How to Grow and Care for Mistletoe Cactus

Rhipsalis baccifera

Mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera) is an epiphytic stem succulent with a branching development behavior that adheres to rocks or timber for assist within the wild.

R. baccifera isn’t solely an uncommon wanting cactus; it’s the one one with native habitat exterior the Americas.

It’s endemic to the Caribbean, Central and South America, Madagascar, Southern Africa, and Sri Lanka. It is usually thought-about an endangered species in southern Florida.

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Mistletoe cactus, aka spaghetti cactus is known as for the white to pinkish berries that bear some resemblance to the festive vacation foliage that has turn into synonymous with a Christmas kiss.

Nevertheless, the similarity ends there.

Christmas mistletoe (Viscum and Phoradendron species) is a poisonous, leathery-leafed parasite with a rounded kind that grows on host timber, depriving them of water and meals.

Mistletoe cactus options string-like, leafless, cylindrical stems referred to as cladodes, often inexperienced however shading to purple in harsh daylight.

Learn on for all it is advisable to know to get pleasure from this distinctive cactus indoors as a houseplant.

Right here’s what we’ll cowl:

The stems are segmented and angular, but they cascade gracefully.

At every stem joint and tip, small greenish-white flowers bloom in late winter to early spring, adopted by translucent white berries.

Mature dimensions are 48 to 72 inches lengthy and 12 to 24 inches broad, for a considerable specimen that reveals nicely in hanging planters.

There may be additionally a naturally occurring subspecies, mouse tail cactus, R. baccifera subsp. horrida.

This one has shorter, thicker stems with spines, related fruits, yellowish, white, or greenish flowers, and a mean size of about 20 inches.

One other plant it’s possible you’ll encounter is purple mistletoe cactus, Pseudorhipsalis ramulosa, previously Rhipsalis ramulosa. 

The purple species co-evolved with our topic plant, nevertheless it has traits distinct sufficient to warrant classification in a separate genus.

Its flattened, ribbon-like inexperienced stems flip purple in direct daylight. Whitish-green flowers seem alongside the stem margins, adopted by purple berries.

Cultural necessities are related for all three of those vegetation.

The best way to Develop

Mistletoe cactus is native to rainforest areas and accustomed to temperatures within the 60 to 80°F vary. Not like desert cacti, it thrives in areas with excessive humidity.