Rhipsalis baccifera, Mistletoe Cactus
As Rhipsalis baccifera, also known as mistletoe cactus, is a epiphytic cactus species native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Florida. It is commonly found growing in the wild in trees, where it uses its aerial roots to attach itself to bark and absorb nutrients and moisture.
Rhipsalis baccifera grows in a pendulous, trailing manner with long, thin, and cylindrical stems that can reach up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length. The stems are covered with small, scale-like leaves that are barely noticeable, and they produce small, white, star-shaped flowers followed by red, berry-like fruits.
In terms of care, Rhipsalis baccifera is a relatively easy plant to grow, making it a popular choice for beginners. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers temperatures between 15-29°C. This plant is also adaptable to low-light conditions, but it will not thrive in direct sunlight, as it can burn the leaves.
Rhipsalis baccifera prefers a well-draining soil mix that is slightly acidic and should be watered thoroughly but allowed to dry out slightly between watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s essential to make sure the soil is not constantly wet.
When styling this plant in your home, it’s essential to consider its trailing nature. You can hang it in a hanging basket or place it on a high shelf or tall plant stand, allowing the stems to cascade down. Alternatively, you can train the stems to grow upwards by using a support structure, such as a moss pole.
Overall, Rhipsalis baccifera is an excellent choice for those looking for a low-maintenance, unique, and eye-catching plant that will thrive in most indoor environments.
Rhipsalis make a great houseplant gift for friends or family – surprise them with rainforest style! If you are giving Rhipsalis as a gift, make sure you include your message at the basket stage. We’ll deliver the houseplant along with a free, handwritten card – and we’ll leave out the paperwork with the price on!
Please Read Carefully before Ordering
Rhipsalis baccifera is a delicate plant that requires careful handling during packing and transportation. Despite our best efforts, it is important to note that this plant may break or sustain damage during shipping. While we are happy to ship this beautiful plant to you, we regret to inform you that we cannot offer refunds for any breakages that may occur. However, it is important to keep in mind that Rhipsalis Baccifera is a resilient plant that can readily recover from any damage. With proper care and attention, this plant will soon thrive in its new environment, and its beauty will continue to brighten your space.
Rhipsalis care level
This plant is easy to care for, and great for beginners.
Where should I put this plant?
Likes bright indirect light, it will also enjoy a sunny spot, so it’s not a fussy plant but will burn in full sun.
How should I water this plant?
Water when the top two inches of soil are dry; make sure you don’t overwater this plant.
Should I feed this plant?
Feed once a month in spring and summer with liquid plant food. Why not try our own vegan, organic plant food?
When developing our original Happy Houseplants’ Organic Tropical Plant Food, we decided not to tinker with it too much, so you’ll find no chemical supplements in this 100% cruelty-free vegan product. Our indoor plant fertiliser is handmade on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in Devon, exclusively for Happy Houseplants, and has been developed by the team at Happy Houseplants and expert horticulturists with decades of experience. Many people struggle to understand how to feed houseplants, but our original vegan plant food has been designed to make feeding houseplants simple.
Our organic indoor plant food is made from Seaweed, harvested sustainably. Seaweed provides a delicate blend of growth hormones and micronutrients that is perfect for all indoor plants. Houseplants grow throughout spring, summer and autumn, so they will benefit from organic fertiliser during this time to encourage flowering and keep them healthy and well.
Is this plant suitable if I have pets?
This plant is toxic to cats and dogs.
What size is this plant?
W21cm
For some great advice on general houseplant care, why not have a look at the video we’ve made for you? Click Here
All our plants are supplied in a plastic nursery pot
