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Mistletoe

Viscum album · Viscaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around mistletoe and prepare for winter.

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ID card

Foliage
Evergreen
Blooming
Winter (December to February)
Adult size
30 to 60 cm in diameter
Growth
Slow
Hardiness
Very hardy (down to -20°C)
Origin
Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
Plant type
Semi-parasitic hemiparasitic shrub

Care

Light Exposure

Mistletoe naturally develops on the branches of host trees, exposed to indirect or partial light. When cultivated, place it in a bright area without harsh direct sun. The shrub thrives best with good ambient light and requires little shade.

Watering

Mistletoe is hemiparasitic and draws water mainly through its host. In pots, keep the substrate slightly moist during active growth, without excess. Reduce watering in winter, keeping the soil barely moist. Avoid stagnant water that could promote rot.

Soil and Substrate

Use light, well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Adding bark or perlite promotes aeration. Mistletoe is not fussy about soil pH, but prefers a porous substrate that mimics the conditions of tree bark.

Fertilizing

Apply a light balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring-autumn). Reduce applications in winter. Diluted organic fertilizer is sufficient, as mistletoe is naturally not very demanding.

Pruning and Maintenance

Prune lightly after winter flowering to limit spreading and maintain a compact shape. Remove dead or tangled branches. Moderate pruning is enough; mistletoe doesn't appreciate severe cuts.

Diseases and Pests

Mistletoe is hardly susceptible to diseases when cultivated. Watch for scale insects and aphids, which can weaken the plant indoors. Excess stagnant moisture can promote root rot. Ensure good ventilation and avoid overly stuffy environments.

Did you know?

White mistletoe (Viscum album) has been famous since prehistoric times for its role in Celtic and Germanic Christmas rituals. Druids harvested it in December with a golden sickle, considering it a sacred plant endowed with magical powers. Today, the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe persists in several Anglo-Saxon and European cultures, symbolizing protection and fertility.

Where to buy it

Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.