If you have a Rhipsalis plant, it’s essential to know how to water it. These plants are native to the rainforest and like high humidity levels, so they can be tricky to care for if you don’t live in an area where conditions aren’t the same as their native habitat.
You will know when to water your Rhipsalis when the soil is dry. Maintaining slightly moist soil is the key to keeping your Rhipsalis plant healthy. Still, watering requirements vary depending on the time of the year and your climate.
In this article, we will further discuss tips on when to water your Rhipsalis and keep it healthy and happy. So, let’s get into it!
Signs That Your Rhipsalis Plant Needs Water
The Rhipsalis plant is a delicate succulent that needs just the right amount of water to survive. But how do you know when your Rhipsalis plant needs water? There are a few tell-tale signs to look for:
- The first is that the Rhipsalis’ leaves will droop. While this isn’t necessarily a sign that the plant is thirsty, it’s a sign that something needs to be corrected. If the soil is parched and the leaves drooping, it could be a sign you need to water it.
- Another sign that your Rhipsalis plant needs water is that the stems will start to wrinkle. This could also be due to a lack of sunlight. So, check how dry the soil is and move the plant to a brighter spot.
- Finally, if the plant leaves turn yellow, this is a sign that you need to give the plant water as soon as possible. On the other hand, if just the very ends of the leaves begin to turn yellow, this could be a sign of overwatering.
How Often Should You Water Your Rhipsalis?
Rhipsalis are easy to take care of, but you need to be careful about their watering schedule. While underwatering can be fatal, overwatering can cause root rot and kill your plant. So how do you know when to water your Rhipsalis?
You should generally water your Rhipsalis at least once or twice a week. However, this may vary depending on a few factors, such as climate.
If you’re unsure whether your Rhipsalis needs water, there’s an easy way to check without a moisture meter. Dip your index finger into the soil until the first two joints are covered. If the soil feels moist, you don’t need to do anything. Otherwise, give your plant a drink. Check out my blog post for more tips on how dry your plant should be before watering it: How Dry Should Your Plants Be Before Watering Them?
Climate May Impact Your Rhipsalis Watering Schedule
Climate largely determines how much water your Rhipsalis plant needs. In habitats like the jungles of South America, Rhipsalis plants grow under canopies where they receive little direct sunlight. Over time, they’ve adapted to require less water than other plants.
If you live in a place with a similar climate, you should only water your Rhipsalis every two to three weeks. On the other hand, if you live somewhere hot and sunny, like Florida, you’ll need to water your plant more frequently. In this case, aim to water your Rhipsalis every week or so.
In climates with high humidity, you may need to water your Rhipsalis more frequently than in drier climates. If you live in an area with low humidity, you may need to mist your Rhipsalis regularly to raise the humidity levels around it.
When Is The Best Time To Water Your Rhipsalis?
The best time to water your Rhipsalis is in the morning. Otherwise, the water will evaporate before your plant has time to absorb it.
The morning is also an excellent time to check the leaves for pests and diseases. If you see any problems, you can address them before they have a chance to do too much damage.
Watering in the morning also helps to reduce the risk of fungal diseases, which can be a problem in humid climates. So if you want to give your Rhipsalis the best chance of thriving, make sure to water it in the morning.
Learn more about watering outdoor succulents in my article here: How to Water Outdoor Succulents (Tips and Tricks)
Rainwater Is Best for Rhipsalis
Rhipsalis are native to tropical regions, so they’re used to getting a lot of rain. Therefore, if possible, use rainwater for your Rhipsalis.
You can use distilled or filtered water if you can’t collect rainwater. These types of water have fewer minerals and chemicals that can build up in the soil and damage the plant. You should also avoid using hard water with high mineral content. This can cause problems for Rhipsalis, so it’s best to stick with rain or distilled/filtered water.
Alternatively, you can pour clean tap water into your watering container and sit it out overnight. This process should ensure most chlorine evaporates before you water your plant.
What Happens if You Overwater Your Rhipsalis?
Overwatering is one of the biggest dangers to your Rhipsalis. Overwatering can lead to root rot, when your plant roots start to decay due to being constantly wet.
If you accidentally overwatered your Rhipsalis, it’s not the end of the world! Here are a couple of steps to help you save your Rhipsalis:
- First, let the soil dry out as much as possible.
- Repot the plant in some fresh potting mix.
- Make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
Other Ways To Keep Your Rhipsalis Healthy
Rhipsalis are popular houseplants because they are easy to care for and thrive in many conditions. Here are some other tips for keeping your Rhipsalis healthy:
Use a Moisture Meter
A moisture meter is essential for anyone who wants to keep their Rhipsalis plant healthy and thriving. By measuring the moisture content of the soil, you can ensure that you’re watering your plant just the right amount.
That’s where a moisture meter comes in. As its name implies, a moisture meter measures how much moisture is in the soil and whether it’s enough for your plant to survive. It’s also reasonably easy to use: All you have to do is insert it into the soil, and you’ll have a reading within a few minutes.
Rhipsalis Prefer Bright, Indirect Sunlight
Rhipsalis plants do best in bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight will upset your Rhipsalis’ delicate balance, and if the leaves of your Rhipsalis plant start to turn red, it’s likely getting too much sun.
On the other hand, if the plant starts to get leggy and has fewer flowers, it needs more sunlight.
So if you’re looking to keep your Rhipsalis plant healthy and blooming, make sure to give it plenty of bright, indirect light.
Use Cactus Fertilizer
Rhipsalis also requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. However, not just any fertilizer will do – cactus fertilizer will meet the unique needs of these plants.
Cactus fertilizer is higher in phosphorus and potassium than other types of fertilizer, which helps to encourage strong root growth and lush foliage.
In addition, cactus fertilizer contains trace elements essential for cactus health. When used as directed, cactus fertilizer can help your Rhipsalis thrive. You can apply a half-strength diluted cactus fertilizer every month during the growing season.
Watch Out for Pests
If you see any sign of pests, it’s crucial to take action immediately. Pests like mealybugs and spider mites can cause severe damage to your plant, so it’s essential to get rid of them as quickly as possible.
There are a few different ways to get rid of pests. You can use an insecticide, or you can try a more natural method like using neem oil. Many people prefer using more natural approaches to limit the chemicals your plant is exposed to, so in this case, neem oil might be your best bet.
Whichever method you choose, make sure you’re careful not to damage your plant in the process.
Regular Pruning
Rhipsalis is an epiphytic cactus native to tropical regions. Although they are often used as ornamental plants, they can also grow in the wild.
Left unchecked, Rhipsalis can quickly become overgrown and leggy. As a result, they require regular pruning to remain healthy. When pruning Rhipsalis, be sure to use sharp shears or a knife.
When done correctly, pruning will help your Rhipsalis thrive. Trimming will help to prevent damage to the plant’s delicate stems.
Additionally, pruning ensures that your plant will grow healthy. However, don’t over-prune, as you may harm your plant.
Conclusion
Watering your Rhipsalis is more complex than it seems. Overwatering can lead to issues that can kill your plant, so make sure to give your plant enough water. Use a moisture meter to check for soil moisture content, or simply use the finger test to see if the soil is too dry.
