🌿 Indoor Rhipsalis Care Guide
(Mistletoe Cactus / Jungle Cactus — Rhipsalis Varieties)
Rhipsalis are unusual and beautiful epiphytic jungle cacti, naturally found growing in tropical rainforests rather than deserts. They are loved for their trailing stems, soft texture, and easy indoor care.
Baby Rhipsalis establish quickly with gentle light, consistent moisture, and a well-draining mix.
🌞 Light
Prefers bright, indirect light
Tolerates medium light well
Avoid harsh direct sun, which can scorch stems
Too little light may slow growth and reduce fullness
✨ Tip: Rhipsalis thrive in soft filtered light, similar to rainforest conditions.
💧 Watering
Keep soil lightly moist, but never soggy
Water when the top 2–4 cm begins to dry
Do not allow the plant to dry out completely for long periods
Reduce watering slightly during winter
⚠️ Unlike desert cacti, Rhipsalis enjoy more regular watering.
🌱 Soil
Rhipsalis need an airy, well-draining epiphytic mix.
Ideal mix includes:
Premium potting soil
Orchid bark or coco chips
Perlite or pumice for drainage
Optional: a small amount of sphagnum moss for gentle moisture retention
A chunky mix prevents rot while keeping roots hydrated.
🪴 Pot Size
Babies do best in a small pot with drainage holes
Avoid overpotting, as excess soil stays wet too long
Shallow pots or hanging baskets work beautifully
Rhipsalis prefer being slightly snug.
🌡 Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature: 18–28°C
Protect from cold drafts below 15°C
Enjoy moderate to high humidity
Average indoor humidity is usually fine, but higher humidity encourages lush growth
✨ Tip: Rhipsalis thrive in bathrooms or bright humid spaces.
🌿 Fertilizer
Feed during spring and summer growth
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at ½ strength
Fertilize every 4–6 weeks
Pause feeding in autumn and winter
Gentle feeding supports healthy trailing growth.
✂️ Growth & Maintenance
Rhipsalis are excellent trailing plants for hanging pots
Prune lightly to encourage bushier growth
Cuttings can be easily propagated by allowing stems to callous, then placing into soil
Handle gently — stems can snap easily
✨ Tip: Slow, steady growth is normal for jungle cacti.
🐛 Pests to Watch For
Rhipsalis may occasionally attract:
Mealybugs
Scale
Spider mites in very dry air
Inspect stems regularly and treat early if needed.
⚠️ Pet Safety
Rhipsalis are generally considered pet-friendly, making them a great choice for animal-loving homes. Always confirm the specific variety if unsure.
📦 Postage & Shipping Information
All plants are carefully prepared and packaged to ensure they arrive safely and in excellent condition.
Orders are lovingly packed and dispatched on Mondays only, to help ensure they arrive before the following weekend, as our shop is closed on Tuesdays.
To ensure same-week dispatch, orders must be placed by midnight Sunday.
If Monday falls on a public holiday, dispatch will not take place until the following Monday. While we always do our best to send orders promptly, should any unexpected lengthy delays occur, we’ll be in touch to let you know.
Shipping Options
Bare Root Shipping (Most Economical Option):
Soil is mostly removed to reduce weight, and roots are wrapped in either sphagnum moss or damp shredded paper.
Potted Shipping (Where Possible):
Plants may be sent in their original nursery pots with soil intact. Shipping is calculated by weight, making this option more expensive, however plants will arrive less stressed with no need to pot them up on arrival.
Simply select your preferred shipping method at checkout.
Please note: Due to plant import restrictions, we are only able to ship to WA, NT, or TAS if prior arrangements have been made.
🌿 Pick Up Available
Pick up is also available from:
DESERT JUNGLE PLANT CO
2/34 Wollongong Street
Fyshwick ACT
Opening Hours:
Wednesday–Friday: 10am–5pm
Saturday: 10am–4pm
🌿 Disclaimer
Please note: All images are for reference only. We try to provide an image for each product that shows what a mature specimen may look like, as well as examples of the plants you will receive.
The plant you receive will be a healthy specimen selected from the best available stock at the time of picking. As each plant is unique, size, shape, and colour may vary slightly from the reference photos shown.