Scientific Name
Hatiora herminiae (Porto & A.Cast.) Backeb.ex Barthlott
Synonym(s)
Hariota herminiae, Rhipsalis herminiae
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Rhipsalideae
Genus: Hatiora
Origin
Hatiora herminiae is native to southeast Brazil. It grows as an epiphyte in the cloud forests in Minas Gerais and São Paulo.
Description
Hatiora herminiae is a branching cactus with upright or arching stems that are circular in cross-section and composed of segments. It can grow up to 1 foot (30 cm) tall. The stem segments are cylindrical and can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter, each with a few areoles bearing clusters of grayish hairs. They are grey, dark green, olive green, or with shades of purple in full sun.
The flowers are pink to magenta and can reach up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. They appear from the areoles at the ends of stems, usually solitary, in spring. The fruits are olive green berries that can grow up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) long.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Hatiora grows in the wild in tropical rain forests of south-eastern Brazil, as far south as Parana, along the border with Paraguay. Although they grow mostly on tree trunks, they sometimes grow on rocky ground. In the wild, Hatiora bloom in spring and will sometimes flower twice in one year.
These cacti thrive best in indirect light with morning and evening sun exposure. They prefer well-drained soil. Cactus or epiphytic compost works well. Hatiora can be propagated easily through cuttings that can root immediately in soil. It likes long nights of about 14 hours. Cover the plant with a paper bag to shut out sunlight. Do not reposition the plant once flower buds appear, as these could fall off during movement. It needs a month's rest after flowering, so water sparingly during this period.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Hatiora.
Links
- Back to genus Hatiora
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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