Hanging pencil cactus/ Rhipsalis Pulchra / Coral cactus (jiffy)

The hanging pencil cactus, also known as Rhipsalis Pulchra or sometimes referred to as a type of coral cactus, is a distinctive epiphytic cactus known for its thin, pencil-like stems that create a beautiful, cascading effect. Native to tropical rainforests of South America, it thrives in humid, shaded environments, making it quite different from the typical desert-dwelling cacti.

Key Characteristics:

• Stems: Thin, cylindrical, and branching, resembling green pencils or coral. The stems are often a deep green, turning reddish or purple under stress or with more light exposure.
• Growth Habit: Trailing or hanging, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or as a hanging plant in indoor spaces.
• Flowers: Small, white or light-colored flowers can appear along the stems. These blooms are followed by tiny, berry-like fruits.
• Light Requirements: Prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn the delicate stems, so filtered light is ideal.
• Watering: Like most epiphytic cacti, it requires less frequent watering than tropical plants but more than desert cacti. Water when the soil is dry to the touch, but avoid letting the plant sit in water.
• Humidity: Being a rainforest cactus, it enjoys higher humidity levels than desert species.
• Temperature: It prefers temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C), making it well-suited to indoor environments.

Care Tips:

• Soil: Use a well-draining mix, like cactus or orchid potting soil, to prevent water retention, which can cause root rot.
• Propagation: Can be propagated easily by taking stem cuttings and allowing them to callous before planting them in moist, well-draining soil.

Coral Cactus Confusion:

It’s important to note that while Rhipsalis Pulchra is sometimes colloquially called “coral cactus,” this name is also used for the grafted Euphorbia lactea plant that has a fan-like, coral-shaped growth. These are different plants, so the term “coral cactus” can refer to either.

Rhipsalis Pulchra is more about delicate, cascading stems, while the grafted coral cactus is a striking, upright structure.