an inch across bloom along the stems . Native to tropic forests , this unique cactus originate on Tree and rocks , absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air and debris around its source .
Related Post:16 Rhipsalis Types of Cactus [ With photo ]
How to Care for Acanthorhipsalis monacantha
Light Needs
A. monacantha loves bright , filtered lighting but ca n’t handle intensedirect sunwhich can scorch its fleshy stem . An east or west - facing window is ideal . If natural visible light is low , function agrow lightsuspended 12 - 18 inches above the plant life for 12 - 14 hour per day .
Water Requirements
While most cacti are drought - liberal , this tropic air plant needs more frequent pee – about once a calendar week in spring / summer . Always wait for the soil to dry out before lachrymation again . Reduce watering in winter to every 2 - 3 weeks . Mist the stems at times if the air is very dry .
Soil Preferences
A. monacantha like a well - draining , slimly acid pot mix with a pH between 5.5 - 6.5 . Combine 1 part peat moss or coir with 1 part perlite or rough-cut sand and a handful of compost or elderly barque . The peat moss helps exert the ideal slightlyacidic pH , while the perlite or sand provides drain and aeration . The compost or bark add extra nutrients to the mixture . This provides the ideal balance of wet retention and good aeration that the works needs to thrive . Avoid using alkaline territory .
Fertilizing Advice
Feed A. monacantha every 4 - 6 weeks during bound and summer with abalanced liquid fertilizerdiluted to half strength . While manure is usually avoid for cacti , this epiphytic plant benefits from the addition of some well - aged moo-cow manure to the potting mixture . The manure bring on profuse , vigorous growth for this tropical industrial plant . No fertilizer is needed in wintertime .
Temperature and Humidity
Acanthorhipsalis monacantha boom in warm temperatures between 65 - 90 ° F and temperate to gamey humidity around 50 - 70 % relative humidity . It can not tolerate freeze out temperatures .
This tropic cactus is only hardy outdoors inUSDA zones10 - 11 . In cooler climates , it must be grow indoors or get at bottom for winter . obviate display it to cold gulp or dry heat outlet which can damage the fleshy prow . coherent warmth and humidity will keep this air plant happiest .
Pests and Problems
origin rot from overwatering and fungal diseases can regard A. monacantha . Inspect formealybugs , wanderer mites and scale that may appear if condition are too teetotal . employ insecticidal soaps or neem oil for pest ascendence .
Pruning Tips
In early spring , prune off any dead , damaged or unsightly pendant stem to keep the plant life neaten and control its size and figure if desired .
Potting and Repotting
arise A. monacantha in a hanging or standard container with drain hole . Choose a potful just slightly larger than the works ’s ascendant organization . Repotevery 2 - 3 years in recent wintertime , refreshing part of the potting premix .
Propagating Acanthorhipsalis monacantha
One of the coolest things about A. monacantha is how comfortable it is to disseminate new plants from cuttings !
With its unequaled sarcoid foliage and hanging habit , Acanthorhipsalis monacantha makes an awe-inspiring add-on to your houseplant accumulation . By allow the right care , you’re able to love this tropic cactus joy for age to come !
