Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if the soil is dry or waterlogged.
- Gently pull the plant to see if it is loose in the pot.
- Inspect the roots for signs of decay.
Likely causes
Severe Dehydration
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems look limp and the potting mix has pulled away from the sides of the pot.
What to do: Submerge the pot in a basin of water for 20 minutes to rehydrate the soil. Allow it to drain completely afterward.
Root Rot
PossibleHow to tell: The plant droops even when the soil is wet and the base of the stems may look dark or discolored.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. Trim away any mushy, black roots and repot in fresh, dry soil.
Find out what's wrong with your rhipsalis
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
When to worry
Worry if the drooping does not improve after a thorough watering. It is normal for the plant to look slightly less plump if it has been a few weeks since the last watering.
Stopping it coming back
Use a well draining potting mix and ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent water from sitting around the roots.
Keep your rhipsalis healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- If you catch it early and remove all the decaying roots, the plant can recover. It will need time to grow a new root system.
- Does my Rhipsalis need a bigger pot?
- Rhipsalis prefer to be slightly root bound. Only repot if the roots are circling the bottom or the plant is tipping over.
More problems with Rhipsalis
- Why are there white fuzzy spots on my Mistletoe cactus?
- Why are my Mistletoe cactus stems turning mushy?
- Why is my Mistletoe cactus growing long and thin?
- Why are my Rhipsalis leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Rhipsalis tips turning brown?
- Why is my Rhipsalis dropping its stems?
- Why is my Rhipsalis not blooming?
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.