End of Year Sale - Save up to 50% Off - Selected plants, pots and gifts

Lepismium bolivianum - Forest Cactus

Size

11cm

17cm

21cm

25cm

£22.00

*Sprouts HQ - Willway Yard, Bedminster, BS3 4BG

Usually ready in 24 hours

*Sprouts Shop - Kingsdown, BS6 5UD

Usually ready in 4 hours

Every plant is carefully packed by our small, plant-loving Bristol team using protective, mostly plastic-free packaging.

Occasionally, you may find reused bubble wrap – this has been donated to us, and we encourage you to reuse it too.

Orders are usually packed and dispatched within 2–4 working days. We may occasionally delay dispatch during periods of extreme weather to protect your plants. We always prioritise plant health over speed of delivery.

This Forest Cactus is a real statement, with its explosion of bright green foliage hanging down from above. In its native Bolivian rainforest, this plant grows in the nooks and crannies of trees, dangling down from above- by hanging it from your wall, ceiling or shelf you can bring a part of the rainforest into your home! Although it is a cactus, it needs higher humidity and more frequent watering than its desert cousins, and less direct light. Find a spot with indirect sun and plenty of space and this will be the ideal green centrepiece.

Scientific Name
Lepismium bolivianum (scaly Bolivian plant)

Pfeiffera boliviana (new classification based on molecular evidence), Rhipsalis boliviana (older classification previous to Lepismuim)

Common Name
Forest Cactus, Mistletoe Cactus

Origin
Native to the Bolivian rainforest

Light
Forest cacti like bright, indirect light; they will appreciate a couple of hours of sunlight per day but not much more, and can tolerate lower light levels too as long as they are watered less in a dimmer spot.

Water
In indirect light to deep shade, let the soil dry out between waters; in brighter, direct light only let the top third dry out.

Humidity
Average humidity is fine, just make sure it's not too close to a heater.

Soil
Use a light, airy anthurium or orchid-style mix, ideally with added bark and perlite. This mimics the loose, well-draining organic matter it grows in naturally on tree branches. Repot every three years in spring as the plant grows. If it's flowering, keep it pot-bound a little longer to prevent it getting shocked by the move and losing flowers.

Food
Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter.

Temperature
Temperatures of about 18-26°C are great- make sure it doesn't drop below 10°C in winter.

Pet-safe
Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!

Sprouts Top Tips
The Lepismium may be a cactus, but it likes more water than its desert cousins; make sure it drains well and isn't left soggy while also not drying out completely - keep an eye on your plant to get the water right for it. Yellowing leaves are a sign of too much water, while with too little, the leaves will start to go crispy and your plant stop growing.

Lepismium bolivianum - Forest Cactus

From £22.00

Let customers speak for us

from 2024 reviews

Peperomia caperata 'Luna' - Radiator Plant

Jo B.

Very healthy plant with fantastic deep coloured leaves.

Peperomia caperata 'Luna' - Radiator Plant

01/31/2026

Nephrolepis exaltata 'Fluffy Ruffle' - Boston Fern

Pinkie

Lovely plant and excellent service

Nephrolepis exaltata 'Fluffy Ruffle' - Boston Fern

01/31/2026

Lithops lesliei – Living Stone (Mixed Varieties)

Jo B.

Bought as a present for my daughter. Great little plants. She loves them.

Lithops lesliei – Living Stone (Mixed Varieties)

01/31/2026

Debs

Stumbled across this store online and absolutely love it, bought 2 orders of plants and both arrived very carefully wrapped and in excellent condition. You have a new fan!!

Sprouts of Bristol

01/30/2026

Debs

Love this little plant, very unusual - arrived well packed and just as pictured online, superb service, very happy - I will be back!! 😊

Peperomia ferreyrae 'Happy Bean'

01/30/2026

Echinopsis multiplex – Night-Blooming Hedgehog Cactus

Debs

Such a cute little plant - arrived well packed and just as pictured online, superb service, very happy - I will be back!! 😊

Echinopsis multiplex – Night-Blooming Hedgehog Cactus

01/30/2026

Debs

Fab pot, arrived well packed and just as pictured online, superb service, very happy - I will be back!! 😊

Positano Mint Blue Geometric Planter

01/30/2026

Debs

Fab little pot, arrived well packed and just as pictured online, superb service, very happy - I will be back!! 😊

Positano Lemon Yellow Geometric Planter

01/30/2026

Debs

Great plant, arrived well packed and just as pictured online, superb service, very happy - I will be back!! 😊

Aloe vera

01/30/2026

Debs

What a lovely little plant! It arrived well packed and just as pictured online, superb service, very happy - I will be back!! 😊

Stapelia leendertziae - Carrion Flower

01/30/2026

Debs

A lifesaver for winter plant deliveries, it made a difference in freezing temps

Heat Pack for Plants

01/30/2026

Pachycereus pringlei – Mexican Giant Cardón

Debs

LOVE this cactus, so chunky and chubby - arrived well packed and just as pictured online, superb service, very happy - I will be back!! 😊

Pachycereus pringlei – Mexican Giant Cardón

01/30/2026

Debs

Love this stuff, great texture and my plants love it, arrived well packed and just as pictured online, superb service, very happy - I will be back!! 😊

Premium Anthurium and Orchid Soil Mix

01/30/2026

Vatricania guentherii – Woolly Column Cactus

Debs

Such a cute little plant! It arrived well packed and just as pictured online, superb service, very happy - I will be back!! 😊

Vatricania guentherii – Woolly Column Cactus

01/30/2026

Debs

A very healthy plant - arrived well packed and just as pictured online, superb service, very happy - I will be back!! 😊

Peperomia tetraphylla 'Hope'

01/30/2026

What customers think about the store

Sprouts of Bristol offers high-quality, well-packaged plants with excellent customer service. Customers praise the healthy condition of plants upon arrival, speedy delivery, helpful staff, and the store's commitment to sustainability. The rescue plant boxes ar...

AI-generated from customer reviews.

Delivery Packaging Plant Service

Check out The Sprouts Blog

Sprouts insights to house plants, gardening, our favourite brands and plant hire case studies.

Visit the blog

We’re Growing – Welcome to Sprouts HQ!

Sprouts of Bristol is expanding with the launch of Sprouts HQ – a new South Bristol premises that will house a dedicated packing space for online orders, an office, studio, and more room for rare and exciting plants. While the Kingsdown shop remains open as usual, the new HQ allows Sprouts to grow behind the scenes and offer even better service both in-store and online. This blog post shares the story behind the move, what customers can expect, and how to keep supporting this independent plant shop through the transition.

Jessy EdgarAugust 15, 2025

Terrarium & Wreath Workshops in Bristol – Autumn & Winter 2025

Join Sprouts of Bristol for terrarium, kokedama, and Christmas wreath workshops this autumn–winter. Creative, plant-filled fun in the heart of Bristol!

Jessy EdgarAugust 5, 2025