See How to Grow and Care for Fun and Funky Rhipsalis
This easygoing cactus can make a wonderful addition to your houseplant collection or summer container garden
With loads of quirky personality and an easy-care disposition, mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis spp.) should be next up on your must-have plant list. All rhipsalis are easy to grow and thrive in containers. Despite being commonly called cactus, their care requirements are a little different, as they need a bit more water and prefer humidity.
Trailing types, including R. baccifera and R. burchellii, are perfect for your hanging macramé planters — adding enough character to really nail that 1970s boho-chic look. Mounding varieties, like R. heteroclada, look like knobby underwater coral and make perfect desk toppers.
Trailing types, including R. baccifera and R. burchellii, are perfect for your hanging macramé planters — adding enough character to really nail that 1970s boho-chic look. Mounding varieties, like R. heteroclada, look like knobby underwater coral and make perfect desk toppers.
R. cereuscula on the floor and R. baccifera ssp. horrida on the stool; photo by Emma Northey
Rhipsalis is a diverse genus of tropical epiphytic cactus that are native to the rainforests in Central, South and parts of North America (Florida), as well as some tropical areas of Africa, Madagascar and Sri Lanka.
In nature the plants would grow tucked into nooks in tree trunks and branches, or more rarely, in rocky crevices or terrestrially. The form varies species to species, from those with round versus flattened stems and those that grow in semi-upright mounds versus trailing cascades.
Rhipsalis is a diverse genus of tropical epiphytic cactus that are native to the rainforests in Central, South and parts of North America (Florida), as well as some tropical areas of Africa, Madagascar and Sri Lanka.
In nature the plants would grow tucked into nooks in tree trunks and branches, or more rarely, in rocky crevices or terrestrially. The form varies species to species, from those with round versus flattened stems and those that grow in semi-upright mounds versus trailing cascades.
Where to put it. Rhipsalis’ light-exposure needs vary by species, but none tolerate long exposure to direct sunlight, which can cause the fleshy leaves to shrivel or burn. Indoors, choose a spot, such as a bright stairwell or the top of a desk, with indirect light or set back from a north-facing window.
How to use it. Show off the form of trailing varieties, like Rhipsalis baccifera and R. burchellii, by planting them in hanging baskets or hanging macrame planters. Position plants where the tendrils will have plenty of room to trail — some reach up to 6 feet long.
Upright and mounding forms of rhipsalis work well side-by-side with other indoor favorites, like split-leaf philodendron (Monstera deliciosa), staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) and pothos (Epipremnum aureum), and bring foliage diversity. Or double down on quirky forms by pairing a mistletoe cactus with look-alike, but more upright, milk bush (Euphorbia tirucalli).
Upright and mounding forms of rhipsalis work well side-by-side with other indoor favorites, like split-leaf philodendron (Monstera deliciosa), staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) and pothos (Epipremnum aureum), and bring foliage diversity. Or double down on quirky forms by pairing a mistletoe cactus with look-alike, but more upright, milk bush (Euphorbia tirucalli).
R. baccifera ssp. horrida, photo by Emma Northey
Why we love it. Rhipsalis species are funky and eye-catching. Used on their own or in a combination with other potted houseplants, mistletoe cactuses bring the plant X factor, so to speak: an unusual foliage form that makes you look, then look again.
Why we love it. Rhipsalis species are funky and eye-catching. Used on their own or in a combination with other potted houseplants, mistletoe cactuses bring the plant X factor, so to speak: an unusual foliage form that makes you look, then look again.
Care tips. Mistletoe cactus are easy to grow and have minimal needs, besides low to moderate light exposure and even moisture during the growing season. They grow best with good drainage; use quick-draining cactus mix or a bark-filled orchid mix for potting, and make sure containers have drainage holes.
Give plants low to moderate water in spring and summer, keeping the majority of soil evenly moist but allowing the top inch or so to dry out between waterings. Lightly fertilize at this time too, if desired. In fall and winter, dial back to only occasional water.
As rainforest plants, mistletoe cactus appreciate more humidity than most homes offer, but they can also grow just fine without it. To give plants the VIP treatment, put potted plants on a saucer filled with rocks and water to increase moisture levels in the air around the plant, or invest in an air humidifier. Rhipsalis also thrive in moist greenhouses.
Give plants low to moderate water in spring and summer, keeping the majority of soil evenly moist but allowing the top inch or so to dry out between waterings. Lightly fertilize at this time too, if desired. In fall and winter, dial back to only occasional water.
As rainforest plants, mistletoe cactus appreciate more humidity than most homes offer, but they can also grow just fine without it. To give plants the VIP treatment, put potted plants on a saucer filled with rocks and water to increase moisture levels in the air around the plant, or invest in an air humidifier. Rhipsalis also thrive in moist greenhouses.
How to propagate. The stems of mistletoe cactus are brittle, and it’s easy to knock off portions of them when repotting or repositioning containers. You can use the broken sections for propagating new plants, or cut sections from the plant using a clean knife or shears.
As with other succulent and cactus propagation, allow cut sections to dry for a few days to form a callus. Then place the callused end in a container or tray with cactus potting mix. Allow to root for a few weeks in partial shade, then pot up.
As with other succulent and cactus propagation, allow cut sections to dry for a few days to form a callus. Then place the callused end in a container or tray with cactus potting mix. Allow to root for a few weeks in partial shade, then pot up.
Rhipsalis with jade plant (Crassula ovata) and aloe
Growing outdoors. In mild climates plant trailing varieties to drape from the sides of partial-shade container combinations. Mounding species of rhipsalis can also be tucked among other indirect-light-loving succulents.
In tropical and sub-tropical areas, rhipsalis can be mounted to tree trunks or in the nooks of branches to mimic their natural habitat.
In areas with frost, only grow tender mistletoe cactus outdoors in the summer; move to a greenhouse or indoors in winter.
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Growing outdoors. In mild climates plant trailing varieties to drape from the sides of partial-shade container combinations. Mounding species of rhipsalis can also be tucked among other indirect-light-loving succulents.
In tropical and sub-tropical areas, rhipsalis can be mounted to tree trunks or in the nooks of branches to mimic their natural habitat.
In areas with frost, only grow tender mistletoe cactus outdoors in the summer; move to a greenhouse or indoors in winter.
More
How to Choose the Right Container
10 Style-Boosting Design Ideas for Your Houseplant Collection
Browse indoor pots and planters
Botanical name: Rhipsalis spp.
Common name: Mistletoe cactus is commonly used for all of Rhipsalis spp.; it can also specifically refer to R. baccifera or R. burchellii
Temperature requirement: Grows anywhere as a houseplant; outside, it grows best in mild climates, preferring a temperature range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, or 15.6 and 23.9 degrees Celsius, although some sources list them as tolerant down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or 4.4 degrees Celsius; plants grow best in humid environments
Water requirement: Low to moderate in spring and summer; lower needs in fall and winter
Light requirement: Varies by species, from full shade to partial shade or bright, indirect light
Mature size: Varies by species, ranging from those that stay 6 inches tall and wide to others that trail to 6 feet long
Seasonal interest: Evergreen grown as a houseplant; some form small flowers in late winter, followed by tiny fruit