What it is: This listing is a plant sold as Rhipsalis oblonga hanging basket.

Light: Give it bright, indirect light; direct sun can scorch the stems (NC State Extension). The Royal Horticultural Society likewise recommends bright indirect light and warns that hot sun can burn the stems. A well-drained, gritty cactus or epiphytic mix such as our succulent and cacti soil is a good starting point. In our dark northern Alberta winters, a grow bulb in a lamp helps, but keep it out of harsh, direct midday sun.

Watering & care: Water when the mix feels dry, but do not keep it as dry as a desert cactus; these plants prefer more consistent moisture (NC State Extension). Stems may pucker when the plant is thirsty (NC State Extension). The Royal Horticultural Society suggests watering moderately while the plant is growing and keeping the mix just moist in winter. Overwatering can cause mushy stems and root rot (NC State Extension).

Humidity: They like higher humidity than a typical desert cactus (NC State Extension). A humidifier is a better choice than a pebble tray. The Royal Horticultural Society also calls for high humidity for potted rhipsalis. Dry air or underwatering can brown the stem tips (NC State Extension).

Temperature: Keep it in typical indoor temperatures; NC State Extension suggests about 15–27 °C (60–80 °F) for mistletoe cactus. These are not frost-hardy houseplants.

Winter indoors: In winter, water less often and keep it in bright, indirect light, off cold glass.

Expected indoor size: We don't have a reliable published indoor mature size for this exact species from a university extension or similar source. How long the stems get depends on light, pot size and care.

Feeding: Feed sparingly with our Cactus Fertilizer during the growing season. The Royal Horticultural Society suggests a dilute, low-nitrogen fertilizer monthly while the plant is growing, and ease off in winter.

Pets & pests: The ASPCA lists mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis cassutha, a synonym of Rhipsalis baccifera) as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses, and NC State Extension tags R. baccifera the same way. This listing is a different Rhipsalis species, so we aren't applying that species listing here, and we aren't calling it pet-safe. It is also not the same plant as holiday mistletoe, which is a different species. Watch for mealybugs, spider mites and aphids (NC State Extension).

About your plant: Every plant is a little different. Size, fullness, leaf count and variegation or colouring vary from plant to plant and change with age and light, so we can't promise a particular stem length, fullness, branching or stem shape. The size option (8") refers to the pot or basket diameter. It does not guarantee an exact stem length or fullness. Photos show typical plants from our greenhouse, not the specific plant you will receive. The shared gallery image shows other Rhipsalis as inspiration.