Santalaceae
Mistletoes: the hemiparasitic plants of the genus Viscum
Viscum
Not grown in pots or soil: mistletoe lives on a host tree. To start one, stick seeds from ripe berries on a thin, well-lit branch of an apple, lime or poplar, and be patient; it is slow and toxic.
Every 7-10 days
Bright indirect
° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Mistletoes?
Mistletoes (Viscum) is a medium-care plant from the Santalaceae family. Viscum is the mistletoe genus, with about 112 species of hemiparasitic shrubs in the sandalwood family (Santalaceae), native to Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia. They grow attached to the branches of trees and shrubs, taking water and minerals from them, but have green leaves and photosynthesize...
Mistletoes grows up to 2.0m, spread of 200cm. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Mistletoes?
TLDR: Mistletoes needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Mistletoes?
No watering needed: mistletoe takes water and nutrients from its host tree. Look after the host instead, watering it during droughts.
How Much Light Does Mistletoes Need?
Needs well-lit branches. The seeds are green and photosynthesize, so place them in bright parts of the canopy, not on heavily shaded branches.
What Is the Best Soil for Mistletoes?
Uses no soil. Seeds go straight onto the smooth bark of a branch about the thickness of a pencil or a finger, ideally on the underside, where dew collects.
What Is Mistletoes and Where Does It Come From?
Viscum is the mistletoe genus, with about 112 species of hemiparasitic shrubs in the sandalwood family (Santalaceae), native to Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia. They grow attached to the branches of trees and shrubs, taking water and minerals from them, but have green leaves and photosynthesize. They form rounded clumps of forking stems, with tiny yellow-green flowers and white, yellow, orange or red berries with very sticky pulp. Birds eat the berries and wipe the seeds onto branches, where they germinate. The best known is European mistletoe (V. album), the Christmas decoration.
How to Propagate Mistletoes?
Sowing on a branch
Sow several seeds, as there are male and female plants and only females bear berries. Berries from Christmas decorations are often unripe. It can take up to seven years to fruit.
- 1 Use ripe, soft berries in late winter or early spring.
- 2 Squeeze the berry to release the sticky seed.
- 3 Choose a smooth branch as thick as a pencil, in a well-lit spot on a healthy tree.
- 4 Wipe the seed onto the underside of the branch, without cutting the bark or covering it.
- 5 Sow several seeds and label the branch so you can check it.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Mistletoes Grow?
TLDR: Mistletoes can reach up to 2.0m tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
2.0m
Spread
2.0m
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- European mistletoe extracts used in complementary therapies in Europe, without proven efficacy and only under medical supervision
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Sacred to the druids and part of Norse myth (the death of Baldr); today a Christmas decoration under which couples are expected to kiss.
Fun Facts
About 60% of UK mistletoe colonies are in gardens and orchards, many started by people.
The seed is so sticky that birds have to wipe their beaks on branches to get rid of it.
Mistletoe flowers are only 1 to 3 mm across.
Frequently asked questions
Does mistletoe harm the tree?
Is mistletoe poisonous?
Can I grow mistletoe in a pot?
Why does my mistletoe flower but not set berries?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
