{"id":6753,"date":"2026-04-04T00:39:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T07:39:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wrwofficial.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/04\/how-to-grow-and-care-for-mistletoe-cactus\/"},"modified":"2026-04-04T00:39:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T07:39:14","slug":"how-to-grow-and-care-for-mistletoe-cactus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wrwofficial.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/04\/how-to-grow-and-care-for-mistletoe-cactus\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow and Care for Mistletoe Cactus"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Rhipsalis baccifera<\/em><\/h2>\n

Mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera)<\/em> is an epiphytic stem succulent with a branching growth habit that clings to rocks or trees for support in the wild.<\/p>\n

R. baccifera<\/em> <\/em>is not only an unusual looking cactus; it\u2019s the only one with native habitat outside the Americas.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s endemic to the Caribbean, Central and South America, Madagascar, Southern Africa, and Sri Lanka. It is also considered an endangered species in southern Florida.<\/p>\n

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Mistletoe cactus, aka spaghetti cactus is named for the white to pinkish berries that bear some resemblance to the festive holiday foliage that has become synonymous with a Christmas kiss.<\/p>\n

However, the similarity ends there.<\/p>\n

Christmas mistletoe (Viscum<\/em> and Phoradendron<\/em> species) is a toxic, leathery-leafed parasite with a rounded form that grows on host trees, depriving them of water and food.<\/p>\n

Mistletoe cactus features string-like, leafless, cylindrical stems called cladodes, usually green but shading to red in harsh sunlight.<\/p>\n

Read on for all you need to know to enjoy this unique cactus indoors as a houseplant.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what we\u2019ll cover:<\/p>\n

The stems are segmented and angular, yet they cascade gracefully.<\/p>\n

At each stem joint and tip, small greenish-white flowers bloom in late winter to early spring, followed by translucent white berries.<\/p>\n

Mature dimensions are 48 to 72 inches long and 12 to 24 inches wide, for a substantial specimen that shows well in hanging planters.<\/p>\n

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Quick Look<\/h2>\n
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Common name(s):<\/strong> Mistletoe cactus, spaghetti cactus<\/p>\n

Plant type:<\/strong> Epiphytic cactus<\/p>\n

Hardiness (USDA Zone):<\/strong> 9-11 (outdoors)<\/p>\n

Native to:<\/strong> Caribbean, Central and South America, Madagascar, Southern Africa, Southern Florida, Sri Lanka<\/p>\n

Bloom time \/ season:<\/strong> Late winter to spring<\/p>\n

Exposure:<\/strong> Bright, indirect sunlight indoors; dappled sunlight outdoors<\/p>\n

Soil type:<\/strong> Cactus and succulent soil plus coconut coir chips;\u00a0sandy loam outdoors, well-draining<\/p>\n

Soil pH:<\/strong> 6.0-7.0, slightly acidic to neutral<\/p>\n

Mature size: <\/strong>48-72 inches long by 12-24 inches wide<\/p>\n

Best uses:<\/b> <\/span>Hanging planter, houseplant<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Taxonomy<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Order:<\/strong> Caryophyllales<\/p>\n

Family:<\/strong> Cactaceae<\/p>\n

Genus:<\/strong> Rhipsalis<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n

Species:<\/strong> Baccifera<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

There is also a naturally occurring subspecies, mouse tail cactus, R. baccifera<\/em> subsp. horrida<\/em>.<\/p>\n

This one has shorter, thicker stems with spines, similar fruits, yellowish, white, or greenish flowers, and an average length of about 20 inches.<\/p>\n

Another plant you may encounter is red mistletoe cactus, Pseudorhipsalis ramulosa<\/em>, formerly Rhipsalis<\/em> ramulosa<\/em>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Red mistletoe cactus.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The red species co-evolved with our subject plant, but it has characteristics distinct enough to warrant classification in a separate genus.<\/p>\n

Its flattened, ribbon-like green stems turn red in direct sunlight. Whitish-green flowers appear along the stem margins, followed by red berries.<\/p>\n

Cultural requirements are similar for all three of these plants.<\/p>\n

How to Grow<\/h2>\n

Mistletoe cactus is native to rainforest regions and accustomed to temperatures in the 60 to 80\u00b0F range. Unlike desert cacti, it thrives in regions with high humidity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n