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Add to My Garden Sausage-chain cactus
Rhipsalis clavata
Sausage-chain cactus (Rhipsalis clavata) is trailing cactus species often grown in cultivation. Unlike many other species, sausage-chain cactus doesn't grow well in direct sunlight and is not drought-tolerant. This species requires regular watering in full to partial shade.
Planting Time
Early spring, Mid spring
More Info
Plant Type
Herb
Flower Color
White
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Cactuses Genus
Mistletoe cacti Species
Sausage-chain cactus 
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Distribution Map
Habitat
Between large east and north windows
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
Questions About Sausage-chain cactus
Watering 
Temperature What is the best way to water my Sausage-chain cactus?
It's important to know various ways to water the Sausage-chain cactus. Some might ask whether they should do the watering from top to bottom, or is it the opposite? According to the experts, one of the best ways to water the cactus is to start from the bottom. This will ensure that there will be enough water to reach the root of the plants.
If you're starting from the top, there will not be enough saturation. The water will trickle and evaporate, and only a small amount will reach its roots.
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What should I do if my Sausage-chain cactus is underwatered?
Sometimes, you might notice that even if you water it frequently enough, it will start to dry out. When you see that the flowers are beginning to wilt and there's not enough water, the issue might be in the container where they are planted. Choose a bigger one if this is the case. Buy a pot that drains easily. You will need to mix it with the right potting soil and clean sand so it will absorb more water easier.
The soil that is too wet will not go well with the roots. Since this species is an epiphyte, it won't be able to handle soggy roots since it absorbs water and nutrients from the air. It's best to ensure that there's proper drainage to prevent fungal infections.
When you notice the cactus is limp, you can transfer or re-pot it into fresh earth. Gently remove the soil as much as possible and keep it evenly moist. Mist the cactus frequently whenever possible.
After the flowers have finished blooming, you might want to cut back on watering until you see new buds appearing. When the soil dries too much, the buds will begin to drop, so you might want to add some water but not too much.
Sometimes, underwatering, which is followed by overwatering that many owners do for compensation, is quite common. These cacti are considered to be succulents. The lack of water is not noticeable until everything is too late. They show that there are issues when they begin to droop and wither. The well-intentioned plant owner will give them massive amounts of water.
This is where the roots become desiccated. They become so dry that they can't take in any excess water. It will result in waterlogged plants, and the remaining roots may rot. If you notice some signs of wilting or underwatering, you can try to bring the species back to life with regular and frequent watering. However, make sure that it won't be a deluge, so you'll give the cactus a chance to regenerate and recover its roots.
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How much water should I give my Sausage-chain cactus?
The Sausage-chain cactus must be properly watered to keep it healthy all year round. It should be potted in well-draining soil so it would produce beautiful blooms.
The amount of water that the Sausage-chain cactus needs can vary. When you see that about 1/3 of the topsoil is dry, this is the best time to water them. They are thirstier than the other succulents, so watering should take place about 1x every week. Use your fingers to check if the soil is about two inches dry.
If you notice that the soil is very dry on the top layer, run the water until it goes through the drainage of the pots. There should be a tray underneath to catch the extra water. After about 10 to 15 minutes, discard everything, including the excess water. The soaking method should work well with the Sausage-chain cactus but don't let it sit on the water-filled pot for a long time. When the species is in its flowering stage, it's highly recommended to water it sparingly.
Ideally, the best time to water them is when you notice that the leaves begin to droop. Make sure to fill the saucer of the pots with pebbles. Add water to the pebbles to add humidity to your Sausage-chain cactus.
The best way to understand whether it's time to water the Sausage-chain cactus is to check the soil. When it's too dry, simply add water and moisture. However, don't let the pot sit in the water, especially during the winter when the soil takes a long time to dry. This can cause root rot.
Know that these species can react to various seasonal changes. Watering it the correct way will mean that you should consider the climate. If you live in a dry and hot climate, the plants will need more watering, which is about twice per week.
If you live in a humid area, then watering only 1x a week can work well. You should water this less frequently in the fall and winter if you want the flowers to bloom. When the pots are exposed to too much sunlight, then the moisture will dry out faster. This is when the plant needs more watering. Watering should be less if it is in a cool or humid place.
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What will happen if I overwater my Sausage-chain cactus?
Sometimes, you might overwater your Sausage-chain cactus, which makes it look limp or wilted. When you've neglected it for too long, give it a little drink. Continue to provide it with water in a sparing way until you see that there's slight moisture in the soil.
Overwatering can cause the development of a fungal infection called white rot. The leaves tend to droop, which might result in wilting. Like any other species, the cactus can't stand overwatering or underwatering. They don't tolerate dry soil since the flowers will start dropping at the same time, and this is something that you don't want to happen.
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Should I adjust the frequency of watering my Sausage-chain cactus according to different seasons?
The cold months and the hot months are not the same. The temperatures tend to drop during the winter and fall, and the soil will take longer to dry. This is when you don't need to water the succulents often. These two seasons are also the best time for the Sausage-chain cactus to show its beautiful blooms. Water sparingly to maintain the health of the plant.
During the months of October, stop watering when there's too much water in the soil. Resume the care in November but keep the moisture light when the temperatures are still cool. When the blooms start to appear, stop watering for about a few weeks so the plants can rest from too much moisture. These are very delicate, so when you see new growth, you can resume the watering once a week if you need to.
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Should I water my Sausage-chain cactus differently when I plant it indoors vs outdoors?
Your plant's location is something you need to consider when it comes to its watering needs. When the plant grows near the window or outdoors, the air might be too dry, and the temperatures are too high. This is where you should water the plant for about 2x a week.
When it's growing indoors in a humid and cool environment, it will definitely need less watering. Indirect sunlight will also have an impact since the soil does not tend to dry out faster. This is where the succulent will just be fine with once-a-week watering. However, you still need to check the soil with a moisture meter to know what it needs.
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More Questions People Also Ask
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Water
Every 2 weeks
Originating from rainforests, Sausage-chain cactus prefers high humidity. It grows on other trees, and its primary way of getting moisture is through the rain and air. However, it doesn’t tolerate drought, and it should be watered immediately once you notice that the soil is very dry.Always use a well-draining mix to avoid root rot.
Learn More 
Lighting
Partial sun
Temperature
0 to 35 ℃
Sausage-chain cactus exhibits good adaptability to temperature, being able to tolerate higher temperatures and larger temperature variations. When temperatures are high, it's important to pay attention to watering and provide appropriate shade to prevent sunburn. However, Sausage-chain cactus has relatively poor tolerance to low temperatures. While it can withstand some degree of cold, excessively cold environments can lead to frost damage.
Learn More 
Related Articles
Useful Tips
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About
More Info
Distribution
Care FAQ
More About How-Tos
Related Articles
Add to My Garden Sausage-chain cactus
Rhipsalis clavata
Sausage-chain cactus (Rhipsalis clavata) is trailing cactus species often grown in cultivation. Unlike many other species, sausage-chain cactus doesn't grow well in direct sunlight and is not drought-tolerant. This species requires regular watering in full to partial shade.
Planting Time
Early spring, Mid spring
More Info
Plant Type
Herb
Flower Color
White
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Cactuses Genus
Mistletoe cacti Species
Sausage-chain cactus 
Find your perfect green friends.
Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.
Download the App
Distribution Map
Habitat
Between large east and north windows
Map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
Questions About Sausage-chain cactus
Watering Temperature What is the best way to water my Sausage-chain cactus?
What should I do if my Sausage-chain cactus is underwatered?
How much water should I give my Sausage-chain cactus?
What will happen if I overwater my Sausage-chain cactus?
Should I adjust the frequency of watering my Sausage-chain cactus according to different seasons?
Show More ![more]()
Get tips and tricks for your plants.
Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.
Download the App
More Questions People Also Ask
More About How-Tos
Related Articles
Best Perennial Plant to Grow
# Useful Tips
Best Perennial Plant to Grow
# Useful Tips
Most Common Succulent
# Useful Tips
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Read More 
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Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
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unlimited guides at your fingertips...
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Water
Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor potted
In the ground
Choose a site here for personalized care tips. Essentials
Originating from rainforests, Sausage-chain cactus prefers high humidity. It grows on other trees, and its primary way of getting moisture is through the rain and air. However, it doesn’t tolerate drought, and it should be watered immediately once you notice that the soil is very dry.Always use a well-draining mix to avoid root rot.
Watering check today
More
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Morning
Noonday
Evening
Morning watering can reduce the risk of fungal growth. Requirements
Every 2 weeks
Watering Frequency
Smart Seasonal Watering
Install the app for seasonal watering guidance
Download the App
Just like people, each plant has its own preferences and needs. Devote time to understanding your plants so you can nurture them properly. Observe your plants attentively, learning from their growth patterns, and becoming more in tune with their needs as you grow together. Keep a watchful eye on new plants and seedlings, as they are sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering. Shower them with gentle love and attention, fostering their growth and strength. Let the rhythm of your local climate guide your watering habits, adapting your schedule to the changing weather and the needs of your plants. Amount and Approach
Watering from the soil
1. Gradually pour water to the soil from above.
2. Stop watering your plant once water begins to flow out of the drainage holes in the pot.
3. Allow it to rest for 1 minute, then discard any water remaining in the tray, making sure your plant is not sitting in the water.
Avoid watering the leaves or flowers. Use a watering can with a long spout when watering to reduce bending and exertion, and ease your fatigue. Watering from the bottom
1. Fill the tray with water, ensure that the soil makes contact with the water.
2. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
3. Drain excess water from the tray if the soil is uniformly damp.
4. Watering more to the tray if the soil remains dry.
5. Allow it to sit for an additional 20 minutes before draining any excess water.
Avoid watering the leaves or flowers. Use a watering can with a long spout when watering to reduce bending and exertion, and ease your fatigue. Soaking the water
1. Select a location for soaking your plants, such as a tray or bathtub.
2. Pour a few centimeters of fresh water into the bottom of your chosen container.
3. Soaking your plant pots within the water, allowing them to absorb moisture for 1 hour.
4. Remove the plants from the water and let them dry.
Avoid watering the leaves or flowers. Use a watering can with a long spout when watering to reduce bending and exertion, and ease your fatigue. For Sausage-chain cactus, outdoor watering can be done using a sprinkler head. This involves using a sprinkler or hose nozzle to evenly spray water over the surface of the plant's soil. The sprinkler head can be adjusted to control the flow of water and the spray range, catering to the watering needs of different-sized plants. Keep them running for 10-20 minutes to ensure that water adequately penetrates the soil.
Important Symptoms
Overwatering
Sausage-chain cactus is prone to developing disease symptoms when overwatered, as it possesses some drought tolerance. It prefers a drier environment, and symptoms of overwatering include soft or mushy stems, root rot, stunted growth...
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Soft or mushy stems
Excess water can cause stems to become soft and mushy, as the cells become waterlogged and lose their structural integrity.
Root rot
Excess water in the soil can lead to the growth of harmful fungi and bacteria, causing the roots to rot and eventually kill the plant.
Stunted growth
Overwatering can reduce nutrient uptake and hinder plant growth, causing it to become stunted as the roots struggle to absorb the necessary nutrients.
Wilting
Overwatering can cause plants to wilt, despite the excess water, as the roots struggle to take up nutrients and oxygen due to waterlogged soil.
Increased susceptibility diseases
Overwatering plants may become more susceptible and diseases as their overall health declines, weakening their natural defenses.
Solutions
1. Adjust watering frequency based on seasons and soil dryness. Wait for soil to dry before watering.2. Increase soil aeration by loosening surface and gently stirring with a wooden stick or chopstick.3. Optimize environment with good ventilation and warmth to enhance water evaporation and prevent overwatering.
Underwatering
Sausage-chain cactus is not prone to experiencing plant health issues due to lack of watering. However, it can suffer from dehydration if watering is consistently forgotten for an extended period. Symptoms of dehydration include root damage, loss of turgor pressure ,slow growth...
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Root damage
Prolonged underwatering can cause root damage, making it difficult for the plant to absorb water even when it is available.
Loss of turgor pressure
When plants are underwatered, their cells lose water, causing a loss of turgor pressure. This can result in the plant appearing limp or deflated.
Slow growth
The plant may exhibit delayed development or slow growth due to not receiving enough water to support its growth.
Solutions
1. Thoroughly saturate soil with slow ring watering to ensure uniform and sufficient moisture for plants. 2. Increase air humidity with water trays or misting to slow leaf water evaporation. 3. Watering according to the recommended frequency.Adjust watering frequency based on seasons and soil dryness.
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Lighting
Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor
Choose a site here for personalized care tips. Requirements
Partial sun
Ideal
About 3-6 hours sunlight
Partial sun
Tolerance
About 3-6 hours sunlight
Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness. Discover information about plant diseases, toxicity, weed control and more.
Temperature
Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor
Choose a site here for personalized care tips. Requirements
Ideal
Tolerable
Unsuitable
Just like people, each plant has its own preferences. Learn about your plants' temperature needs and create a comforting environment for them to flourish. As you care for your plants, your bond with them will deepen. Trust your intuition as you learn about their temperature needs, celebrating the journey you share. Lovingly monitor the temperature around your plants and adjust their environment as needed. A thermometer can be your ally in this heartfelt endeavor. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you explore your plants' temperature needs. Cherish your successes, learn from challenges, and nurture your garden with love, creating a haven that reflects the warmth of your care. Essentials
Sausage-chain cactus exhibits good adaptability to temperature, being able to tolerate higher temperatures and larger temperature variations. When temperatures are high, it's important to pay attention to watering and provide appropriate shade to prevent sunburn. However, Sausage-chain cactus has relatively poor tolerance to low temperatures. While it can withstand some degree of cold, excessively cold environments can lead to frost damage.
Regional wintering strategies
Sausage-chain cactus has some cold tolerance and generally does not require any additional measures when the temperature is above {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min}. However, if the temperature is expected to drop below {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min}, it is necessary to take some temporary measures for cold protection, such as wrapping the plant with plastic film, fabric, or other materials. Once the temperature rises again, the protective measures should be removed promptly.
Important Symptoms
Low Temperature
Sausage-chain cactus has moderate tolerance to low temperatures and thrives best when the temperature is above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min}. During winter, it should be kept above {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min}. When the temperature falls below {Limit_growth_temperature}, the leaves may start to droop. In mild cases, they can recover, but in severe cases, the leaves will wilt and eventually fall off.
Solutions
Trim off the frost-damaged parts. Prior to encountering low temperatures again, wrap the plant with materials such as non-woven fabric or cloth, and construct a wind barrier to protect it from the cold wind.
High Temperature
During summer, Sausage-chain cactus should be kept below {Suitable_growth_temperature_max}. When the temperature exceeds {Tolerable_growing_temperature_max}, the color of the leaves becomes lighter, the leaf tips may become dry and withered, the leaves may curl, and the plant becomes more susceptible to sunburn.
Solutions
Trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts. Move the plant to a location that provides shade from the midday and afternoon sun, or use a shade cloth to create shade. Water the plant in the morning and evening to keep the soil moist.
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