Rhipsalis paradoxa – Chain Cactus Hanging Basket
Rhipsalis paradoxa – Chain Cactus Hanging Basket - 6" Hanging Basket is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Description
Description
Rhipsalis paradoxa – Chain Cactus Hanging Basket
Rhipsalis paradoxa, also known as the Chain Cactus, is a fascinating jungle cactus with long, segmented stems that resemble links in a chain. Native to the humid forests of Brazil, this epiphytic cactus naturally grows on tree branches, where its stems drape gracefully in filtered light. In a hanging basket, those same pendulous chains create an eye-catching, architectural display that feels sculptural and soft at the same time.
Unlike typical desert cacti, Rhipsalis enjoys gentle light, consistent moisture, and higher humidity—making it a perfect plant for bright rooms, plant shelves, and hanging corners that don’t get harsh direct sun.
Rhipsalis Paradoxa Plant Profile
- Botanical Name: Rhipsalis paradoxa
- Common Names: Chain Cactus, Link Cactus
- Family: Cactaceae
- Native Range: Atlantic forests of Brazil (subtropical/tropical moist lowland forests)
- Plant Type: Epiphytic, jungle cactus with trailing segmented stems
Rhipsalis Paradoxa Care Guide
- Care Level: Easy to Moderate – forgiving once you match its jungle-cactus needs
- Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. It also does well in dappled or medium light. Avoid harsh, direct sun that can scorch the stems.
- Water: Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy. Water thoroughly, then allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Reduce watering slightly in winter.
- Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity (around 50–70%). Typical household humidity is fine, but added humidity will encourage lush growth.
- Temperature: Best between 60–80°F. Protect from cold drafts and avoid temperatures below ~50°F.
- Soil: Use a very well-draining, airy mix (such as cactus or succulent mix amended with orchid bark and perlite) to mimic its epiphytic roots.
- Feeding: Fertilize monthly during spring and summer with a diluted, balanced or cactus-specific liquid fertilizer.
- Growth Habit: Trailing; chain-like segmented stems can easily reach 2–3+ feet in length in a hanging basket.
- Pruning: Trim stems to control length or shape; cut segments can be used for propagation.
- Propagation: Simple from stem cuttings—allow cut ends to callus briefly, then plant in a well-draining mix.
- Toxicity: Considered non-toxic to humans and pets if touched or ingested.
What Makes Rhipsalis Paradoxa Unique?
This isn’t your typical spiky cactus. Rhipsalis paradoxa is thornless, soft to the touch, and naturally cascading. The stems are made of plump, three-angled segments that link together like a chain, creating a sculptural, almost geometric look in a hanging basket. In the right conditions, small white flowers can appear along the stems, followed by decorative berry-like fruits—an extra reward for consistent care.
Because it’s epiphytic and adapted to life in the tree canopy, it tolerates gentler light and appreciates humidity more than desert cacti do. That makes it a great choice for bright rooms, near east- or north-facing windows, or a bit back from a sunny window where the light is filtered.
Styling Your Chain Cactus
Hang your Rhipsalis paradoxa where its cascading stems can really shine—over a stairwell, in front of a bright window, or as a statement piece in your plant corner. Pair it with broad-leafed foliage plants for contrast, or group it with other epiphytic cacti for a lush, jungle-inspired look.
Pro Tip: Rotate the hanging basket every few weeks so the stems grow evenly and form a full, balanced cascade.
Keep Your Plants Cozy with Heat Packs
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Live Plants – Frequently Asked Questions
Shipping
How are live plants shipped?
How are live plants shipped?
All live plants are carefully prepared and hand-packed to protect them during transit. Plants are shipped in their pots (not bare-root), with soil secured using polyfill to prevent shifting. Stems and foliage are supported with paper wrapping to reduce movement and minimize stress during shipping. We may adjust shipping timing based on weather conditions to protect plant health.
When will my plant ship?
When will my plant ship?
Most live plant orders ship within 5–15 business days. Shipping may be delayed during extreme heat or cold to protect plant health. Processing time is separate from transit time.
Do you ship live plants year-round?
Do you ship live plants year-round?
Yes, we ship year-round when conditions are safe. During extreme weather, we may temporarily hold shipments rather than risk damage in transit.
What should I expect when my plant arrives?
What should I expect when my plant arrives?
Minor shipping stress is normal. This may include slight leaf drop, drooping, or cosmetic blemishes. Most plants recover after a short adjustment period with proper care.
My plant lost leaves during shipping — is it dead?
My plant lost leaves during shipping — is it dead?
Not necessarily. Leaf loss can occur due to shipping stress or temperature changes, especially in winter. As long as the plant shows signs of life at the root or stem level, it is considered viable and may recover.
How can I protect my plant during cold weather shipping?
How can I protect my plant during cold weather shipping?
During colder months, we may recommend adding a Heat pack to help reduce transit stress. Heat packs help mitigate risk but do not eliminate the possibility of cosmetic cold stress.
Do you offer heat packs?
Do you offer heat packs?
Yes. Heat packs are available during colder months and are recommended when temperatures may affect plant health in transit. Please note that heat packs reduce risk but do not guarantee plant health, especially during extreme weather.
How long will it take to receive my order?
How long will it take to receive my order?
Most orders ship within 5–15 business days from the date of purchase.
We are a small, independently operated team, and all plants are inspected, prepared, and packed by hand. Unlike standard retail items, live plants require careful timing and handling to ensure safe delivery.
Processing times may be extended during:
- Holidays and peak seasons
- Extreme weather conditions
- Carrier delays outside of our control
Processing time is separate from transit time.
Will my plant look like the one on the website?
Will my plant look like the one on the website?
Good question — and we’re glad you asked. Because we work with living plants, our inventory is always changing, and plants are often grown and shipped in batches. This makes it impractical to photograph every individual plant.
The photos on each product page are representative of the average size and fullness of that plant at the time of listing. While natural variation is expected — some plants may be slightly larger or smaller — your plant will be similar in overall appearance and quality.
Each plant is hand-selected and packed with care to ensure it arrives healthy and ready to grow.
What should I do after unboxing my plant?
What should I do after unboxing my plant?
Unbox your plant promptly, place it in bright, indirect light, and allow a few days to adjust before repotting or making changes. See our Plant Unboxing Guide for detailed tips.
Do you offer express shipping?
Do you offer express shipping?
Express shipping may be available on select items at checkout. Please note that faster shipping does not always eliminate weather-related risks and processing for live plants. Need your order sooner? Send an email to support@edsplantshop.com
Where do you ship?
Where do you ship?
We ship our selection of rare, healthy, and unique houseplants all across the United States including California. At this time, due to customs and agricultural limitations, we are unable to ship plants internationally from the United States.
Returns and Refunds
What is your 15-Day plant health guarantee?
What is your 15-Day plant health guarantee?
Small plants (8” nursery pots and under) are covered by our 15-Day Plant Health Guarantee, starting from the delivery date.
Large plants (10” nursery pots and above) have a 48-hour inspection and reporting window from delivery.
Coverage applies to severe and irreversible decline through no fault of the customer. Full details are outlined in our Refund & Returns Policy.
What should I do if my plant arrives damaged?
What should I do if my plant arrives damaged?
Please email us at support@edsplantshop.com within the inspection window with clear photos of the plant and packaging. Do not discard the plant or materials until our team reviews your case.
What is your return policy for non-plant items?
What is your return policy for non-plant items?
Approved non-plant items may be returned within 30 days of delivery, subject to the following:
- Items must be unused and in original packaging
- Prior approval is required
- A 15% restocking fee applies
- Customers are responsible for return shipping
Final-sale items are not eligible for return or refund.
Can I cancel my live plant order?
Can I cancel my live plant order?
Live plant orders may be canceled only if they have not entered fulfillment. Once packing or shipping has begun, orders cannot be canceled.
Can I return or exchange a plant?
Can I return or exchange a plant?
At this time, we do not accept returns on plants. In extreme circumstances where a return of a plant is necessary, the customer is responsible for the return shipping and a refund will only be issued if the plant arrives back to us in living condition.
How long will it take to receive my refund?
How long will it take to receive my refund?
Refunds are processed within 3-7 days from when we receive the item(s).
Still have questions?
Still have questions?
👉 [View our full FAQ & Policies] or Email us at support@edsplantshop.com with your order number, photos, and any questions. We’re happy to help.