Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis Baccifera)
$14.02
incl. GST
Earliest Delivery in 2 days
Overall Height APPROXIMATELY 26cm
The plant comes with a plant hanger
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera) is a tropical succulent native to rainforests in warm regions.
- The grownup name for this cactus is Rhipsalis mistletoe cactus.
- This cactus is found in Florida, Mexico, and Brazil. Surprisingly, growing Rhipsalis requires shade to partial shade.
- While most cacti are found in hot, sunny, arid zones, Mistletoe cactus is unique in its requirements for moisture and dim light.
- Rhipsalis mistletoe cactus is also called chain cactus and grows epiphytically in its tropical forest home.
- The cactus has pencil-thin succulent stems that may reach 6 feet (2 m.) in length.
- The thick skin of the stems does not produce thorns, but it does have almost imperceptible bumps on the surface of the plant.
- These plants are found clinging to tree crotches, in-branch nooks, and nestled in rock crevasses.
- This cactus is easy to grow and has very minimal needs.
- It is perfect for the home interior in a northern or western window.
SOIL REQUIREMENT
- They prefer slightly moist, but not wet soil, but ensure they have ample time to dry out to avoid water buildup in the soil that can rot the roots.
FEEDING/FERTILIZER REQUIREMENT
- It does not need feeding until the soil begins to become depleted of nutrients.
- If feeding is desired, use a diluted, half-strength fertilizer formulated for cacti.
- Feed monthly only during the spring and summer months.
LIGHT REQUIREMENT
- It prefers bright, indirect light and can tolerate direct morning and evening light.
- The best place to put it is at least a few feet removed from a window, but Rhipsalis is an extremely hardy plant.
WATER REQUIREMENT
- During the pre-flowering period, reduce watering, letting the top ½ inch of soil dry out between waterings.
- After flowering, water only enough to keep the soil barely moist for a period of three to six weeks.
- Rhipsalis do not like hard water and should, ideally, be watered with rainwater.