Mistletoe Cacti

Rhipsalis baccifera (rip-SAL-iss bak-SIF-er-uh)

Family: Cactaceae Non-native Herbaceous (3-15 ft)

The mistletoe cactus is a trailing epiphyte succulent in the cactus family (Cactaceae) and is native to Tropical and Subtropical Central and South America, Tropical Africa, and Madagascar. It is also native to Florida where it is listed as endangered. In its native habitat, it may be found in understory trees and can reach up to 30 feet in length. This cactus is frequently used as a low maintenance and hanging indoor houseplant where it will grow up to 6 feet in length and 2 feet wide.The genus name, Rhipsalis , is derived from the Greek word rhips, meaning "wickerwork" and references the slender, reed-like stems. The specific epithet, baccifera , is from the Latin word, bacciferum, meaning "berry-bearing." This plant prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and slightly acidic, moist, well-drained, gritty, cactus potting mix. Water the plant when the soil feels dry but avoid overwatering. It prefers consistent moisture in comparison to other cacti, and its tendrils will pucker and lose their rigidity when they are thirsty. When the plant is dormant during the winter, reduce watering. The plant also prefers temperatures between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. To increase humidity, consider a pebble tray filled with water beneath the plant or use a humidifier. Pruning is not required, but it can be trimmed to encourage bushy growth. The plant needs good air circulation and can be placed outdoors during the summer in partial shade. This will help the stems harden and will encourage flowering. It can be propagated by stem cuttings and seeds. The plant is leafless, spineless, and has numerous slender, trailing, branched succulent stems that are cylindrical and up to 0.2 inches in diameter. The stems are green or pale green with a thick texture. The stems resemble green spaghetti noodles. The young stems have bristled wooly areoles that disappear as the stem matures. The flowers are solitary, funnel-shaped, white to greenish-white and measure 0.4 inches wide. They appear in the late winter and early spring. The fruits are small, spherical berries in shades of white or pale pink and resemble mistletoe berries The mistletoe cactus grows best as a hanging indoor houseplant or as a patio planting in warmer climates. Quick ID Hints: Thin, trailing, cylindrical. up 0.2 inch in diameter pale green to green stems, resembling green spaghetti noodles Wooly areoles on young stems Solitary, white to greenish-white, funnel-shaped flowers Small, spherical white or pale pink berries Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: The mistletoe cactus can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Monitor for fungal diseases in the presence of high humidity. Overwatering can cause mushy stems and root rot. The lack of humidity or under-watering can cause browning at the tips of the stems. Direct sunlight can cause scorching of the stems.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 43 attributes.