Rhipsalis cassutha

The Rhipsalis cassutha (often called mistletoe cactus) is a trailing indoor cactus that is nothing like a desert cactus: it prefers filtered light, slightly humid air, and the indoor environments of our homes. This plant is ideally placed in a hanging position, on a high shelf or near a curtained window, where its stems form an unusual living curtain. In a contemporary, bohemian, or very minimalist decor, it brings a "liana" feel that softens the lines of a living room, bedroom, or well-lit bathroom.

Botanically, Rhipsalis baccifera belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is an epiphytic (and sometimes lithophytic) cactus, which naturally lives attached to branches or on rocks, in open and humid forests, including at the edge of coastal forests, up to about 1,800 m altitude. Its distribution range is remarkable for a cactus, covering tropical and subtropical America, as well as tropical Africa and Madagascar. The species is very polymorphous: depending on origin and growing conditions, it varies greatly in stem thickness, density of branching, and overall appearance.
The name Rhipsalis cassutha (often spelled cassytha) is now generally treated as a synonym of Rhipsalis baccifera; in horticulture, however, it is still used to refer to a particularly fine and trailing form, with very flexible cylindrical stems that branch into multiple "threads" over time. The stems, from light green to bright green, measure 2 to 5 mm in diameter on this form and lengthen in a cascade; indoors, they reach 1 to 2 m in length. The discreet flowering takes the form of small whitish flowers along the stems, sometimes followed by translucent white berries, which gave rise to the name mistletoe cactus. According to commonly used veterinary references, this plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Indoors, it thrives under bright light without direct sun, or in bright semi-shade, in a room with a stable atmosphere, with 50 to 60% humidity (and above), in a temperature range between 16 and 27°C. It suffers below 10 to 12°C. It is an easy plant for beginners, provided it is spared sudden changes: it fears air that is too dry and temperature fluctuations near radiators or draughts. It particularly enjoys a bright living room, a temperate conservatory, or a bathroom with a window.

This mistletoe cactus is used as a "curtain" plant: in a macramé hanger, on a small table, or in a hanging basket near a filtered glazing. To accompany it, stick with trailing plants that enjoy the same soft light: Scindapsus pictus, with its silvery foliage, the variegated Epipremnum ‘N’joy’, Peperomia prostrata which slides its small round, graphic leaves between the stems, and Tradescantia zebrina ‘Purple Joy’ with its purple and silvery reflections. In a bright room with sufficient air humidity, these plants make up a durable and easy-care ensemble.
And if you like epiphytic plants, you can complete the set with a Tillandsia 'Mizuki' placed on a branch or hung nearby.