Propagating mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis) is an easy and rewarding way to get more of these trailing indoor plants. With its cascading stems covered in rounded leaves, the mistletoe cactus makes a beautiful houseplant. By propagating from cuttings or offsets, you can grow multiples of your favorite variety.
In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to successfully propagate mistletoe cactus, including:
- Why propagate mistletoe cactus
- When is the best time
- What you’ll need
- Step-by-step instructions for 3 propagation methods
- Stem cuttings in water
- Stem cuttings in soil
- Offsets
- Aftercare for new propagations
- Troubleshooting common problems
Why Propagate Mistletoe Cactus
There are a few great reasons to propagate your mistletoe cactus:
-
Get more plants for free: Propagating creates new mistletoe cactus plants at no cost. It’s an inexpensive way to expand your plant collection.
-
Propagate a rare variety Is your mistletoe cactus a rare or sentimental variety? Propagating ensures you’ll have more of it.
-
Replace old plants: Over time, old mistletoe cactus plants can get leggy. Propagating lets you start fresh with new plants.
-
Give plants as gifts: Mistletoe cactus makes a nice housewarming or birthday gift. Propagating lets you share the plant love.
When to Propagate Mistletoe Cactus
The best time to propagate mistletoe cactus is during the growing season in spring and summer This gives cuttings the warmth and light they need to root quickly.
You can technically propagate mistletoe cactus year-round. However, it may take longer to root or fail more often when propagated in fall or winter.
Supplies Needed for Propagating Mistletoe Cactus
Propagating mistletoe cactus is simple and requires just a few supplies:
- Healthy mistletoe cactus plant
- Clean, sharp scissors or gardening shears
- Small containers like jars or pots
- Well-draining potting mix
- Rooting hormone (optional)
How to Propagate Mistletoe Cactus by Stem Cuttings in Water
Propagating mistletoe cactus in water is easy. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Cut a 6 inch segment
Use clean, sharp scissors or shears to cut a 6 inch segment of stem right below a node. The node is the point where a leaf emerges from the stem.
Step 2: Remove lower leaves
Carefully pinch off the bottom 2 sets of leaves from the cutting. This prevents the stem from rotting when placed in water.
Step 3: Dip cutting in rooting hormone
Optional but helpful – dip the bottom 1/2 inch of the cutting in rooting hormone powder. Tap off excess powder.
Step 4: Place cutting in water
Put the prepared cutting in a small jar of room temperature water.
Step 5: Give bright, indirect light
Place the jar near a sunny window out of direct sun. Bright, indirect light encourages growth.
Step 6: Change water weekly
Replace the water weekly to prevent rotting. Use room temperature, non-distilled water.
Step 7: Watch for roots
Check for root growth after 2-3 weeks. Mistletoe cactus root quickly in water.
Step 8: Transplant with roots 1 inch long
Once roots are about 1 inch long, transplant the cutting into a pot with well-draining cactus mix. Water lightly and place in indirect sunlight.
Propagating Mistletoe Cactus by Stem Cuttings in Soil
You can also root mistletoe cactus cuttings directly in potting mix:
Step 1: Take 6 inch stem cuttings
Cut 6 inch segments from a healthy mistletoe cactus like described above.
Step 2: Remove lower leaves
Pinch off the bottom 2 sets of leaves.
Step 3: Dip in rooting hormone
Optional – dip the bottom 1/2 inch in rooting hormone and tap off excess.
Step 4: Plant in potting mix
Stick cuttings 2-3 inches deep in small pots filled with well-draining cactus mix.
Step 5: Water lightly
Water just until the soil is barely moist. Don’t saturate it.
Step 6: Cover pots with plastic bags
Place plastic bags over the pots to create a greenhouse environment.
Step 7: Give indirect light
Set pots in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun.
Step 8: Check for rooting
Start checking for roots after 3-4 weeks. Gently tug on cuttings to feel resistance from new roots.
Step 9: Uncover and water
Once rooted, remove the plastic bags. Water lightly whenever the soil dries out.
Propagating Mistletoe Cactus by Offsets
Another propagation method is to use offsets, the small plantlets that form at the base of the mother plant. Here’s how:
Step 1: Identify offsets
Look for small plantlets with their own roots growing at the base of the plant.
Step 2: Gently twist to detach
Carefully twist and pull offsets away from the mother plant. Keep roots intact.
Step 3: Pot offsets
Plant each offset in a small pot with cactus mix. Bury to the same depth as before.
Step 4: Water lightly
Water just enough to moisten the soil after potting. Let soil dry between waterings.
Step 5: Transition to more sun
Start offsets in bright, indirect light. Over a few weeks, slowly transition them to more direct sun.
Caring for Newly Propagated Mistletoe Cactus Plants
With the right care, your new propagations will establish quickly:
-
Let soil dry between waterings, then soak thoroughly. Mistletoe cactus are prone to rot if overwatered.
-
Water less frequently in winter when growth slows.
-
Give bright, indirect light year-round. Acclimate to more sun exposure.
-
Maintain indoor temperatures of 65-80°F. Keep away from cold drafts.
-
Propagations are ready for fertilizer once rooted. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer at 1/4 strength.
-
Repot propagations into slightly larger containers once rooted. Use well-draining cactus mix.
Troubleshooting: Propagation Problems
Here are some common propagation issues and their solutions:
Cuttings rotting: Use clean tools and containers. Change water frequently. Don’t overwater soil.
No root growth: Increase light exposure. Maintain warm temperatures. Be patient – rooting takes time.
Leaves turning yellow: Move plant out of direct sun if needed. Avoid overwatering.
Drooping cuttings: Plant may be getting too much or too little water. Check soil moisture.
Leggy growth: Give brighter light. Slow growth by watering less in winter.
Enjoy Your New Mistletoe Cactus Plants
With the simple techniques in this guide, you’ll be propagating bountiful new mistletoe cactus plants in no time! This trailing indoor plant is one of the most fun and rewarding to propagate.
Light and Humidity
When it comes to light, think of your Mistletoe Cactus as a vampire that enjoys a sunny day – they crave bright but indirect light. Too much sun and theyll get a sunburn, turning their stems a telltale reddish hue. Rotate them occasionally to ensure even growth. Humidity-wise, theyre not fussy, but keep it consistent. Avoid the extremes of a rainforest or a desert.
Keep an eye out for the telltale signs of a happy cactus: steady growth and no discoloration. If its stretching out like its trying to escape the pot, its begging for more light. Dropping stems? You might be loving it to death with water. Let the soil dry out completely before your next watering session.
Create a cozy environment for your baby cacti. Theyre not demanding – a well-draining soil mix and a spot with indirect sunlight will do the trick. If the air in your home is drier than a stand-up comedians wit, consider a humidifier or a regular misting to keep the humidity just right.
Remember, these little green buddies are fresh out of the propagation gate. They need a bit more TLC than their fully-grown counterparts. Keep the conditions stable, and youll be rewarded with a thriving Mistletoe Cactus.
Selecting and Preparing Healthy Stem Cuttings
To kick off your Mistletoe Cactus propagation journey, choose a stem thats the epitome of plant health—no blemishes, pests, or the vibe of a plant thats seen better days. Youll want a stem with a few nodes, about 4 to 6 inches long, which is the sweet spot for rooting success. Snip below a node with sterilized scissors, and strip the lower leaves to avoid a soggy mess during the rooting process.
Rhipsalis campos-portoana ‘Mistletoe Cactus’ Care & Propagation
FAQ
How do you propagate mistletoe?
Propagating Mistletoe Plants
Squash the berries into a pulp, then press them into the bark on the lower side of strong and healthy branch on a new host tree—ideally, the same species as the tree from which you harvested the berries. Wait until spring, and check to see if small leaves are sprouting from the pulp.
Can you propagate fishbone cactus in water?
Rooting the Cuttings
Plant the cutting in a well-draining cactus mix, and place it in bright, indirect light. Water sparingly until growth appears. For water rooting, submerge the callused end in a glass of water, changing it regularly, until roots are a couple of inches long.
How do you propagate Rhipsalis mistletoe?
Stick your cutting in a well-draining mix—think cactus soil with a dash of perlite. Moisture is key, but too much and you’re throwing a pool party for fungi. Keep the soil damp, not drenched. In a few weeks, with the right mix of indirect sunlight and TLC, you’ll see roots.
Where to cut Rhipsalis to propagate?
Cut of one or more leaves of the Rhipsalis plant. It is best to take a cutting of at least 10 cm. Do you have a Rhipsalis with very wide and flat leaves? Then you can cut this leaf into several pieces.
Can a mistletoe cactus be propagated?
Like most succulents, the mistletoe cactus can be easily propagated by stem cuttings. Not only is propagating your mistletoe cactus an easy way to create new plants, but it will also encourage your plant to branch out and become more bushy over time.
How to repot a mistletoe cactus?
And when you are repotting, do not forget to handle the mistletoe cactus carefully as their stems are fragile and could easily break off at the joints. Hanging planters are the ideal choice for mistletoe cacti because of the plants’ long and elegantly drooping stems.
How long does a mistletoe cactus take to grow?
The mistletoe cactus is considered a slow-growing cactus, so it will take a few years for you to establish a large bushy plant. Regularly propagating the plant will also help to create a fuller look over time. Can mistletoe cactus live outside? Yes. mistletoe cactus plants can live outside year-round in USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10.
How do you root a mistletoe cactus?
You can take Mistletoe cactus stem cuttings to root them. All you need to do is to snip healthy looking stems from the plants and leave them in a warmer place to wither. Next you can plant them in a pre-moistened soil mix. You can spot them developing roots within two to six weeks’ time. Does a mistletoe cactus need sunlight?
Do mistletoe cactus need to be pruned?
A mistletoe cactus plant does not need to be pruned, but you may want to cut it back if its becoming too long. You can also trim it to encourage bushier growth around the base of the plant, and the stem cuttings can be used to propagate more plants. Like most succulents, the mistletoe cactus can be easily propagated by stem cuttings.