If you are looking for a unique and captivating plant species to add to your collection, look no further than Kimnachia ramulosa a.k.a. red coral cactus! This rare and exotic plant is sure to turn heads with its striking appearance and fascinating characteristics.
Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, Kimnachia ramulosa is a member of the cactus family and features long, slender stems that are covered in delicate, thread-like foliage. When in bloom, this stunning plant produces colourful flowers that are sure to catch the eye of any passerby.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant collector or a novice gardener, Kimnachia ramulosa is a must-have addition to any collection. So why not add a touch of rare and exotic beauty to your home or garden with this stunning plant species?
Curious to learn more about the fascinating red coral cactus? Keep reading our article!
Watch Our Latest YouTube Video ...
Quick Facts
| Botanical Name | Kimnachia ramulosa/Pseudorhipsalis ramulosa |
| Common Name | Red Coral Cactus, Red Mistletoe Cactus |
| Plant Type | Epiphytic cactus |
| Mature Size | 1 – 2 m (3-6 feet) long, 1 m (3 feet) wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Soil Type | Well-draining, fertile |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Bloom Time | Summer |
| Flower Color | White |
| Hardiness Zones | 10-11 (USDA) |
| Native Area | South America |
About Red Coral Cactus
- Kimnachia ramulosa is a member of the Cactaceae family. In the past, the scientific name of this species was Pseudorhipsalis ramulosa.
- This plant is commonly known as the “Red mistletoe cactus” because of its bright red, berry-like fruits that resemble mistletoe berries. Other common names include Red coral cactus, Red Rhipsalis, and Chain cactus.
- Kimnachia ramulosa is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal watering and can withstand a wide range of light conditions. It does best in those mediums that simulate its habitat of origin.
- The red coral cactus is a trailing, shrubby succulent whose slender branches can reach impressive lengths, especially when this plant grows in a tropical environment.
- It is most popular as a houseplant, doing much better in environments in which the growers can have some control. This plant is a great option for terrariums and hanging baskets.
- Kimnachia ramulosa is closely related to other popular species of cacti, such as Schlumbergera and Rhipsalis. You can mix these beauties all together to create a wonderful stack of cacti in just one container.
- Not only is Kimnachia ramulosa visually appealing, but it is also known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments. These would be skin conditions, gastrointestinal issues, and respiratory problems.
Red Coral Cactus Features: An Overview
- This plant belongs to the Kimnachia genus of cacti. The genus is monotypic, containing only one species which is none other than our buddy right here – Kimnachia ramulosa.
- Red coral cactus is a cute shrubby species that tends to branch freely from its base. It has a slow growth pace and its size depends directly on how much its elegant stems grow up with time. In its native habitat, it can grow as tall as 6 feet (1.8 m).
- Red coral cactus has thin, elongated stems that can grow up to 2.3 feet (70 cm) in length. The stems of this cactus are reddish at first and turn green later. They have small, hair-like structures called trichomes that help the plant absorb moisture from the air.
- This attractive ornamental produces small flowers that are often hidden among the plant’s foliage. The blossoms may exhibit various colors like white, bright red, orange, pink, or greenish cream. They measure only 0.3 to 0.5 inches (7-12 mm) in both length and width.
- The tiny, white berries of the Kimnachia ramulosa species are edible. However, humans do not commonly consume them. They are more likely a food source for animals.
Growing Red Coral Cactus
Kimnachia ramulosa thrives in bright and indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate foliage, so it is best to place it in a spot that receives filtered light or in a north-facing window. In addition, this plant prefers an environment that is more on the humid side, so we recommend you mist the leaves with water a few times a week for the best growth out there.
Temperature-wise, Kimnachia ramulosa is a tropical plant that thrives in warm conditions. Ideally, it should be kept in an environment that is between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). This plant does not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures, so it would be best to keep it indoors during the winter months or in a warm, protected environment.
In terms of soil requirements, the red coral cactus prefers a well-draining and slightly acidic substrate. A mix of equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and sand is great for this plant. You can easily prepare this at home even if you are a beginner.
Fertilizing the red coral cactus is also important for optimal growth, so you do not want to skip this part. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer works best for this particular species of cacti, which you can apply once every two weeks during the growing season. But before getting into action, be sure to dilute the product to half its recommended strength.
Finally, pruning is more than necessary to keep your red coral cactus looking its best. Prune the stems to control the plant’s size and to encourage branching. Additionally, you should remove any dead or damaged stems along this process to promote new, healthy growth.
Potting and Repotting Red Coral Cactus
Planting a red coral cactus requires some care and attention. It would be wise to plant this lovely cactus in a container that is at least twice the size of its root ball. It is also very important to make sure the container has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape from it.
When you plant it, gently loosen the roots and place the plant in the center of the container. Fill the container with soil, making sure the plant is firmly in place. Water thoroughly after planting to help your Kimnachia ramulosa settle in its home.
Repotting a red coral cactus is an important aspect of caring for this plant species, as it helps ensure that the roots have enough space to grow and access the nutrients they need. However, it is important to approach repotting with care, as this cactus can be sensitive to changes in its environment.
- Homegrown by 9GreenBox
- Red color.
- It will bloom between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Great Gift for everyone.
- Come with multiple plants in 4" Pot
- Beautifull houseplant that provides masses of bright, colorful, long-lasting blooms during the holiday season. Succulent leaves grow out from the each other to form stems and branches
- Christmas cactus likes indirect light and humid conditions. Growing your Christmas cactus in a north- or east-facing window is ideal, but wherever you end up putting it, make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight.
- Christmas cactus plants like soil that consistently has more moisture than the soil preferred by most other succulents. In general, water a Christmas cactus when the top inch or 2 of soil is dry.
- give you those gorgeous blooms for the holidays, Christmas cacti need to have regular, nutritious meals from the time they finish blooming all the way into fall—that’s how they store up enough energy to produce the next round of flowers.
- The Christmas cactus is a relatively easy plant to propagate. Take cuttings of one to four segments and let them sit in a cool, dry place for two to four days. Plant an inch deep in new soil, preferably a sand/peat mix. Water sparingly until roots or new growth develop, then water as norma
- Hedgehog Aloe Plant Pot: Hedgehog Aloe is a beautiful succulent plant with blue-green thorny leaves. The plant is named so, because its narrow and often recurved shape lends it a compact but spiky ball-like appearance akin to a hedgehog
- Indoor Plants: Hedgehog Aloe plants bloom with unique spikes of coral-red flowers in the spring and late summer. The plants soothe burns and skin irritations just like regular Aloe plants. The USDA hardiness zone for outdoor planting is 8–11
- Easy Maintenance: Hedgehog Aloe plants are easy to care for; the plants grow well in bright, indirect light to full sunlight, with the ideal temperature being 65–75° F. A heat pack is also included for each plant if your region experiences cold weather
- Home and Garden Decor: Our Hedgehog Aloe plant pot is perfect for windowsills, countertops, desks, and tables in your home or garden. The plant, which can grow up to 12” tall, is a great gift option for friends and family
- Health Benefits: Live plants purify the air in their surroundings and thus enable you to inhale clean, fresh air while also helping to boost mood levels. The plant is toxic to humans and pets if ingested
Last update on 2024-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The best time to repot a red coral cactus is during the spring or summer months when the plant is actively growing. When selecting a new pot or container, choose one that is just slightly larger than the current one, as this will allow for some room for growth without overwhelming the plant.
Before the repotting part, carefully remove the plant from its current pot by gently loosening the roots and shaking off excess soil. Inspect the roots for any signs of damage or disease and trim them as needed. Place the plant in the new pot and fill in the surrounding area with fresh potting soil, making sure that the soil is packed in firmly.
After repotting, water the plant thoroughly and place it in a warm, humid environment to help it adjust to its new surroundings. It is important to avoid fertilizing for a few weeks after repotting to avoid stressing the plant out.
Watering Red Coral Cactus
When it comes to watering, you should pay very little attention to your red coral cactus companion. In general, it is best to water this cactus sparingly.
Overwatering can cause problems in the long term, such as root rot or wilting. In other words, watering this cactus can be a bit tricky, as this plant species requires the right amount of water to thrive. But not impossible!
The red coral cactus likes a substrate that is evenly moist, but not waterlogged. When you water this buddy, it is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. This will prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged and even help to prevent issues with root rot.
During the growing season, which typically lasts from spring to summer, you can increase the frequency of watering, but still, be sure not to let the soil become waterlogged. To determine when to water, simply stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If the soil feels dry to the touch, it is the perfect time to water the plant.
Make sure you use room temperature water for the drinks of your red coral cactus. Cold water can shock the roots and cause damage, while hot water can scald them. Room temperature water is ideal for this plant species.
Propagating Red Coral Cactus
Propagating red coral cactus is a fun and rewarding process that can help you grow more of this rare and gorgeous plant species. There are two main methods of propagating this cactus: stem cuttings or seeds. By following the appropriate steps and providing the right growing conditions, you can enjoy the beauty of this rare plant species in your home or garden for as long as you want.
When you propagate your cactus, it is important to keep in mind that this plant species requires warmth and humidity to thrive. Keeping the new plants in a warm, humid environment and providing them with plenty of water and light will help ensure their success.
Stem cuttings are a popular way to propagate red coral cactus because they are relatively easy and quick to root. To propagate through stem cuttings, simply cut a healthy stem of the plant just below a node using clean, sharp shears.
Remove the leaves from the bottom third of the stem and dip the cut end into the rooting hormone. Plant the stem cutting into a well-draining potting mix and water it lightly. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, humid environment until new growth appears.
Another method of propagating this attractive ornamental is through seeds. To do this, collect the red berries that form on the plant after flowering. Remove the seeds from the berries and allow them to dry out for a few days.
Once the seeds are dry, plant them in a well-draining potting mix and water them lightly. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, humid environment until the seeds germinate and some red coral cactus tiny babies show up.
Red Coral Cactus Pests and Diseases
While the red coral cactus is generally considered to be relatively pest-resistant, it is still important to keep an eye out for any signs of trouble and take action if necessary. With proper care and attention, you can help your cactus thrive and grow into a beautiful and healthy plant.
The most common intruders that might bother your red coral cactus include spider mites and mealybugs. To control a spider mite infestation, it’s important to keep the plant well-hydrated and to regularly mist the leaves to create a humid environment that is less favorable to these pests. With mealybugs, on the other hand, you can remove the pests from the plant using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
In Conclusion
Kimnachia ramulosa, commonly referred to as the red coral cactus, is a beautiful and unique plant species that requires some attention and care to thrive. As a general rule, the red coral cactus is pretty easy to grow and all it needs is well-draining soil, plenty of bright indirect light, and some water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
If you are a houseplant lover, you already know how easy it is to keep a cactus by your side. Cacti are perfect for experienced and beginner gardeners alike. By following these simple growing and caring requirements, you can enjoy the beauty of the red coral cactus for years to come. Additionally, you can easily propagate this attractive ornamental and offer it as a gift to your friends and family.
Are you growing Kimnachia ramulosa a.k.a the red coral cactus in your home or garden? Share your experience in the comments!
