Mistletoe Cactus

Botanical Name: Rhipsalis baccifera and other species

Spiky, branched stems punctuating the air makes mistletoe cactus an exciting plant for any room. Some species are more weeping than others, trailing over the sides of the pot. Put one in a hanging basket to show it off at eye-level.

Although this is a true cactus, its origins are in the tropical rainforests, where Rhipsalis makes its home as an epiphyte, hanging on a tree branch.

You can expect small greenish-white flowers to appear in late winter or spring, followed by white fruits that look similar to the berries on mistletoe. You'll often find this plant labeled Mistletoe Cactus.

Repot every couple years, keeping this sprawling succulent in a smallish pot. Wait till the spring flowers have faded -- never repot a plant while it's blooming. Handle the plant carefully -- those stems are fragile and may break off at the stem joints.

Mistletoe Cactus Care Tips

Origin: Brazil and Peru

Height: Varies by species; many will trail to 6 ft/1.8 m unless pruned back.

Light: Bright indirect light year-round. Shade from direct sunlight, especially in summer, which causes the stems to turn red and look shriveled.

Water: Keep the potting medium barely moist year-round.

Humidity: This cactus is native to rainforests where it lives with high humidity. Mist it often.

Temperature: 70-75°F/21-24°C days and 60-70°F/16-21°C nights

Soil: Mix 1 part potting soil and 1 part fine-grade fir bark.

Fertilizer: Feed every 4 months with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Propagation: Use a sharp, clean knife, scissors or a razor blade to take stem cuttings. A milky, white sap may ooze from the cuttings, so allow the cut ends to dry for a day or two. Then insert the cut end into a sterile potting medium. Keep the medium lightly moist.