Lepismium bolivianum
Lepismium bolivianum (Bolivian Mistletoe Cactus) Care Guide
Featured photolepismium-bolivianum.jpgLepismium bolivianum, sold as Bolivian Mistletoe Cactus, is an epiphytic cactus from Brazilian forest canopies. A Bolivian and Peruvian epiphytic cactus with cylindrical green stems forming dense pendulous clusters. Closely related to Rhipsalis baccifera but distinguished by stem branching pattern. Unlike desert cacti, Lepismium and Hatiora tolerate higher humidity and more frequent watering, which is why they suit indoor cultivation.
Care facts at a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- Water when the top 2 cm of mix has dried.
- Humidity
- 50–70 %
- Temperature
- 15–27 °C
- Soil
- Free-draining epiphyte mix of orchid bark, perlite, and small fraction of coir.
- Origin
- Tropical and subtropical forests of Brazil and adjacent South America.
- Mature size
- Pendulous stems to 60 cm.
Overview
Lepismium bolivianum is a Cactaceae epiphyte that grows on tree trunks and branches in humid Brazilian forests. A Bolivian and Peruvian epiphytic cactus with cylindrical green stems forming dense pendulous clusters. Closely related to Rhipsalis baccifera but distinguished by stem branching pattern. The pendulous segmented stems do the work of leaves — true leaves are absent.
Care Priorities
- Bright filtered light, never direct midday sun.
- Free-draining epiphytic mix.
- Water more freely than desert cacti.
- Tolerates light feeding during active growth.
Common Problems
Soft mushy stems are overwatering. Yellowing or red-flushed segments signal too much direct sun. Mealybugs cluster between segments.
Sources & further reading (2)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-29
- botanical-garden — accessed 2026-04-29
Frequently asked questions
How is L. bolivianum different from Rhipsalis?
Lepismium and Rhipsalis are closely related and were combined as a single genus in older taxonomies. Modern molecular work separates them based on flower and fruit structure — Lepismium has flowers emerging from areolar dimples in the stem rather than from areole tips. Field identification is hard, and the two genera are routinely confused at retail.
How is this different from a desert cactus?
Lepismium and Hatiora are tropical epiphytes that grow on tree branches in humid forests, so they tolerate higher humidity, lower light, and more frequent watering than the spiny desert cacti most growers picture.
Can I root broken segments?
Yes — break off a healthy two- or three-segment piece, callus the cut for a few days, and push into moist epiphytic mix. Roots typically appear within two to three weeks.
