Bellinašæ Story: The Plant That Found Me
It was just after the world started breathing again. Lockdown had eased, masks were slipping off, and people were rediscovering the joy of being out. Thatās when I wandered into a little coffee shop downtown. I can’t recall its name now, but I believe it was somewhere near Lower Jarvis or The Esplanade, possibly even Front Street. What made this place special wasnāt just the aroma of perfectly brewed espresso. It was the jungle of houseplants scattered across the store.
Not your average pothos or peace lilies either. These were rare, curious, and lovingly cared for. Thatās when I saw it: Rhipsalis paradoxa. A plant I had searched high and low for during lockdown, only to find it sitting in a modest hanging basket, its trailing stems tangled in beautiful, crisscrossing patterns.
It was a true moment of serendipity. The plant was lush, full of cuttings, and thriving. And the price? Under $20. A miracle during a time when demand for houseplants had driven prices sky high. I didnāt hesitate. I knew this beauty was mine. Cappuccino in one hand, plant in the other, I walked out smiling.
Fast forward to now, four years later. The plant has done nothing but thrive. It hangs in my sunny south-facing window, its trailing stems nearly touching the floor. I finally decided to repot it last week. The roots were packed so tightly, it felt like lifting bricks. Despite the harsh light from that window, it only seems to flourish more. Though occasionally, a few stems get sun-scorched.
In spring and summer, it puts on a quiet show. Tiny white flowers bloom unexpectedly, lasting just a day. Theyāre delicate, almost ethereal. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it feels magical.
Rhipsalis paradoxa is low maintenance. Water only when the stems feel slightly soft, about every 7 to 10 days. It’s part of my regular feeding routine with every watering. Even in winter, when light is scarce, it grows. Thatās why I suspect it could handle low-light conditions, though I don’t have a spare shady corner big enough for it.
Now that it’s repotted, Iām almost nervous. It might grow even more vigorously. When that time comes, Iāll have to cut and propagate, creating new pots of paradoxical beauty. Itās a plant that rewards patience, surprises you with blooms, and never demands too much.
Itās not always easy to find. One season, itās everywhere. The next, it vanishes. But if you spot one, donāt hesitate. Like that day in 2021, when life began again and I found this unexpected green gem over coffee.
š± Rhipsalis paradoxa Care Summary
Light: Bright, indirect light. Tolerates low light
Watering: Every 7 to 10 days, when stems feel slightly soft
Humidity: Moderate. Average home conditions are fine
Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
Fertilizer: Weekly during active growth in spring and summer
Temperature: Warm. Keep above 60Ā°F (15Ā°C) year-round
Growth: Trailing. Thrives in hanging baskets
Propagation: Easy using cuttings
Flowers: Small white blooms in spring or low-light seasons
