Rhipsalis is a low-maintenance, hanging house plant that's perfect for beginners. Although it has no prickles, it's a cactus and known as the mistletoe cactus. This may be because the tiny, white flowers that appear along its stems through winter into spring are followed by small, white or pale-pink berries or because its spineless foliage looks a little like mistletoe.
Rhipsalis is an easy plant to look after. Hang it up or place it on a shelf in a bright spot out of direct sunlight. Its long stems can reach several metres in length and it has small flowers, often through the winter, but occasionally throughout the year.
Mistletoe cactus does best in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate an hour or so of sun in the morning and afternoon, but too much direct sun may scorch its leaves. Place it on a north- or west-facing windowsill or in a bright spot that doesn't get direct sun.
How much you water depends on its position. In a shady spot, keep the compost fairly dry. In a position where the plant gets sunlight, water until the water runs out of the bottom of the pot and then don’t water again until the top few inches of compost dries out. Stick your finger into the pot to see how dry it is. Reduce watering through the winter when your plant is dormant.
