A horned stick insect and a hanging stick insect
The horned stick insect is an insect belonging to the order of phasmids. It can also be found under other names, such as “Annamian stick insect”, “needle stick insect” or “Indochinese stick insect”. Certainly, however, no one will confuse it with a hanging stick insect, a peculiar species from the cactus family.
Horned stick insect By Jacek Halicki – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39317493
Rhipsalis cassutha, or the hanging stick insect, came to Poland from exotic areas of North and South America, India and Africa. This fast-growing plant produces specific cylindrical shoots with a diameter of 3 to 5 millimeters. As these naturally hang, this feature is noted in the stick insect’s name. In addition to the shoots, it often has aerial roots and small outgrowths.
Rhipsalis – a stick flower is an undemanding plant. Illustrative photo KAZLOVA IRYNA/shutterstock.com
Although until now, when the word “stick insect” was mentioned, most of us in our imagination saw an inconspicuous insect resembling a piece of stick, but it is also increasingly associated with the already mentioned, interesting potted plant.
Rhipsalis cassutha: how to care for it?
Rhipsalis cassutha is not demanding, which is why it is often recommended to busy people who would like to introduce a bit of greenery into their apartment. You don’t even have to attach too much importance to his position – the most important thing is not to put it in full sun (this may lead to burns and damage to the shoots). The stick insect grows relatively quickly, but in a heavily shaded place its growth rate may slow down a bit.
Rhipsalis. Illustrative photo istock / AHatmaker
So that it grows well, choose soil suitable for cacti and other succulents. You can also use universal soil, but then be sure to mix it with sand, using a 3:1 ratio. It’s worth thinking about drainage layer at the bottom of the pot (use expanded clay). It will be a good idea to replace the substrate periodically, every two or three years. Also ensure high air humidity. If the stick insect is too cold, it will begin to die and its stems will fall apart.
To make rhipsalis look particularly attractive, you can grow it in hanging pots – then you will take full advantage of all its advantages.
Rhipsalis: watering
Is there already rhipsalis in your house? Watering this plant must be carefully considered, because if you are not careful, you can over-dry it or cause the root ball to rot. The stick insect does not like excess water, because its roots rot easily. Nevertheless, it should not be over-dried. The optimal solution will be to water the plant once a week, and in case of severe heatwaves, every few days. For rhipsalis, be sure to prepare standing water at room temperature.
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Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
