Rhipsalis micrantha
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Rhipsalis micrantha

Bird's foot cactus · Prickly Prongs

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: partial_sun
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 10–12
Click count
129
Observations
84

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Partial sun

Bird's foot cactus is native to places with filtered light, such as the forest understory or rocky locations that provide natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can also withstand full sun.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Bird's foot cactus does best in warm settings and needs higher temperatures during the growing season to encourage growth and metabolic activity. It prefers plenty of sunlight, proper moisture, and good air circulation. However, it is vulnerable to harm from temperatures that are too low and from overwatering. It is important to maintain balance and avoid temperatures that are too high and conditions that are too dry.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

For Bird's foot cactus, use light amounts of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season. Do not fertilize in winter or summer when the plant is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for plants that have been repotted and wait a couple of months after repotting before you start feeding. Fertilizing helps keep the plant healthy and encourages flowering.

🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years

Repot Bird's foot cactus in spring or summer, selecting a pot slightly larger than the current one that offers good drainage. Use a well-draining, sandy or gritty cactus mix. Handle the plant carefully to avoid its spikes. Let the cactus dry out before repotting to help prevent root rot. After repotting, wait one week before watering so the roots can heal.

Suggested frequency: 2-3 years
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Succulent
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Rhipsalis
Family
Cactaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
30 cm to 61 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm to 49 cm
Leaf Color
Light Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
0.51 cm to 1.02 cm
Bloom Time
Mid winter, Late winter, Early spring
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
Native Area
Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru

Tags (5)

Common Names (2)

en Bird's foot cactus
en Prickly Prongs