Photo of Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides foliage by Kara Nursery

Photo by Kara Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides

Also Known As

  • Hariota mesembryanthodes
  • Rhipsalis echinata
  • Rhipsalis mesembryantoides
  • Clumpy Mistletoe Cactus
  • Pencil Plant

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 6"-24"
  • W: 6"-15"

planting zones

  • 10a-11

More Options

Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides plant details

Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides is an evergreen cactus / succulent with chartreuse and green foliage. In spring and summer yellow flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Grows well with bright shade - shade and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen chartreuse and green
Mature size: 6 IN - 15 IN - wide, 6 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, epiphyte, houseplant, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides

USDA Zones: 10a - 11
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This thornless relative of cactus is easy to grow in a sunny or bright window. It likes to cascade in long green shoots with multiple fingers at the tips. It blooms in late winter with tiny white flowers and may re bloom at random until fall. Some describe Pencil Plant as green spaghetti noodles others say older plants look like a long green wig. In Zone 10 or warmer it may grow outdoors year 'round. Cold winter areas it may summer outside but must be brought inside before frost.
water regularly in summer, keep rather dry in winter. Light Shade to Shade. Small Delicate Off-White Flowers. Indoor/ Outdoor (Patio). shade.

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Rhipsalis mesembranthemoides...a mounding trailing cacti with clumpy growth of short stems...flowering white..quite unique and easy.
Great hanging basket plant. Native to Brazil, near Rio de Janeiro. (No smaller cuttings at this time.)

By: Kara Nursery

Gardening facts about Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides plant

How to Grow Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides

  • Sun Exposure

    • bright shade - shade
  • Water Needs

    • low - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • chartreuse
    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glaucous
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2024 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved