Dancing Bones

Hatiora Salicorniodes

Hatiora salicorniodes  (formerly known as Rhipsalis salicorniodes) is an attention-grabbing ipiphytic cacti commonly known as Dancing Bones.  Most species of Rhipsalis are found in the tropical forests of Central and South America with a small occurrence in Africa and Asia.

These plants are naturally found growing on the surfaces of trees where they attach to the branches and obtain their moisture and nutrients from the surrounding environment without being parasitic to the tree.  They also inhabit the surfaces of crevices of rocks.

Dancing Bones has a pendulous, sprawling habit so it is well suited to growing in hanging pots or grown on a ledge where branches can drape or trial down.  The stems are segmented and have a distinct, coral-like appearance, with small, green leaves that are flattened and stick out in several directions.  The plant produces small, bright yellow flowers that bloom in the warmer months.  They can be a little slow growing initially, but once they’ve settled in, they quickly seem to establish and form a lush and graceful plant.

Rhipsalis like a partially shaded environment with bright indirect light.  Use a well-drained potting mix and maintain a good amount of watering throughout the year, easing off over the winter months.  If growing in a pot, allow the pots to dry out between each watering.  The main growth period is through Spring and Summer and these plants love humidity so love a misting spray from time to time.

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