Mistletoe cactus care guide

The mistletoe cactus is a jungle cactus. It grows on tree branches in rainforests, not in the desert. It makes a soft, trailing mop of thin green stems with no spines to speak of. It suits a hanging pot or a high shelf, and it is safe for cats and dogs.

Light

Give it bright indirect light. An east window is ideal. A spot near a south or west window, out of the hot afternoon sun, works too.

Too much direct sun turns the stems yellow or red. In low light, it grows thin and sparse.

Water

This is not a desert cactus. It needs more water than most people expect. Water when the top 2 to 3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry. Water until it drains, then empty the saucer.

In winter, let it dry a bit more between waterings. Do not let it stay bone dry for long. Read how to tell if a houseplant is overwatered or underwatered.

Soil and potting

It needs loose, airy soil. Mix equal parts houseplant soil, orchid bark, and perlite. Plain cactus mix dries too fast, and plain potting soil stays too wet.

Its roots are small. Use a pot only a little wider than the root ball. Repot every two to three years in spring. See how to repot a houseplant step by step.

Humidity and temperature

Average room air is fine. It grows fuller with more humidity. A bathroom with a bright window suits it well.

Keep it between 16 and 27°C (60 and 80°F), and above 10°C (50°F).

Feeding

Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Skip feeding in fall and winter.

Pruning

Trim long strands to keep it full or to keep it off the floor. Cut at a joint. Use the cuttings to fill the pot.

Propagation

Cut a stem 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) long. Let it dry for a day. Lay it on moist chunky mix, or push the end in about 2 cm (1 in). Keep the mix a little moist and the cutting in bright indirect light. Roots form in two to four weeks.

Tuck several cuttings back into the main pot for a fuller plant.

Problems

What you see	Most likely cause
Shriveled, thin stems	Thirst, or roots rotted from too much water
Yellow or reddish stems	Too much direct sun
Stems falling off at the joints	Soggy soil, or a sudden change
Mushy base	Root rot
Thin, sparse growth	Not enough light
White, cottony spots	Mealybugs

Pests

Mealybugs and scale are the most common pests. They hide where stems branch. Dab them with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab.

Pet safety

The ASPCA lists mistletoe cactus as non-toxic to cats and dogs. It is not related to holiday mistletoe, which is toxic.

Flowers and berries

In spring, it may grow tiny cream flowers along the stems. White berries follow. The berries look like mistletoe, which is how it got its name.

Varieties

• Rhipsalis baccifera has long, thin, pencil-like stems. It is the common mistletoe cactus.
• Rhipsalis cereuscula, coral cactus, has short, branched stems in clusters.
• Rhipsalis paradoxa, chain cactus, has stems in zigzag links.
• Rhipsalis pilocarpa has fine, soft hairs on its stems and fragrant flowers.