Pink Star Cactus Rhipsalidopsis rosea
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Hatiora rosea
- Rhipsalis rosea
- Schlumbergera rosea
- Phonetic Spelling
- rip-sah-li-DOP-sis ROH-se-ah
- Description
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The rose Easter cactus is a bushy, epiphytic flowering plant that grows in the tropical rainforests of Southeastern Brazil. They can be found growing on tree trunks or on rocky ground. In its native habitat, it is threatened by urban development and deforestation. This species has an erect, bushy, and arching habit. It looks like a miniature version of the Easter cactus Rhipsalidopsis gaertnerii); however, the rose Easter cactus has smaller joints and flowers. It is popular as an ornamental house plant and is a member of the cactus family (Cactaceae). The genus name, Rhipsalidopsis, comes from the word Rhipsalis, meaning "stem" and opsis, meaning "looking like." The specific epithet is Latin for "rose-colored."
This plant thrives bright indirect light, and moist, well-drained, cactus potting mix, and high humidity. It is best to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During flowering, keep the soil moist, but after the flowers fade cut back on the frequency. It also prefers long periods of darkness, up to 14 hours. It can be propagated by stem cuttings.
The stem segments are spineless, flat or have 3 to 5 angled concave sides, initially red and then become dark green, and the margins have 2 or 3 notches. The areoles are marginal and apical and have a few brown bristles. Its flowers are funnel-shaped, 1 to 1.5 inches long, and pink with rose-colored stamens. The fruits are yellowish, flattened, and spherical.
The rose Easter cactus is ideal for new gardeners. It is low maintenance and has striking blooms. It can be grown indoors or outdoors in mild climates.
Quick ID Hints:
- Mini version of the Easter cactus
- Flat or 3 to 5 angled concave sides, segmented, smooth, glossy green stems
- Marginal fine brown bristles
- Funnel-shaped blooms, 1 to 1.5 inches long, rose-colored stamens
- Fruits are yellow, flattened spherical, ribbed
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for mealybugs and spider mites. Overwatering can cause root rot.
VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Rhipsalidopsis
- Species:
- rosea
- Family:
- Cactaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southern Brazil
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Wildlife Cover/Habitat
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 4 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
- Width: 0 ft. 4 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Epiphyte
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
- Succulent
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Erect
- Rounded
- Weeping
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Fruit Description:
- The fruit is yellow, flattened, and spherical.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Solitary
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Tubular
- Flower Petals:
- Tepals
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- The flowers are funnel-shaped, fragrant, 1 to 2 inches long, 1.5 inches wide, pink with rose colored stamens. They bloom in the spring. Depending on the cultivar, the flower color may be pink, red, purple or white.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- The stems are glossy, smooth, segmented, flat or have 3 to 5 angled concave sides. Initially the stems are reddish and then turn green. They measure 1 to 1.5 inches long, 0.25 to 0.5 inches wide, and the margins have 2 or 3 notches. The areoles are marginal and apical with a few bristles. The plant resembles the Easter cactus but has smaller joints and flowers.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Hanging Baskets
- Houseplants
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Specimen
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Humidity
