Mistloe cactus grows on trees in its natural, tropical environment. It is an epiphytic cactus with trailing, pencil-shaped leaves. This kind of cactus does best in dappled sunlight or indirect indoor sunlight. It also needs soil that drains very well and needs to be watered a little more often than a typical desert cactus. Additionally, the mistletoe cactus appreciates moderate humidity levels.
With their swinging pendulous stems and thin branching structures, mistletoe cacti are sculptural stunners unlike any other succulents. Native to tropical regions of the Americas, they add a graceful, whimsical touch whether displayed in a hanging basket or trailing container.
If you’re a fan of these rare beauties, you’ll be happy to know propagating mistletoe cactus is simple. With just a few cuttings, you can multiply your plant into more pots to accent your home or share with fellow houseplant enthusiasts.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to successfully propagating this fascinating cactus
Choosing the Best Cuttings
Mistletoe cactus, also called rhipsalis, propagates best from stem cuttings. Choose stems that are around 4 inches long. Look for segments that are firm and plump, avoiding any that are shriveled or damaged.
Select stems both with and without areoles, the small brown bumps where flowers and branches emerge. Stems with areoles tend to root a bit more readily. But areole-free segments will eventually produce baby plantlets along the stem to propagate as well.
Snip off cuttings using clean, sharp scissors or pruners. Make your cut just above an areole if present. If not, simply cut anywhere along the stem.
Preparing Cuttings for Propagation
Before sticking your cutting into soil or water be sure to
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Trim off any remaining flowers or buds from the stem. This allows the cutting to direct energy into rooting rather than blooming.
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If the cut end appears dried out or calloused over, trim off the bottom 1⁄4 inch. This exposes fresh inner tissue that will root better.
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Allow the cut end to dry or callous over for 24-48 hours before planting. This prevents stem rot from too much moisture.
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Dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone powder if available. The hormone encourages faster root development.
With cuttings prepped, it’s time to propagate in either soil or water.
Soil Propagation Method
Propagating in a free-draining potting mix works well and follows a simple process:
Supplies Needed:
- Cuttings
- Sharp scissors or pruners
- Small pot, 4-5 inches wide
- Cactus potting mix
- Clear plastic bag or propagator lid
- Rooting hormone powder (optional)
Step 1. Fill the small pot with moistened cactus potting soil about 3⁄4 full. Gently firm the mix to remove air pockets.
Step 2. Make a hole in the soil using a pencil or chopstick. Insert the cutting about 1⁄2 to 1 inch deep, leaving some stem exposed. Firm the soil gently around the base.
Step 3. Water the pot well until water drains from the base. This ensures the root zone stays evenly moist in the coming weeks.
Step 4. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or propagator lid. This creates a humid greenhouse environment.
Step 5. Place the pot in bright, indirect light out of direct sun. An east or west window is ideal.
Step 6. Check soil moisture every 4-5 days. Water again whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry. Be sure to remove any condensation that builds up inside the plastic tent.
Step 7. New roots should emerge in 4-8 weeks. Resist the urge to disturb the cutting. Let it root thoroughly before uncovering and handling.
Water Propagation Method
You can also root mistletoe cactus in water. While simple, success rates tend to be lower than soil rooting. Use these steps for water propagation:
Supplies Needed:
- Cuttings
- Sharp scissors or pruners
- Clear glass jar or vase
- Fresh room temperature water
- Gravel or pebbles (optional)
Step 1. Fill the glass container with fresh water. Add pebbles if desired to help anchor cuttings.
Step 2. Trim each cutting as needed. Dip the base in rooting powder if available.
Step 3. Insert cuttings so the base is submerged in water but leave some stem exposed.
Step 4. Place in bright, indirect light. East or west windows are ideal.
Step 5. Replace water weekly to keep it fresh. Use room temperature water rather than cold.
Step 6. Monitor water levels between changes. Top off with more water if needed to maintain submersion of the bases.
Step 7. Look for new white roots emerging after 4-6 weeks. Transition to soil once well rooted.
Caring for Rooted Cuttings
Once your cutting has rooted thoroughly fill its pot with more cactus mix, covering the original rooting stem. Water well and let it establish for 1-2 weeks before exposing it to dry air or direct sun which can shock tender new growth.
Gradually introduce your propagated mistletoe cactus to normal care conditions. Keep it barely moist, watering only when the soil dries completely. Bright, indirect light keeps it happy. Humidity is appreciated but not essential.
Repot annually in spring into a container one size larger. Pinch back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Propagate again from trimmed cuttings!
Troubleshooting Propagation Problems
Propagating mistletoe cactus is usually straightforward but occasionally issues pop up:
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Stem rot – Prevent by letting cuttings dry before planting and avoiding overwatering. Discard any cuttings that turn mushy or moldy.
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No roots – Increase humidity and soil moisture. Switch to water rooting if soil isn’t working. Discard cuttings that shrivel or fail to root after 3 months.
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Leaves droop – Drooping leaves right after planting is normal. If it persists, increase light exposure and humidity.
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Slow growth – Encourage with more light and weekly liquid fertilizer at half strength.
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Leggy shape – Prune back long segments to stimulate branching and fullness.
With the right care you should have great success propagating this unique houseplant. It’s a simple way to expand your mistletoe cactus collection!
Final Thoughts
Few houseplants can match the sculptural beauty of mistletoe cactus. Thanks to readily rooting stem cuttings, propagating more of these intriguing plants is easy and gratifying.
In 4-8 weeks you can turn a few trimmed offshoots into entirely new pots bursting with whimsical dangling stems. Propagation also gifts you with baby mistletoe cacti ideal for sharing with other houseplant lovers.
Soil
The mistletoe cactus requires a moist but well-draining potting mix, and prefers soil that is slightly acidic. It might make it through a regular bag of potting soil, but it will really do well in potting soil that is made just for it. One part regular potting mix, one part orchid bark, and one part perlite can be mixed together to make a rich, airy, and well-draining potting mix.
Propagating the Mistletoe Cactus
Like most succulents, the mistletoe cactus can be easily propagated by stem cuttings. There is an easy way to make more mistletoe cactus plants by spreading the seeds. This will also help the plant grow more branches and a bushier shape over time. To make more of your cactus, you should take cuttings while it is still actively growing. Don’t do this in the fall or winter, when the plant has stopped growing. Here’s how you can propagate a mistletoe cactus by stem cuttings in a few easy steps:
- Take 3 to 4 inch cuttings from your plant using a clean pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears.
- After cutting the plant, put it somewhere cool and dry for 24 hours so that the cut end can harden up before planting.
- Mix regular potting soil and perlite together and put it in a pot. Lightly water the soil inside the pot.
- Make sure the cuttings are facing the same way they were growing before you press the end of the cuttings into the ready soil. e. don’t plant them ‘upside down’).
- Put the new cuttings in pots where they will get medium-level indirect light and keep the soil slightly damp until you see new growth.
- When the cuttings start to grow, they are considered established and can go back to getting regular care.
Propagate Rhipsalis Mistletoe Cactus
How do you propagate mistletoe cactus?
Mistletoe Cactus can be propagated by stem cuttings. Simply cut a stem from the plant and allow it to dry for a few days before planting it in well-draining soil. How do I prune my Mistletoe Cactus?
How do you care for a mistletoe cactus?
Prepare well-draining soil and select a pot with drainage holes. Water regularly, allowing the soil to nearly dry out in between, but do not let the plant sit in water. Fertilize lightly during the growing season. Since mistletoe cactus likes humidity, consider placing it near a humidifier or in a bathroom.
How long does a mistletoe cactus take to grow?
It may take several weeks for the stem to root and begin growing new leaves. Once the new plant has grown a few inches, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or planted in the ground. By following these simple steps, you can easily propagate your Mistletoe Cactus and share new plants with friends and family.
Should I repot my mistletoe cactus?
Once the cuttings are growing they are considered established and regular care can be resumed. If you can see the roots of your mistletoe cactus popping out of the top of the soil, or if the plant is so big relative to the pot that the whole thing keeps toppling over, you may want to repot.