Rhipsalis Cereuscula

Light

Provide bright indirect light for a Rhipsalis cereuscula.

As this plant originates from rainforests and is used to growing under trees, light needs to be considered.

Rice Cacti have adapted to receiving light that has been filtered through trees.

But this does not mean the only place for your plant is under a tree. They make excellent indoor plants! 

It should be stress that you do not place your Rhipsalis cereuscula close to a window, however.

Windows that get quite a lot of direct sunlight.

When the sunlight filters through the glass of the window, it can burn your plant if it is too close. 

This is not a plant that will thrive in bright or direct light.

It prefers filtered sun or partial shade.

If your plant is kept outdoors, it should be kept in an area that is shaded all day. 

In the mornings when the sun’s rays are not too harsh, you can place your plant in direct sunlight.

Your Rice Cactus will benefit from this little bit of direct exposure.

Be sure to note, however, that they do not thrive in direct sunlight. 

Watering

Water a Rhipsalis cereuscula every four to five weeks in spring and summer but check the soil humidity weekly.

Avoid watering in winter or at max. every 2 months.

Typical of a succulent, the Rice Cactus does not require an excessive amount of water.

Having a low water requirement means not only does it not need a lot of water.

It also means that you will not need to water it regularly. 

Having said that, different from other succulents, the Rhipsalis cereuscula is not drought-resistant.

All this means is that it will not be as forgiving if you do not water it for an excessive amount of time. 

The best method of watering your Rice Cactus is the soak and dry method. This is easy to do and almost impossible to get wrong. 

All that is necessary when using the soak and dry method is to slowly add water to your plant’s soil.

Stop adding water as soon as it begins to drip out of the drainage holes. Then all that needs to be done is wait! 

You need only to wait until your Rhipsalis cereuscula plant’s soil has dried. Once dry, you may repeat the watering. 

If in doubt, do not! Words to live by when thinking about watering your Rice Cactus.

Rather than overwatering, check your plant’s soil.

If the topsoil, about  3in (7.5cm), is still moist wait a little bit longer before watering your plant. 

The Rhipsalis cereuscula requires the most water during its growing season.

As a guide, watering can be done every four to five weeks.

But it is best to check your plant’s soil every week or so.

This will ensure you do not underwater your Rice Cactus. 

During the months leading to winter, the amount and frequency of watering should be reduced.

Watering should be avoided completely during the winter months.

The Rhipsalis cereuscula enters a dormant state during this time. 

The only time your Rice Cactus would need extra water is if the weather is particularly hot and dry. 

Temperature

A Rhipsalis cereuscula prefers to be kept in a temperature between 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C) during the day.

At night they are comfortable with temperatures between 60°F to 70°F (16°C and 21°C).