Rhipsalis teres aka Link Cactus

Rhipsalis teres is considered an easy-care houseplant, making it ideal for beginners. Unlike desert cacti, it originates from humid tropical forests so it's more forgiving of irregular watering. The plant tolerates lower light conditions than most cacti and adapts well to typical indoor environments. Its main requirements are avoiding direct sunlight and maintaining moderate moisture—simple guidelines that make it one of the more accessible epiphytic cacti for home growers.

Rhipsalis teres thrives in typical household temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C). Being a tropical rainforest native, it does not tolerate cold well and should never be exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Keep the plant away from cold drafts and heating vents. A brief cool period below 65°F (18°C) after flowering can encourage reblooming. If you grow it outdoors in summer, bring it inside well before the first frost.

Yes, Rhipsalis teres produces small, delicate flowers typically in fall and winter months. The blooms are pale yellow to white, measuring 6-12mm across, and appear at stem tips and along primary branches. With stable care and adequate light, the plant will bloom indoors. After flowering, small globular fruits (4-5mm) develop in white or pinkish tones, resembling mistletoe berries—hence the common name "Mistletoe Cactus." Avoid moving the plant once buds form, as this may cause blossom drop.

Rhipsalis teres propagates easily from stem cuttings. Cut a healthy stem segment at least 10cm (4 inches) long using clean, sharp scissors. Allow the cut end to dry and callus over for a few days to prevent rot. Insert the callused end 2-5cm deep into moist, well-draining cactus mix. Place in bright indirect light and keep the soil lightly moist. Roots typically develop within 4 weeks. You can also grow new plants from seeds harvested from ripe fruits, though cuttings are faster and more reliable.

Rhipsalis teres develops cascading stems that can reach 60-90cm (2-3 feet) in length with a spread of 30-60cm (1-2 feet) at maturity. The slender cylindrical stems are 10-12mm in diameter and branch profusely, especially toward the tips where whorls of 5-12 secondary branches create a dense, trailing mass. Growth rate is moderate to fast under good conditions. The plant makes an excellent choice for hanging baskets where its graceful trailing habit can be fully appreciated. Indoors, it can live for approximately 30 years with proper care.

Rhipsalis teres displays natural variation across its range, with three recognized forms commonly available to collectors. Forma heteroclada features stouter stems with distinctive purplish coloration near the areoles and tips, often growing more upright initially. Forma capilliformis has particularly fine, hair-like branches creating a delicate, wispy appearance. Forma prismatica develops slightly angular stem segments. All forms share similar care requirements and produce the characteristic white to yellow flowers followed by translucent berries.

Rhipsalis teres can grow outdoors year-round only in USDA zones 9b-11b where temperatures stay above 25°F (-4°C). In its native Brazil, it grows as an epiphyte in humid forest understory. If growing outdoors, provide dappled shade—morning sun is acceptable but avoid harsh afternoon sun. In temperate climates, you can move potted plants outside during warm months but must bring them indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). The plant will not survive hard frosts.

Rhipsalis teres requires minimal pruning. You can trim stems at any time to control size or shape, and the plant tolerates cutting well. Remove any dead, damaged, or shriveled stems to maintain appearance and plant health. Pruning also provides an opportunity to propagate—healthy cut stems can be rooted to create new plants. Use clean, sharp scissors to make cuts, and the plant will branch from the cut point, often producing a fuller appearance over time.

Rhipsalis teres prefers being slightly pot-bound and only needs repotting every 3-4 years. The best time to repot is in spring after flowering has finished. Choose a pot only one size larger than the current container—these plants don't need much root space. Use fresh, well-draining cactus mix with added orchid bark and perlite. Do not fertilize newly repotted plants for 12 months while they establish. Shallow containers or hanging baskets work best for this epiphytic species.

Mealybugs are the primary pest concern for Rhipsalis teres, appearing as white cottony masses in stem joints and branch clusters. Check regularly and treat infestations with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or by dabbing with rubbing alcohol. Root rot is the most common disease, caused by overwatering or poor drainage—symptoms include wilting stems, black mushy bases, and stem drop. The plant is otherwise relatively disease-free when given proper drainage and not overwatered.

Yellowing or reddening stems on Rhipsalis teres typically indicate too much light exposure. This plant naturally grows in forest understory and cannot tolerate prolonged direct sunlight. Afternoon sun especially can burn the stems, causing yellowing, spotting, or a reddish color change. Move the plant to a location with bright indirect light or filter intense sun with a sheer curtain. Some red blushing in bright conditions is normal and not harmful, but severe discoloration with yellowing suggests the light is too intense.

Drooping or puckering stems on Rhipsalis teres usually indicate underwatering. Unlike desert cacti, this species comes from humid rainforests and needs regular moisture. Increase watering frequency, especially during the growing season in spring and summer. Severely dehydrated stems may wrinkle or shrivel. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. If stems remain limp after watering, check for root rot—mushy black roots indicate overwatering damage that prevents water uptake despite wet soil.

Brown or black stems on Rhipsalis teres are typically a sign of overwatering and root rot. When roots become waterlogged, they rot and can no longer supply the plant with water, causing stems to turn mushy and black at the base before dying. Reduce watering immediately and ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes. For severe cases, unpot the plant, trim away any rotted roots and affected stems, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil. Allow the soil to dry more between waterings going forward.

Link Cactus’s native range is Central, South America, and the Caribbean.

Link Cactus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

The Link Cactus is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.

Link Cactus requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Link Cactus will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Link Cactus thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.

The growth of Link Cactus is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

During the cold period, it is common for Link Cactus to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.