Mistletoe cactus
Rhipsalis baccifera
Last reviewed: August 2026

Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
FL
Pollinators
bees, flies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 431 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaMistletoe 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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