Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides

mistletoe cactus
Dense, branchy jungle cactus resembles a mass of teeny-tiny pickles. Good in hanging baskets, vertical gardens. Dainty white flowers at branch tips.
Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoidesRhipsalis mesembryanthemoides
height 1–2ft
width 8–14in
tolerates Heat, Pots
water
needs		 Moderate
water
info		 This cactus is from tropical areas with frequent rainfall and as such prefers to go mostly dry, but not dry out completely. Given that it likes a quick draining medium watering can be quite frequent, especially in warmer months.
hardy
to		 30F
exposure Part Sun – Part Shade
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Pots: Cactus Mix, Orchid Bark
fertilizing All Purpose 1/2 Strength
origin Brazil
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 17, 21–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

We recommend all purpose fertilizer for this plant, but given the climate of this cactus, it would likely take well to fertilizing with an acidic fertilizer at half strength. If you find your cactus is yellowing acidifying the growing conditions may help green it up.
This plant should be grown mounted or in pots, but not planted in the ground.
Thrives both indoors and out.

Special Interest

The mistletoe cactus is thought extinct in the Brazilian jungles it originally inhabited. Fortunately, it has seeds that are eaten by birds who ‘plant’ it in the urban environment where it continues to thrive on telephone poles, road signs and houses.

More Info

This plant is the green succulent pictured here on a pink table.