Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis Baccifera)

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.

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