Rhipsalis baccifera

Common Names

Mistletoe Cactus, Spaghetti Cactus, Mistletoe Cacti, Mouse Tail Cactus, Mistletoe, Saint Peter's Tears

Summary

Mistletoe cactus is an epiphytic cactus native to rainforests of Central and South America, typically growing on trees or rocks, with long, thin, branching, flattened stems that are spineless and may bear trichomes; small white flowers appear along the stems, followed by white or red edible berries; common names include Mistletoe cactus and Spaghetti cactus, and it has a hanging growth habit with a shallow root system for canopy anchoring. For cultivation, it is among the easiest epiphytic cacti to grow, tolerating neglect with partial shade and ample summer watering; soil should be rich in organic matter (peat or sphagnum) rather than typical cactus soil; it is long-lived and frost tender, with night temperatures not dropping below 5°C; buds can drop if plants are moved; propagation by stem cuttings, and it is ideal for hanging planters.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-30 feet

Spread

2-4 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9b–11b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial sun, also suitable in full sun, partial shade, and partial shade to full shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining, airy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil; avoid waterlogging.

Soil pH

6.0-7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

No leaves

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage color

Growth Rate

Slow growth rate.

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds and pollinators