Rhipsalis

Common Name:
Mistletoe Cactus

Description:
Rhipsalis, commonly known as Mistletoe Cactus, is a unique genus of epiphytic cacti with long, slender stems that trail, drape, or branch into tangled, jungle-like cascades. Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, as well as parts of Africa and Asia, Rhipsalis thrives in warm, humid environments and is ideal for hanging baskets, mounted displays, or trailing from shelves in indoor spaces. In Melbourne, it performs best indoors or in protected outdoor areas where it can enjoy bright, indirect light and stable temperatures. Unlike typical desert cacti, Rhipsalis prefers moist, well-drained soil and regular watering during active growth, with slightly reduced watering in winter. The stems are often cylindrical or flattened, green, and may turn reddish in strong light. Small, white or pale pink flowers appear at the tips of the stems, followed by small, berry-like fruit. Flowering typically occurs in late winter to early spring. Rhipsalis adds a lush, architectural element to interiors and is an excellent choice for modern plant styling.

Form:
*Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding
*Ground Cover (in tropical outdoor conditions)
*Climber (when supported)
*Trailing Plant

Mature Size:
*Height: 20–60 cm (stem length can exceed 1 m)
*Width: 30–90 cm spread (depending on pot and form)

Aspect:
*Part Shade
*Full Shade
*Indoors / Well lit

Flowering:
*Flowers in Late Winter
*Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:
*White
*Pale Pink
*Cream

Key Attributes:
*Suitable for Pots
*Suitable for Hanging Baskets
*Suitable for Indoor Use
*Perennial
*Low Maintenance
*Drought Tolerant (once established)
*Non-Spiky Cactus
*Epiphytic (grows on trees in nature)
*Not frost tolerant
*Produces Small, Decorative Berries

Toxicity:
*Non-toxic to pets and humans

Companion Plants:
*Epiphyllum (Orchid Cactus)
*Dischidia
*Hoya
*Peperomia
*Tillandsia (Air Plants)
*Ferns (such as Maidenhair or Boston Fern)