Crazy Critters Inc. is a Non-Profit, 501(c)3, Private Exotic Animal Rescue, Sanctuary, and Conservancy.
This Wildlife Facility is located in Eustis, Florida. Crazy Critters Inc. was established to provide non-domestic, non-releasable animals with a safe and permanent home. At the moment the facility houses animals including lizards, turtles, skinks, geckos, and birds.
Animals are not on display as in a zoo setting, instead, we provide animal education during private events.
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
The Clumpy Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides) is an Endangered Species?!?
The Clumpy Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides) is listed as CRITICALLY ENDANGERED on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species because of the lack of mature specimens in their native habitat.
The Rhipsalis genus comprises over 60 species native to South America. The first description of Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides was in 1821 by Adrian Hardy Haworth.
The Rhipsalis genus comprises over 60 species native to South America. The first description of Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides was in 1821 by Adrian Hardy Haworth.
Rhipsalis is a genus of epiphytic cacti. They are typically known as Mistletoe cacti and most occur in Brazil. The scientific name derives from the Ancient Greek term for wickerwork, referring to the plants’ habitus.
Other names for the Clumpy Mistletoe Cactus are Hariota mesembryanthodes, Rhipsalis echinata, Rhipsalis mesembryantoides, and Pencil Plant.
Today it is only known to be established in public parks in the greater urban area of Rio de Janeiro. Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides is potentially extinct in the wild as it no longer occurs in any natural habitat even though it has colonized some urban areas.
This species has a very small extent of occurrence and area of occupancy.
The majority of cactus species are found in the desert environment but the epiphytic Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides grows on trees particular in the humus-rich hollows in the stem or branches. You will find this plant located in altitudes below 600 meters (2,000 ft) above sea level.
The plant forms long, round stems that can grow to more than one and a half inches in length and more than a half inch thick.
These fruit-bearing plants bear some resemblance to the native mistletoe (Photo to the right), hence the suggested vernacular name.
The fruit is small white berries.
The berries are eaten by birds, and in this way, the seeds can fall in the most impossible places.
Clumpy Mistletoe Cactus prefers partial to full shade. Use a gritty, well-drained, slightly acidic soil mix of two parts peat moss and one part sand, with bark chips mixed in to promote soil drainage.
The Clumpy Mistletoe Cactus tolerates neglect. These forest cacti tend to be long-lived.
Like all plants, Clumpy Mistletoe Cactus are susceptible to fungal stem and leaf spots, scale insects, and mealybugs.
Unlike most cactus, the soil of the mistletoe cactus should be moist during its growing season, which occurs from the early spring to late summer.
Never allow standing water on the surface of the soil, but don't let the soil dry out completely. Instead, let the topsoil dry out between waterings, but not the subsoil.
You can apply a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer every two to four weeks during the plant's growing season. Follow any instructions or warnings provided by the manufacturer when applying the fertilizer.
It is advised that you cut back on water throughout the fall and winter.
The Clumpy Mistletoe Cactus is dormant at this time, water just enough to keep the plant's stems from shriveling.
This practice promotes healthy blossoming.
Because this plant lives in tropical regions, it enjoys moisture and humidity. Mist your Clumpy Mistletoe Cactus regularly. Click to read our Perfect Solution For Healthy Plant's recipe.
These plants are found clinging to tree crotches, in branch nooks and nestled in rock crevasses. The Rhipsalis mistletoe cactus is easy to grow and has very minimal needs. It is perfect for the home interior in a northern or western window.
The Clumpy mistletoe cactus, (Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides), is easily cultivated.
At anytime, if any of the stems are damaged, you can trim them off with a sharp, sterile knife. Use these as cuttings to start new Rhipsalis mistletoe cactus.
This plant can be grown from seed. Seeds take way too long and they require very even environmental conditions. Sow seed in the winter months. Seeds can be started indoors in flats filled with sand and peat.
Moisten the medium and plant the seeds 1/4-inch deep. Keep the medium barely moist until the plants germinate.
It is recommended to propagate Clumpy Mistletoe Cacti from cuttings. Take cuttings and let the severed end callus for a few days. Plant the callused end in a cactus mix or sand that has been lightly moistened.
Cuttings root in two to six weeks. Grow young plants in semi-shade and water when the surface of the soil is dry.
We Adopt ~ Breed ~ Rescue ~ Transport ~ Rehabilitate
Crazy Critters Inc. is a Private Non-Profit, 501(c)3, Exotic Animal Rescue and Sanctuary. Our Wildlife Facility is located in Eustis, Florida. We provide permanent homes to over 200 animals including lizards, turtles, skinks, geckos, birds, and assorted wildlife. Crazy Critters Inc. was established to provide non-domestic, non-releasable animals with a safe and permanent home.
Mostly Tortoises and Turtles call Crazy Critters Inc. home. What makes us unique is that after adoption, Crazy Critters Inc. continues to share the lives of the pets on social media. Providing an additional continued connection. When an animal finds its way to Crazy Critters, it has found a forever home.
Everyone in our community benefits when donors put their funds together to help protect animals and our environment. And the fact that the animals can call this a forever home makes it that much better. Your monetary donations help provide veterinary care, food, and supplies to the animals in our care.
In keeping with our commitment to a quality life for the animals here at the sanctuary, we provide a diet created specifically for each animal’s needs, the best veterinary care, enrichment programs for the animals, and maintain their spacious, safe habitats.
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