Fresh mistletoe berries are ideal for planting. You can trust they are ripe and ready to germinate, unlike older berries (or berries used in decorations), which may have already begun to decay. [2] X Research source To identify whether a mistletoe berry is fresh enough to plant, check out the color. Look specifically for white berries; their pale color means they have reached full maturity. [3] X Research source If you must use older berries, be sure to store them in water until you’re ready to plant. You can submerge your mistletoe in a cup or vase. The mistletoe will also need ample amounts of light; set them near a window to meet this need. [4] X Research source
Mistletoe is a partial parasite. Although its leaves do make some energy through photosynthesis, the plant also roots down under the bark of a host tree to take more nutrients from the tree. [6] X Research source Most trees and shrubs from the Rosaceae family will work.
Try to stick to branches with a diameter of eight inches. The mistletoe will mature more easily with eight inch branches. This is because they are thin enough for the mistletoe to attach itself to while it grows. [9] X Research source By sticking the seed to a leaf, you are mimicking a bird releasing a seed in its droppings.
You can identify a sick tree by its branches. Sick tress may have branches with dead leaves that will not fall off, or branches with no leaves (when it isn’t fall or winter). [14] X Research source Check out the tree’s trunk to determine its health. Trees will shed their bark from time to time, but a healthy tree will regrow its bark. A sick tree will not replace its bark, so you’ll always see bare wood. [15] X Research source
Keep an eye on the tree after trimming to see whether it starts to regain its health. It may begin growing new leaves, or the branch the mistletoe is on may perk up. If the tree continues to get worse, remove the entire branch. You can try planting new mistletoe on a different tree next year.
