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Mistletoe cactus

Rhipsalis baccifera

Last reviewed: August 2026

Mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera)
Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

FL

Pollinators

bees, flies

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Mistletoe cactus is an unusual, spineless epiphytic cactus with slender trailing stem segments and tiny white flowers. It grows attached to tree bark and branches in humid hammock forest rather than rooted in soil.

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract bees and flies, and its epiphytic habit means it occupies a niche most other cacti cannot.

Common questions

How much sun does Mistletoe cactus need?
Mistletoe cactus grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Mistletoe cactus bloom?
Mistletoe cactus blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Mistletoe cactus native?
Mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera) is native to FL, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Mistletoe cactus attract?
Mistletoe cactus draws bees and flies.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Mistletoe cactus? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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