Desert Mistletoe Plant Care

Desert Mistletoe (Phoradendron californicum) belongs to the Santalaceae family within the Phoradendron genus. Desert Mistletoe is native to southern California, Nevada, Arizona, Sonora, Sinaloa and Baja California. Desert Mistletoe is also known as Christmas Mistletoe.

Desert Mistletoe displays a parasitic shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Desert Mistletoe produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Desert Mistletoe every 14–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Desert Mistletoe thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Desert Mistletoe in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Phoradendron californicum tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Desert Mistletoe prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Desert Mistletoe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Desert Mistletoe is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Desert Mistletoe can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Desert Mistletoe while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Desert Mistletoe is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Desert Mistletoe can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Desert Mistletoe is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. 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.

Desert Mistletoe grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Desert Mistletoe is native to southern California, Nevada, Arizona, Sonora, Sinaloa and Baja California. In cooler regions, grow Desert Mistletoe as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.