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Mistletoe Cactus Information
About The Mistletoe Cactus
A lot of plants have odd, somewhat misleading names, and this one's no exception. Rhipsalis baccifera is called the Mistletoe Cactus for purely superficial reasons:
1) The cactus's small white fruits look just like those of the classic mistletoe plant (Viscum album).
2) Both plants grow epiphytical in the wild, meaning they grow on trees and other large plants.
That's where the similarities end — though we're all about consensual make outs under any plant, whether or not "mistletoe" is in the name 😚.
The Mistletoe Cactus is actually a low-maintenance jungle cactus — yes, this is a cactus that is native to wet rain forests rather than arid deserts! — that thrives in warm, humid environments. It's great indoors (especially bathrooms!) and loves a patio moment (when seasonally appropriate).
The plant's soft, pencil-thin, spineless green stems grow into trailing vines that can reach up to 6 feet long. The Mistletoe Cactus is great in a hanging basket or cascading down from a tall bookshelf or other perch.
Note: Our cacti aren’t cuttings—they’re fully rooted plants! This means they’re already established and ready to thrive in their new home. Succulents naturally have shallow roots, so don’t be surprised if that’s what you see, it’s a completely natural trait!
Care Tips:
- Light: Bright, indirect light; tolerates some shade.
- Water: Keep soil slightly moist; allow the top inch to dry between waterings.
- Humidity: Loves humidity but adapts well to average home conditions.
- Pet-Friendly: Non-toxic to pets, making it a safe choice for households with furry friends.
How It Ships:
- Each plant is unique; size and shape fluctuate by season so all measurements are shown as a range
- Medium plant measures between 2" to 5" tall, from the soil line to the top of the foliage; this doesn't include the length of the vines, which spill over the sides and can get up to 6-feet long
- If purchased with a planter, plant will arrive potted in your planter of choice. If you purchase the grow pot option, plant will arrive in a plastic nursery pot.
Sizing Guide
Small
Approximately 5" in diameter, fits plants in a 4" grow pot or smaller
Medium
Approximately 7" in diameter, fits plants in a 6" grow pot or smaller
Large
Approximately 10-12" in diameter, fits plants in a 10" grow pot or smaller
Massive
Approximately 12-14" in diameter, fits plants in a 12" grow pot or smaller
Watering Requirements
Water every 1-2 weeks allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light conditions and less often in lower light.
Sunlight Requirements
Thrives in bright indirect light. Can tolerate some direct sun in the morning. Not suited for low light.
Humidity Requirements
Normal room humidity can work, but Rhipsalis can benefit from higher humidity conditions. Consider incorporating a humidifier to boost humidity levels more consistently if the air in the home is dry.
Pet-Friendly Plant?
Yes, this plant is safe for homes with pets.
Is the Mistletoe Cactus a true cactus?
Yes, the Mistletoe Cactus is a true cactus, but it belongs to a specialized group known as epiphytic jungle cacti. Instead of growing in hot, sandy deserts, it grows naturally in the wild on tree branches beneath the dense, humid rainforest canopies of Central and South America, Africa, and Asia.
How often do you water a Mistletoe Cactus?
Unlike desert succulents, Rhipsalis baccifera cannot tolerate bone-dry soil for long periods and prefers consistent moisture. Water the plant thoroughly whenever the top half of the soil has dried out, typically every 7 to 10 days during the spring and summer active growth seasons. You can scale back watering to roughly every 2 weeks in the winter when the plant's growth naturally slows down.
How do you get a Mistletoe Cactus to produce flowers and berries?
Indoor Rhipsalis baccifera rarely berries without the maturity, humidity, and seasonal triggers of its natural habitat. To encourage spring blooms and fruiting, maintain indoor humidity between 50-70% and place the plant on a shaded outdoor patio during late summer. The natural drop in nighttime temperatures to around 55-60F helps harden the stems and effectively triggers winter-to-spring flower buds.
Our planters are made from the highest quality materials, and designed to complement a range of styles.
Ceramic Planters
Porcelain Planters
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No Exterior Planter
Grant
No drainage hole; use as cache pot or add lava rocks
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Isabella
Includes drainage hole and matching saucer
Hyde
Includes drainage hole & matching saucer
Grow Pot
Plastic container with drainage holes used by our greenhouse
All of our plants ship in premium packaging for zero damage on arrival. Here’s what you can expect in your box on arrival:
Your Mistletoe Cactus
Fully rooted in a nursery pot with soil intact
Custom Protection System
Corner guards, soil stabilizer, and branch sleeves keep it secure
Pre-Watered & Ready
Each plant is watered 24 hours before it is shipped
Care Instructions Card
Includes expert-curated care tips to help your plant thrive far beyond the first 30 days.
Perfect For Gifting
No pricing or packing slips included with gifts! Just the plant and a note.
Additional Resources
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 1
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 2
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 3
- Plants 101: Epiphytes and Air Plants
- How Often & How Much You Should Water Houseplants
- How To Mount a Staghorn Fern or Other Epiphyte
- Understanding Lighting in Your Home and How It Affects Your Plants
Plants 101: Epiphytes and Air Plants
The Sill seeks to educate and inspire all plant lovers. In our plant novice series, Plants 101, we introduce some of our favorite plant types, explore where they come from,...
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How Often & How Much You Should Water Houseplants
Water is amazing. Made up of hydrogen and oxygen, it's literally responsible for all life on Earth. Watering your plant is a no brainer, but how much and how often...
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How To Mount a Staghorn Fern or Other Epiphyte
Learn how to mount a Staghorn Fern, Bird’s Nest Fern, or your favorite epiphytic houseplant with this step-by-step guide.
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Why Choose The Sill?
Not all Mistletoe Cactuss are created equal
Greenhouse Grown
Not warehouse-held. Hand-picked and cared for by our experts.
Indoor Ready
Pre-conditioned to indoor light conditions.
Hand-Selected
Inspected by experts. Only our best ship out.
30-Day Guarantee
Free replacements if not happy and healthy.