Tropical succulent mistletoe cactus is found in rain forests and warm places like South Africa, Mexico, and Brazil. Rhipsalis demands wet soil, dark light, and shade or partial shade, in contrast to many of the other plants we mentioned. This is undoubtedly an excellent choice if you’re looking for plants that are safe for pets (just keep in mind your kitten try to play with it like a string toy).
It is vital to bear in mind that, says the ASPCA “Dogs and cats may have vomiting or gastrointestinal problems after consuming any plant matter. Plants that are either non-toxic or possibly poisonous but only cause moderate GI discomfort in animals are not expected to be fatal to them “. Visit your neighborhood vet or the SPCA in Montreal if you suspect your cherished pet may be ill.
Is the poisonous trailing mistletoe cactus?
Considering a replanting? Repot this growing succulent every several years, keeping it in a modest-sized container. Never repot a plant while it is in bloom; instead, wait until the spring flowers are through blooming.
Too much sunshine results in stems that are shriveled and crimson. Mistletoe cactus needs protection from hot, direct sunlight, particularly in the summer.
No blooms? Make sure there is a lot of direct, bright light. Feed your plant with fertilizer to promote blossoming.
Are pencil and mistletoe cacti the same thing?
The genus Rhipsalis, which has 35 distinct species, is in the same family as other cacti. Rhipsalis is frequently referred to by both its scientific name and its common name, Mistletoe Cactus.
After the blooms fade, several Rhipsalis species, such as Rhipsalis baccifera, Rhipsalis cassutha, and Rhipsalis burchelli, produce small, white cylindrical fruits that aesthetically resemble mistletoe, thus the name.
Although not all Rhipsalis species produce these distinctive white fruits, Mistletoe Cactus and Rhipsalis are frequently used interchangeably, and I will do the same in this essay.
If the fruits’ alluring appearances weren’t enough, they are supposed to taste soft and sweet and are edible. So you also get the extra benefit of a beautiful houseplant that also makes edible fruits.
Rhipsalis are rare in that they are not indigenous to arid, hot climates. They vary in that they favor lower light levels and a warm, humid habitat.
Its natural habitat includes Florida’s tropical and subtropical rainforest, the Caribbean, South and Central America, as well as tropical parts of Africa that extend into Sri Lanka.
The Rhipsalis cactus is unique among cactus species in that it grows natively outside of the New World. One theory is that migratory birds brought the Rhipsalis species to the Old World far enough in the past for it to be recognized as a separate subspecies.
Rhipsalis Characteristics
Rhipsalis are called epiphytes, which means they grow clinging to branches or on the trunks of trees, like their other relatives. In addition, Rhipsalis is the most common species of cactus.
The cactus’s slender, emerald-green stems, which like threads of succulent, can reach lengths of up to 30 feet in their natural habitat. The stems, however, often only reach a length of roughly half that when grown indoors. Mistletoe cactus plants are big and bushy eye-catching examples wherever they are planted indoors due to the abundance of thin stems the cactus generates.
Because of its bunching behavior and succulent stems that resemble thin threads, the Mistletoe Cactus resembles the Pencil Cactus in appearance (Euphorbia tirucalli). Pencil cactus, in contrast to Mistletoe Cactus, are not cactus and have a habit of growing up to the ceiling even indoors.
Unlike other flowering epiphyte cacti, such as the Christmas Cactus, which has huge blossoms, the mistletoe cactus has tiny, greenish-white blooms that appear regularly all year long starting in the spring.
What cacti can cats safely consume?
Thanksgiving cactus, Christmas cactus, and Easter cacti are all suitable houseplants for pet owners to have. These pet-friendly succulents are great houseplants to add some color to your Christmas décor because they require little maintenance. They are a fantastic substitute for other seasonal plants like holly, lilies, and poinsettias that can be seriously poisonous to pets. Despite its name, holiday cactus are actually epiphytes that are native to damp, tropical areas rather than cacti.
Why does my cat have a thing for my cactus?
Here are a few explanations for why your cat might be biting or kicking your plants if you’re wondering why they might be doing it.
The explanations could aid in your better understanding of your pet and, in some situations, aid in the discovery of flaws in your pet.
Curiosity killed the cat
Cats are inherently inquisitive. You may have heard the saying “curiosity killed the cat,” which means that a cat will do everything to satiate its curiosity.
The cactus plant may be uncommon in many homes, despite the fact that your cat may have become accustomed to other house plants in your house.
When you water the plant, the spikes and always growing stems and branches could all be piqueing your cat’s interest. Your cat might be simply observing this plant and occasionally punching or biting it to see how it responds.
The need for roughage
Even though cats are real carnivores, some fiber doesn’t hurt because it helps with indigestion. As much as your cat may try to bite your cactus, they could not care for the flavor and end up spitting it out. There is no danger if they accidentally consume some of it because it might add a little fiber to their diet.
However, you must be extremely cautious about how much fiber your cat takes because too much is unhealthy for cats.
Since cats are carnivores, they need proteins to survive, and too much fiber may deplete the body’s supply of amino acids. If your cat consistently gets diarrhea, it may have ingested too much cactus.
Thirst Quencher
The succulent plant has a large capacity for water storage. Water intake and conservation have been specialized in the plant’s leaves, roots, and even stems.
According to research, during hot weather, this plant conserves more water than it loses through photosynthesis or evaporation. These plants frequently have a turgid, succulent appearance, which may be why your cat is drawn to them.
Make sure your cat has access to enough water at all times. The cat will be deterred from utilizing your cactus to quench its thirst as a result of the habit.
Lack of nutrients
When their food is low in some critical elements, such as iron or calcium, cats may occasionally turn to eating soil. Your cat can wind up biting your plants in its attempt to get at the dirt, making them unattractive.
It is best to take your cat to the nearest veterinarian if you see that it is always attempting to reach for the dirt in your cactus. The vet will perform a comprehensive examination of your cat and provide you advice regarding any potential mineral shortages. Additionally, the doctor will give you suggestions for the best mineral sources and might even prescribe some supplements for you to take at home.
Craving for different textures
The texture of your cactus may appeal to the cat because it primarily consumes meat. Your cat might want to bite the plant to feel what it’s like.
Itchiness
Cats enjoy rubbing their fur on anything they come across. Your cat might try rubbing its hair against the plant to get rid of any itchiness.
Additionally, gum disease or tooth decay could be developing as a result of an infection in your cat’s mouth. Bring your cat in for an examination, and the vet will give you tips on how to best care for your pet’s teeth.
Do mistletoe cacti grow indoors?
In general, mistletoe cacti are low-maintenance and simple to cultivate indoors. This tropical cactus enjoys indirect light and damp, humid conditions as opposed to desert cacti and succulents.
How did it get the name mistletoe cactus?
Rhipsalis baccifera, often known as mistletoe cactus, is a member of the Cactaceae family and the Rhipsalis genus.
Like fishbone, orchid cactus Epiphyllum, and Hatiora, the succulent epiphytic cactus known as Rhipsalis grows on other plants and absorbs nutrition from its surroundings.
The mistletoe cactus is native to the Central and South American jungles. The common name “mistletoe cactus” came from its spineless form, which gave it a drooped-over appearance. It works beautifully as a hanging plant.
The Greek word “rhips,” which alludes to the plant’s flexible branches, is where the scientific name Rhipsalis originates. Baccifera, which refers to the plant’s white berries that develop following the flowering period in early spring, implies berry-bearing.
Are cats poisoned by aloe vera?
Because of its health advantages rather than its aesthetics, aloe vera is a common houseplant. Although aloe juice and pulp can be used to cure a number of ailments in humans, cats are extremely toxic to it.
Are cats hazardous to spider plants?
Although deemed safe for cats, spider plants are not always safe from cats. Many felines simply can’t help themselves, as was already explained. There is a valid justification for this. Chemicals identified in spider plants are comparable to those in opium. Our feline friends experience a moderate psychedelic impact from these substances. Now that you know why Fluffy often appears fairly wide-eyed after consuming these plants, you can stop wondering.
Which Christmas trees are toxic to cats?
This holiday season, if you own cats, you should be cautious about the plants you bring inside. Your feline family members have problems with mistletoe, holly berries, lilies, poinsettias, and lilies.
Lilies are the most deadly of all of these seasonal plants, and cats could die from eating them. The plant is deadly in all of its parts, including the pollen, flower, stems, and leaves. These flowers, such as the tiger, day, Asiatic hybrid, Easter, Japanese Show, rubrum, stargazer, red, Western, and wood lilies, are members of the Lilium or Hemerocallis family. These lilies, if consumed, can dehydrate cats and cause renal failure, which is accompanied by quick onset of lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, and either increased or decreased thirst and urine. Take your cat right away to your veterinarian for emergency care if you think it may have ingested any lily plant material. The greatest advise is to avoid bringing lilies into a house with cats and to check any flower bouquets that are delivered because lilies are the most popular flower among florists.
Although poinsettias are not very harmful to cats, their milky white sap does contain saponin-like detergents and compounds known as diterpenoid euphorbol esters. These drugs can upset the stomach and result in vomiting, drooling, or, less frequently, diarrhea if consumed. Dermal irritation (including redness, swelling, and itching) may appear if the milky sap is in contact with the skin. Rarely, exposure to the eyes might cause mild conjunctivitis (“pink eye secondary to inflammation). Unless they are severe, symptoms are self-limiting and don’t need medical attention.
Mistletoe and other holiday plants like holly berries can potentially be harmful to cats. Christmas or English holly’s prickly leaves and potentially poisonous compounds can cause significant gastrointestinal distress when consumed (including saponins, methylxanthines, and cyanogens). Due to the mechanical pain caused by the prickly leaves, most cats mouth smack, drool, and shake their heads excessively if they consume them. Regarding mistletoe, the majority of us hang it high enough that our cats cannot access it. Nevertheless, consuming it can make you sick. Thankfully, American mistletoe is not as lethal as its European counterparts. Even if taken in large quantities, collapse, hypotension, ataxia (walking drunk), seizures, and death have all been observed in addition to mild gastrointestinal distress. You should take your cat to the clinic if you think he may have consumed one of these plants.