Rhipsalis cassutha - Mistletoe Cactus

Rhipsalis cassutha, widely referred to as the Mistletoe Cactus, is a trailing cactus species native to the Atlantic Forest and other humid regions of South America. It typically grows in shaded canopy environments, attached to tree branches or occasionally on moss-covered rocks, where it receives diffused light and benefits from consistently moist air.

The stems are long, slender, cylindrical, and smooth, often branching freely to create tangled, pendant masses. Mature plants can develop growth exceeding several metres in length, draping naturally over their support. The green stems remain flexible, adapting to the contours of their growing surface.

Small, white to pale cream flowers appear along the stems, often in spring and summer, and are followed by rounded, translucent to whitish berries. These fruits are readily eaten by birds, which assist in dispersing the seeds across the forest canopy.

Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; avoid prolonged direct sunlight which can cause stem damage.
• Water: Keep the substrate evenly moist during the growing season, allowing the surface to dry slightly between waterings; reduce watering in winter.
• Humidity: Benefits from moderate to high humidity; mist occasionally in dry indoor air.
• Media: Use a free-draining mix containing fine orchid bark, peat or coir, and perlite.
• Temperature: Maintain between 15–27°C; protect from frost.
• Fertiliser: Feed with a diluted, balanced fertiliser every 4–6 weeks during active growth.
• Repotting: Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound, ideally in spring.