Family: Cactaceae

Most species in this large, cactus genus are from tropical America, but one species is found in Sri Lanka, Malagasy, and along the eastern and western coasts of Africa. Bushy and mostly drooping, these epiphytic cactuses have thin, pale green branches which may be cylindrical, angled or flat. The flowers may be shades of white, cream, pink and yellow and the fruit is a small white, pink or purple berry.

Species

R. cereuscula is a darker green than most species, with very short joints. The white, terminal flowers are followed by white fruit.

R. crispata has flat, wavy, leaf-like, notched joints. The creamy yellow flowers are produced from the areoles in the notches.

R. dissimilis is a much-branched, variable plant, some areoles bearing bristles, others smooth. 'The red buds open to white flowers with rosy pink, outer petals and are followed by purple fruit.

R. houlletiana has long, saw-toothed, flat joints on thin, cylindrical, erect stalks that curve down-wards. Short-lived, yellowish white flowers appear from areoles and the fruit is a carmine colour.

R. paradoxa, chain cactus or link plant, has very long, chain-like or plaited branches. During late spring, small, trumpet-like, cream flowers appear along the margins of the branches and are followed by the small fruits.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, grow in an intermediate to warm greenhouse, in pots or hanging baskets. Use a proprietary cactus compost formulated for epiphytes. Shade from direct sun and ensure a humid atmosphere. Mist spray daily in summer. Propagate from stem segments in spring.

Climate

Zone 10 to tropical.