Mistletoe fig Plant Care
Dendrophthora bulbifera Kuijt
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive visual feature is its large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves. Originally from tropical regions in Asia and Africa, the Dendrophthora bulbifera is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and ability to produce aerial tubers.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Mistletoe fig?
Water Mistletoe fig every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Mistletoe fig?
Mistletoe fig (Dendrophthora bulbifera) belongs to the Santalaceae family within the Dendrophthora genus. Mistletoe fig is native to Southeast Asia, Australia. Mistletoe fig is also known as Mistletoe rubber plant.
Mistletoe fig displays an epiphytic, spreading vine growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Mistletoe fig produces small inconspicuous flowers.
How Often Should You Water a Mistletoe fig?
Dendrophthora bulbifera requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Mistletoe fig Need?
Mistletoe fig thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Mistletoe fig in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mistletoe fig Prefer?
Dendrophthora bulbifera grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Mistletoe fig prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mistletoe fig?
Well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Mistletoe fig to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Mistletoe fig?
Feed Mistletoe fig every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Mistletoe fig?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Mistletoe fig?
Mistletoe fig can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Mistletoe fig Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mistletoe fig, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Mistletoe fig?
Mistletoe fig is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Mistletoe fig is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Dendrophthora genus — compare its care with other Dendrophthora species on PlantoScan.
Dendrophthora is part of the Santalaceae plant family — browse all Santalaceae genera and species.
Mistletoe fig thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dendrophthora bulbifera Kuijt, family Santalaceae (first published in Fl. Ecuador 24(32B): 77 (1986)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mistletoe fig, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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