Common mistletoe (Viscum album)

Also known as: Mistletoe

Common mistletoe (Viscum album) is a parasitic shrub that typically grows on the branches of trees. It is native to Europe, parts of western and southern Asia, and northern Africa. Though its primary range is in these regions, it has also been introduced to North America. The plant extracts water and nutrients from its host trees. Notably, all parts of common mistletoe are toxic and can be deadly if consumed in large quantities.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Common mistletoe

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

50 cm

Spread

90 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2 mm to 3 mm

Flower Color

Yellow Green

Images of Common mistletoe

Quickly Identify Common mistletoe

Viscum album can be identified by its green, smooth, forked stems and oval leaves. It produces small, yellow-green flowers and white berries. The plant generally forms dense clumps in the trees it parasitizes.

Scientific Classification of Common mistletoe

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Santalales

Family

Sandalwood

Genus

Mistletoes

Species

Common mistletoe

Planting and Growing of Common mistletoe

Care Difficulty

Hard

Watering Schedule

Every day

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

50-77℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Common mistletoe?

The ideal watering amount for Viscum album should be modest since it is a semi-parasitic plant that absorbs nutrients and moisture from its host. Watering should be light, approximately 50 milliliters, allowing the substrate to dry between waterings. This practice mimics the plant’s natural environment, preventing excessive moisture that the host cannot accommodate.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Common mistletoe? ›

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How to save an overwatered Common mistletoe? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Common mistletoe?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 2 to 6 hours daily

Partial sun to full shade is ideal for Viscum album, offering just enough light without overwhelming it. This balance supports optimal growth traits like robust foliage, stronger stems, and enhanced resilience against environmental stressors.

What are the ideal lighting conditions for Viscum album? ›

How can I achieve ideal lighting for Viscum album? ›

What benefits come from ideal lighting for Viscum album? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Common mistletoe?

Ideal Temperature: 50 ~ 77℉

The ideal temperature range for Viscum album, commonly known as European mistletoe, is between 50°F to 77°F. This range supports optimal growth and health, allowing the plant to photosynthesize efficiently and maintain its typical developmental processes.

What Soil is Best for Common mistletoe?

Soil type: Loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Viscum album thrives best in nutrient-rich soils. This provides the plant with essential elements for growth and fruit production, enhancing its overall vigor and resilience against diseases. This plant benefits from soils that moderate moisture levels, ensuring consistent hydration. Proper moisture indirectly boosts nutrient uptake, fostering more robust plant development. While Viscum album can tolerate occasional wetting, it benefits from well-draining soils to prevent root rot. Good drainage helps maintain root health, crucial for its survival.

How to Fertilize Common mistletoe?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Viscum album, known as European mistletoe, is a semi-parasitic plant that doesn't require excessive fertilization due to its unique lifestyle. Typically, a light application of liquid fertilizer at half the recommended strength suffices, especially when applied during its active growth phase.

How to Prune Common mistletoe?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Begin by examining the plant for any dead or diseased branches that need immediate removal. Look for any abnormal growths or signs of pest infestations. Trim back the mistletoe to maintain its shape and prevent overgrowth. Cut back to where the branch meets the main stem, ensuring not to remove too much live tissue at once. After pruning, water the plant adequately and monitor for any signs of stress. Avoid fertilizing immediately as this might encourage excessive new growth.

How to Propagate Common mistletoe plant?

Propagate Time: Late autumn

Choose healthy, mature trees as hosts, ideally those with an open branch structure. This will provide the mistletoe seeds with adequate light and nutrients. Ensure that the host is compatible with Viscum album to ensure successful growth.

Using sharp pruning shears, cut small notches into the bark of the chosen host branches. This preparation increases the likelihood of seed adherence and germination by offering a more stable area for the seeds to lodge.

Press fresh Viscum album seeds into the prepared notches or cracks in the host tree's bark. Ensure good contact between seed and bark, as seeds need to attach well to access nutrients and water from the host.

How to Repot Common mistletoe plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Viscum album should be repotted when its root system becomes visibly congested or when growth noticeably slows down. Spring is the ideal time to repot as the plant is entering its active growing phase, promoting faster recovery and adaptation to its new pot.

Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, with ample drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. A larger pot provides additional space for the roots to grow, promoting overall plant health and preventing root rot issues.

Opt for a loamy and well-drained soil mix that mimics the plant's natural environment. This type of soil retains moisture without becoming overly saturated, providing the roots with essential aeration and nutrient retention.

Toxicity of Common mistletoe

Is Common mistletoe toxic to humans?

The common mistletoe presents a significant toxicity hazard to humans if ingested. Every component of this plant, including its leaves, stems, and berries, is poisonous. The high toxicity is attributed to the presence of alkaloids, viscotoxins, and lectins. Upon ingestion, these compounds can lead to a variety of symptoms, ranging from gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea to more critical effects, including a decrease in blood pressure, respiratory difficulties, and even potentially fatal heart-related complications. Given the seriousness of these effects, it is essential to prevent any accidental ingestion of any part of the common mistletoe.

Is Common mistletoe toxic to cat?

Common mistletoe poses a significant threat of toxicity to felines. Should a cat inadvertently consume any portion of this plant, there is a substantial risk of poisoning involved. Every part of the common mistletoe is poisonous, harboring toxic compounds including alkaloids, viscotoxins, and lectins. Ingesting this plant can incite various symptoms that reflect physical distress, potentially severe due to its high toxicity level. If a cat happens to eat common mistletoe, it is essential for the owner to promptly obtain professional assistance at a veterinary clinic.

Is Common mistletoe toxic to dog?

Common mistletoe presents a significant toxicity hazard to dogs. Canines may unintentionally consume portions of common mistletoe, which can lead to serious poisoning. The entire plant is hazardous, indicating that the ingestion of any leaves, stems, or berries can trigger severe reactions. Following the ingestion of common mistletoe, dogs may display symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, breathing difficulties, a lowered heart rate, and even seizures. It is vital for dog owners to remain alert and keep their pets away from common mistletoe. Should ingestion be suspected, prompt veterinary intervention is critical to address the consequences of the poisoning.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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