Rhipsalis flagelliformis - Mistletoe Cactus (WA - Prohibited)

Rhipsalis flagelliformis, known as the Mistletoe Cactus, is a Brazilian species native to the Atlantic Forest, where it grows in warm, humid, and shaded environments. It is usually found attached to tree branches or occasionally established in mossy rock crevices, thriving in filtered light and consistently moist air.

The stems are slender, cylindrical, and elongated, with a smooth green surface and small areoles spaced along their length. Branching occurs from the tips, creating long, whip-like growth that can trail extensively over time, a feature reflected in the species name. The stems remain flexible, allowing the plant to drape naturally over its host.

Flowers are small, white to pale cream, and appear along the stems, typically in the warmer months. These are followed by rounded, whitish berries that contain seeds dispersed by birds within the forest canopy.

Care Tips:

• Light: Provide bright, indirect light; avoid prolonged exposure to harsh sun which can damage stems.
• Water: Keep the media evenly moist during active growth, allowing the surface to dry slightly before rewatering; reduce watering in winter.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity; mist occasionally in dry conditions.
• 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: Apply a diluted, balanced fertiliser every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
• Repotting: Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound, ideally in spring.