Chinese Mistletoe Plant Care
Taxillus caloreas (Diels) Danser
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Taxillus caloreas is known for its unique heart-shaped leaves that are a vibrant shade of green with subtle hints of yellow, making it a standout in any garden. Its sprawling growth habit adds an element of whimsy to any landscape design, making it a favorite among plant enthusiasts.
Every 7–10 days
Partial to full shade
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Chinese Mistletoe?
Water Chinese Mistletoe every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Chinese Mistletoe?
Chinese Mistletoe (Taxillus caloreas) belongs to the Loranthaceae family within the Taxillus genus. Chinese Mistletoe is native to Asia.
Chinese Mistletoe displays a parasitic vine growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Chinese Mistletoe produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Chinese Mistletoe?
Taxillus caloreas 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 Chinese Mistletoe Need?
Chinese Mistletoe thrives in partial to full shade. Avoid placing Chinese Mistletoe in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Chinese Mistletoe Prefer?
Taxillus caloreas grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Chinese Mistletoe prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Chinese Mistletoe?
Well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Chinese Mistletoe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Chinese Mistletoe?
Feed Chinese Mistletoe every 2 months 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 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Chinese Mistletoe?
Only repot if necessary, as it is a parasitic plant. 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 Chinese Mistletoe?
Chinese Mistletoe can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kaempfer's mistletoe plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Chinese Mistletoe Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Chinese Mistletoe, 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 Chinese Mistletoe?
Chinese 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.
Keep exploring plants
Chinese Mistletoe 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 Taxillus genus — compare its care with other Taxillus species on PlantoScan.
Taxillus is part of the Loranthaceae plant family — browse all Loranthaceae genera and species.
Chinese Mistletoe copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Taxillus caloreas (Diels) Danser, family Loranthaceae (first published in Verh. Kon. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., Sect. 2 , 29(6): 123 (1933)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Chinese Mistletoe, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Chinese Mistletoe Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species