Mistletoe is a well-known winter plant, valued for its festive charm and evergreen leaves with white berries. It naturally grows as a parasitic plant, meaning it depends on another tree for nutrients and moisture. Common host trees include apple, hawthorn, poplar, lime, and conifers. Although it grows in the wild, mistletoe can also be grown indoors or outdoors with careful planning.
To begin growing mistletoe, always use fresh berries because they contain viable seeds. These berries are usually harvested in early spring. Gently squeeze each berry to remove the seed and rinse off most of the sticky coating. In nature, mistletoe germinates on host branches, but seeds can also begin sprouting in moist seed flats that contain a peat-rich potting mix. After sowing, mist the soil lightly and cover the flat with a lid or plastic sheet. Keep the container in a bright area where temperatures stay above 60°F (16°C).
Growing mistletoe outdoors is simpler because seeds can be pressed directly into the bark of a healthy host tree. Spritz the area daily to keep it moist. Some people make a small cut in the bark before inserting the seed, but this step is optional. Germination may take several months, and growth remains slow for years.
For indoor growing, choose a small potted tree such as orchard apple. Since mistletoe draws nutrients from its host, the tree will need extra care. Water the host regularly, watch for diseases, and apply fertilizer in spring to support healthy growth.
Mistletoe plants are either male or female, and you will not know which you have until around year four, when flowers appear. Growing several seeds increases your chances of producing berries. Once established, the plant becomes hardy and long-living.
In some regions, mistletoe spreads quickly, so outdoor planting should be done responsibly. Indoor growing is a safe option for those who want to enjoy the plant without affecting natural habitats.