Haworth had actually spelt the epithet "salicornoides"; subsequent authors have corrected the spelling, treating the original as an orthographic error.

[6] The International Plant Names Index later deemed the specific epithet incorrectable to "salicornioides" as is it derived from a noun and a suffix rather than two Greek or Latin words.

[2] Molecular phylogenetic studies have confirmed its placement in the correct genus, and also in the tribe Rhipsalideae, showing a close relation to H. cylindrica (which has been considered synonymous with H. salicornioides, as a cultivar/form or variety).

Additionally, a number of large botanic gardens and national parks are situated close to—or directly inside of—the city limits of Río de Janeiro and São Paulo, such as Tijuca National Park and the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, which help to provide a protected, natural habitat for these delicate epiphytic cacti in the middle of two of the planet's most densely-populated megacities.

The region's rapid rate of plant growth, and high number of unique species, is attributed to a stable ambient humidity level and relatively consistent equatorial temperatures; in addition to the regular precipitation and thunderstorms the region receives, further humidity is gleaned by plants via fog, marine layer, and morning dew.

Hatiora grow and become established wherever they have sprouted (from dispersed seed) or taken root, vegetatively, via a broken segment or cutting separating and landing on a new tree branch.

Trees in Brazilian forests often become "communities" or symbiotic "networks" featuring a myriad of arboreal cacti growing with other epiphytic plant families and genera, such as Araceae, Bromeliaceae, ferns, mosses, Orchidaceae, Peperomia, Tradescantia, and more.

[1] In addition to thriving in moist forest, these diminutive cacti are also found growing on trees in the more open savanna habitats, rocky outcrops, humid canyons, as well as montane regions, at elevations of 200–1,750 m (660–5,740 ft).