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.

Mistletoe cactus

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Rhipsalis baccifera

Last reviewed: November 2026

Mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera) is a perennial succulent native to FL. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees and flies.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Mistletoe cactus, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern Coastal Plain

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.

Growing Mistletoe cactus

Grow Mistletoe cactus in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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