Rhipsalis ewaldiana - Mistletoe Cactus

Rhipsalis ewaldiana, commonly known as the Mistletoe Cactus, is a trailing cactus species native to the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. It inhabits warm, humid, and shaded environments, typically growing on tree branches where it benefits from filtered light and high atmospheric moisture.

The stems are slender, cylindrical, and smooth, branching from the tips to form long, pendant growth. New growth is often a brighter green, maturing to a deeper tone over time. The segments remain flexible, allowing the plant to drape naturally over its host surface.

Small, white to pale cream flowers appear along the stems, usually during the warmer months. These are followed by rounded, whitish berries that are consumed by birds, aiding seed dispersal throughout its forest habitat.

Care Tips:

• Light: Provide bright, indirect light; avoid prolonged direct sunlight which may scorch stems.
• Water: Keep the substrate evenly moist in the growing season, allowing the top layer to dry slightly before rewatering; 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.