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How to make rhipsalis wall pockets

Charlie Albone shows you how! - by Charlie Albone
  • 02 Oct 2020

Known as the jungle plant because it grows in tall trees in the wilds of South America, rhipsalis can be tamed to sit perfectly proper in little pockets you can hang on your garden walls. Here’s how!

WATCH: Charlie Albone shows you how to make rhipsalis wall pockets

Gather your supplies

  • Range of rhipsalis plants
  • Timber block, such as tree stump slice
  • Hex-head screws
  • Picture wire
  • Sphagnum moss
  • Chicken wire
  • U-shaped galvanised staples

You’ll also need

100-150 grit sandpaper; wire cutter; small hammer; drill; drill bit

Wall pockets hung on wall

Four different rhipsalis wall pockets

Here's How 

Step 1 Sand block of timber smooth.

Step 2 Drill 2 holes in back of block.

Step 3 Screw in hex-head screws so some thread is still exposed.

Step 4 Cut picture wire slightly wider that distance between screws.

Step 5 Wind wire around both screws and tighten screws.

Wood with wire

Step 5

Step 6 Cut chicken wire twice width of timber block.

cutting wire

Step 6

Step 7 Shape it into a fat pocket.

shaping wire

Step 7

Step 8 Fix pocket to block with staples.

nailing wire to wood

Step 8

Step 9 Soak sphagnum moss, squeeze out excess water.

Moss

Step 9

Step 10 Set aside small amount of moss and line inside of pocket with the rest, leaving small gap at centre.

Lining pocket

Step 10

Step 11 Remove rhipsalis plants from pots and insert into gap.

intserting plant pot into moss

Step 11

Step 12 Cover top of plant with leftover moss.

Covering with moss

Step 12

Tips

  • Instead of rhipsalis, you can use orchids or ferns instead.
  • Instead of a tree trunk slice, you can use scraps of timber such as pallet parts or old fence paling.

How to propagate rhipsalis

Step 1 Cut a stem from close to the base of the plant with clean, sharp secateurs. 

cutting rhipsalis

Step 1

Step 2 Cut into smaller pieces about 15cm long from the tip down. So you don’t end up planting the stem upside down, hold the tip of the stem in one hand to make the first cut then bring up the stem to match the tip to make another cut. Repeat until the stem is in 5-7 pieces. 

Cutting stem

Step 2

Step 3 Allow to dry for a day so the cuts grow callouses, making note of where the base of the cuts are. 

Step 4 Put in small pots half filled with potting mix, then top up mix around cuttings.

Finished pots

Step 4

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Charlie Albone
Charlie Albone
Charlie has worked internationally and in Australia for the past 17 years, designing and building gardens that are timeless, inspiring and enjoyable to spend time in. In 2015 and 2016, he was awarded two Silver gilt medals for his own gardens at the world’s most prestigious flower show The Chelsea Flower Show.

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