Plant ID: Rhipsalis Mistletoe Cactus

Hello Judy,

My name is Igor and I have a house plant that I have been trying to ID for a number of days. I started it from cuttings from another plant and placed them in a vial of water for a few weeks until it made a large enough root system. I then planted it in a rich loamy soil and after a few years it has really taken off. The original plant I started it from was my Grandmothers, and she had planted nearly 45 years ago. She has always called it an Elkhorn Cactus but, when I went online to read a little more about them I couldn’t find any that resembled the plant I have. Hopefully you’ll be able to help me.

Thank you,

Igor L.

Hi Igor,

Your plant is called a Rhipsalis Mistletoe Cactus. Rhipsalis is a genus of epiphytic cacti. The name “mistletoe” comes from the Greek word meaning wickerworks referring to how the plant grows.

Care tips: These plants like medium to bright indirect light. Rhipsalis plants do not like wet feet. Water in the spring and summer when the top 50% of the soil has dried out. In the fall and winter, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering. From April to September, fertilize monthly with a cactus plant food diluted to 1/2 the recommended strength. Use a sharp, sterile scissors to trim the plant. You can start new plants.with these cuttings.