Combretum Mistletoe Plant Care

Viscum combreticola Engl.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Viscum combreticola, the Combretum mistletoe, is a leafless, dioecious mistletoe shrub, occurring from southern to tropical Africa, in a broad zone following the Rift Valleys. Though it is typically a hemiparasite of Combretum species, it may also be found on Terminalia (Combretaceae), Acacia, Croton, Diplorhynchus, Dombeya, Heteropyxis, Maytenus, Melia, Strychnos or Vangueria.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Partial to full shade

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Combretum Mistletoe?

Plant Combretum Mistletoe in partial to full shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.

What Is the Combretum Mistletoe?

Combretum Mistletoe (Viscum combreticola) belongs to the Santalaceae family within the Viscum genus.

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

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Combretum Mistletoe?

Water a young or newly planted Combretum Mistletoe every 7–14 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Combretum Mistletoe Need?

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

Light Requirement

Partial to full shade

50–200 lux

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Combretum Mistletoe Prefer?

Viscum combreticola tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Combretum Mistletoe prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

60–75°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Combretum Mistletoe?

Well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Combretum Mistletoe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Where Should You Plant a Combretum Mistletoe?

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Combretum 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Combretum Mistletoe?

Combretum Mistletoe can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 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.

How Do You Prune a Combretum Mistletoe?

Prune Combretum 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.

How Do You Care for a Combretum Mistletoe in Winter?

Combretum 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.

How Do You Propagate a Combretum Mistletoe?

Combretum Mistletoe can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to european mistletoe plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Combretum Mistletoe Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic (caution)

Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.

Toxic to humans and pets

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 Combretum Mistletoe?

Combretum Mistletoe is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Combretum Mistletoe Need?

Combretum Mistletoe grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Combretum Mistletoe as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Combretum 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 Viscum genus — compare its care with other Viscum species on PlantoScan.

Viscum is part of the Santalaceae plant family — browse all Santalaceae genera and species.

Combretum 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: Viscum combreticola Engl., family Santalaceae (first published in Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 40: 542 (1908)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Combretum Mistletoe is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • 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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