Rhipsalis (Mistletoe cactus) Propagation

The Rhipsalis – also known as the coral cactus – is a spineless cactus with an unusual shape. Just like caring for it, propagating a Rhipsalis is super easy. You don’t need much, except a little patience. Growth can take a while, but it’s definitely worth the wait.

Want to propagate your Rhipsalis? Here’s how to do it step by step.

Rinse your knife or scissors with hot water. Then disinfect them with alcohol to kill any bacteria or fungi. This helps prevent the cutting from getting sick.

Cut one or more stems from the Rhipsalis. Each cutting should be at least ten centimetres long.

Does your Rhipsalis have wide, flat segments? You can cut these into multiple pieces to make several cuttings.

Place the cuttings in a dry spot and leave them to rest for at least three days. The wound needs to callus before going into soil – this prevents rot and helps the roots form.

Once dry, place the cuttings in cactus soil. Give a small amount of water, then let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

After about a month, the roots should be established. You can check this by gently wiggling the cutting. If it stays firm, it has rooted – and you might even see some new growth.

• When: spring or summer is ideal
• Light: bright, indirect sunlight
• Water: only when the soil is fully dry
• Length: cuttings should be at least 10 cm
• Patience: growth is slow – give it time

Yes. Drying the wound first helps prevent rot and improves your chances of successful rooting.

These tips are based on our own experience with propagating. All methods are tested in our plant nursery and work well for beginners too.

Want to explore more propagation tips? Check out our other step-by-step plant guides.