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Rose Easter 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

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.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#arching#showy flowers#houseplant#succulent#pink flowers#epiphytic#dwarf#pet friendly#herbaceous perennial#yellow fruits#humidity tolerant#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#perennial#erect#long lived
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#arching#showy flowers#houseplant#succulent#pink flowers#epiphytic#dwarf#pet friendly#herbaceous perennial#yellow fruits#humidity tolerant#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#perennial#erect#long lived
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Epiphyte
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Succulent
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Erect
    Rounded
    Weeping
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • 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
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Fruit Description:
    The fruit is yellow, flattened, and spherical.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Humidity