About Lepismium
Lepismium are a species of mostly epiphytic jungle cacti that predominately reside in the tropical and subtropical regions of South America. Some Lepismium can be Lithophytic, in which case they make their homes on or between rocks. In either case, these are not your bake-in the-sun desert loving cacti. They require tropical conditions to grow successfully. They prefer watering more frequently than their desert counterparts, and humidity is much appreciated. They are found growing under dense tree canopies, so direct or intense light is not a necessity. They enjoy morning sun rather than the blaze of high-noon sun.
There are very few Lepismium species, with some estimations ranging from 10-20 total species. It is common to see Lepismium often dually identified as Rhipsalis. Some Rhipsalis have been reclassified as Lepismium, and others share common characteristics. The care needs are similar for Lepismium and Rhipsalis, so if you are fond of one genus you might enjoy bringing the other into your home.
Lepismium typically have many stems that hang and branch off, forming more stems from the areoles. Most stems are two sided, although stems with 3-5 angles can also be found, sometimes on the same plant and depending on the species. The shapes they take highly variable, with some stems twisting into the shape that gives the “hurricane cactus” its name, or flat, strap-like stems on Lepismium Boliviana. They do not have traditionally regarded cactus spines, but rather some species have soft hairlike tufts that are generally very small. White, yellow, or otherwise pale colored flowers may appear from end to end on both sides of the stem edges. The flowers are quite tiny and can turn into round softly colored fruit if pollinated.
Many Lepismium have suffered habitat loss, and like Rhipsalis, most have been classified as endangered.
Lepismium Cruciforme
This plant is about as easy as it gets. It requires little attention to keep growing and thriving. No direct sunlight it best, but if it’s all you have, morning sun is preferable. This plant can tolerate some drought without suffering substantially, but if it is consistently underwatered, the stems will dry out. New growth begins upright and thinner and fills out with age, eventually draping over from its own weight. Most stems have three ridges, giving them a triangular shape, but periodically it does grow flat stems as shown at the front of the pot. The plant responds well to pruning. It is regularly trimmed to remain close to shelf length and Lepismium Cruciforme responds by producing more new growth closer to the top of the plant. This plant hasn’t flowered yet, so the flower color is to be determined. If sun stressed, the plant will produce a reddish cast on the stems.
Some tips:
Morning sun is great for this plant.
Watering every 10-12 days is sufficient, depending upon your household conditions.
Humidity is appreciated as well as the occasional bath when the plant is due for a thorough watering.
Lepismium Cruciforme is a light feeder, like many jungle cacti. A diluted houseplant fertilizer every other water is good. I also top dress this plant with earthworm castings in the spring.
Lepismium Cruciforme Spiralis “Hurricane Cactus”
Lepismium Cruciforme Spiralis has dramatic twisting stems unlike the Lepismium Cruciforme. Most stems form tight spirals, but there are few that spiral more subtly. Most stems have are triangular.
This low maintenance plant blooms all year long with tiny white flowers. The care is relatively the same as Lepismium Cruciforme.
Growth is constant and random, but the chaotic beauty of this plant is something that is worth appreciating. For that reason, it has never been pruned or propagated and the plant and I are both content to keep it that way. This plant lives in a north window where it receives nice consistent light all day long. The intensity is low, but this still keeps Lepismium Cruciforme Spiralis in bloom.
Some tips:
Most tips are the same as listed above for Lepismium Cruciforme.
Morning sun is ideal, not a heavy feeder, water when the plant dries out at the top of the soil, and humidity is always appreciated.
Lepismium Houlletianum
This plant is debated as a member of the Lepismium genus. I am including it on both the Rhipsalis and Lepismium pages so it can be searched under either genus. Oddly, this little guy can look like an Epiphyllum, too. It is a plant of mystery, and though I do love a mystery, I’d also love to get to the bottom of this one. Email me with any info if you have knowledge you wish to share.
As a mature specimen, this plant is gorgeous. In fact, any specimen is gorgeous - mature or not. Often called “Snowdrop Cactus” or “Seaweed Cactus,” it is easy to see how this plant could have either name attributed to its appearance.
Houlletianum does not have high light requirements. Bright indirect light or morning sun will suffice, but the plant will produce a reddish pink cast to the stems if given more light.
It isn’t a heavy feeder, but I find that earthworm castings are beneficial.
The stems can be felt for a soft or floppy feel to determine watering needs. Two of my three plants are in potting mix with perlite, and I find that I water them less frequently than the plant in chunky mix.
Lepismium Boliviana
Coming Soon.