Pest identification
What's eating my triangular rhipsalis?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white deposits nestled in the notches along stem edges and at branching points; reduced vigor
Control: Use a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol at each notch; follow with a full-plant neem oil spray
Scale insects
Signs: Brown shield-like bumps along stem edges and nodes; sticky residue and black sooty mould
Control: Dislodge with a toothbrush, wipe with alcohol, spray with diluted horticultural oil on all stem surfaces
Fungus gnats
Signs: Flying adults near soil; larvae feed on roots in moist organic potting medium
Control: Allow mix surface to dry between waterings; apply yellow sticky traps; use Bti drench if larvae persist
Keep triangular rhipsalis pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Triangular Rhipsalis pests — FAQ
What is eating my triangular rhipsalis?
Rhipsalis trigona has flattened or angled triangular stems with notched edges — ideal hiding spots for mealybugs and scale at each notch and node. Like all Rhipsalis, its preference for higher humidity and an organic mix also invites fungus gnats if watering is excessive. Monthly inspection at every stem notch and node is key.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on triangular rhipsalis?
Cottony white deposits nestled in the notches along stem edges and at branching points; reduced vigor Use a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol at each notch; follow with a full-plant neem oil spray
How do I get rid of scale insects on triangular rhipsalis?
Brown shield-like bumps along stem edges and nodes; sticky residue and black sooty mould Dislodge with a toothbrush, wipe with alcohol, spray with diluted horticultural oil on all stem surfaces
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on triangular rhipsalis?
Flying adults near soil; larvae feed on roots in moist organic potting medium Allow mix surface to dry between waterings; apply yellow sticky traps; use Bti drench if larvae persist