Focus on Houseplants: Rhipsalis

One of my newer internet gardening friends, Steve Asbell of The Rainforest Garden, mentioned something about mistletoe cactus awhile back. I'd never heard of it, but I'm not very knowledgeable in the world of cacti, so that's not surprising.

What was surprising to me, however, is that lo and behold, I already had a mistletoe cactus and didn't realize it! I was able to take part in a houseplant survey recently conducted by Costa Farms. For the survey, I was to purchase several houseplants (paid for by Costa Farms) and complete surveys for them about my experiences. Now, when someone gives me money to go buy houseplants, I'm out the door to do just that (after jumping up and down with glee)!

One of the first plants I bought was this Rhipsalis, also known as a mistletoe cactus. Of course, I didn't know they were called this until Steve brought it to my attention, indirectly.

I. Love. This. Plant.

This has got to be one of the easiest plants to grow, ever. It's a succulent, so it's pretty forgiving on watering, as long as you don't overdo it. I have it near a south window where it gets indirect bright light and it has grown even in the short time I've had it.  It doesn't shed and it has a beautiful weeping habit. Though it's a cactus, it isn't prickly either.

According to Wikipedia, Rhipsalis make up the largest and most widely distributed genus of epiphytic cacti. Epiphytic means that it grows on other surfaces, such as trees, using its roots for gaining a foothold. They gain most of their nutrients from the air and rain and sometimes from debris that may accumulate around them.

Rhipsalis is generally only hardy to zone 10, but it adapts well to being grown as a houseplant. They like part shade to shade, although some direct morning sun is okay.