Variation and habitats
The Minas Gerais revision describes the subspecies Rhipsalis floccosa subsp. oreophila and Rhipsalis floccosa subsp. pulvinigera, associated with different localities. Plants may grow on trees or rocks, and terminal segments differ in size and habit. In subspecies pulvinigera, the lower floral region is embedded in the stem and mature fruits are white to pink. Subspecies oreophila was documented in rocky mountain habitats. These regional accounts do not encompass the entire species’ variation [Tortorelli et al. 2025].
Germination and identity of the tested sample
In Lone and colleagues’ study, seeds identified at species level reached their highest germination at 20 °C. Darkness at the same temperature completely prevented germination during 30 days. Access to light and moderate warmth are therefore well-supported conditions for sowing this material. The experiment does not establish nutrient requirements, flowering schedules or adult winter tolerance [Lone et al. 2016].
Gonçalo and colleagues examined Rhipsalis floccosa subsp. floccosa. Germination was inhibited at constant 30 and 35 °C, but some seeds began growth after transfer to more favourable conditions. In a separate trial at −0.4 MPa osmotic potential, seedlings emerged but did not survive the water restriction. Seeds that had remained ungerminated could subsequently produce living seedlings after stress removal. These stages need to be counted separately when assessing sowing success [Gonçalo et al. 2026].
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Synonyms and names in the literature
Hylorhipsalis floccosa · Lepismium floccosum [2-WWW]
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