With cascading, flattened stems that shift from bright green through orange to deep coral-pink, the Red Coral Cactus (Rhipsalis ramulosa 'Red Coral') is one of the most colourful of the trailing jungle cacti. Sometimes listed as Red Mistletoe Cactus or Forest Cactus, it is an epiphyte whose wild relatives grow along tree branches in the rainforests of South and Central America. The pink flush deepens in brighter light, and mature plants can flower from small yellow buds into tiny daisy-like white blooms.

Its long, drape-happy stems make it a natural for a hanging pot or the edge of a high shelf, where the multi-toned foliage can tumble and show off. An easy, forgiving plant that reads as a cactus but behaves like the rainforest dweller it is.

Care at a glance

Light: Bright, indirect. A little gentle morning or late-afternoon sun deepens the coral tones, but avoid harsh midday sun, which scorches the stems.

Water: Let the top of the medium dry out, then water thoroughly and let it drain. Ease off through winter while growth slows.

Humidity: Happy in average rooms, lusher with a little extra humidity.

Temperature: Comfortable at normal room temperatures; keep above 10°C in winter.

Pet note: Considered non-toxic, though it is always best to discourage nibbling for the sake of both pets and plant.

Supplied in a 14cm hanging pot. As a living plant, colour and form vary from one to the next, so yours will be one of a kind.