Fishbone Cactus

Its zigzag stems and star-shaped flowers make this epiphytic cactus a conversation piece in any room. The fishbone cactus is one of those plants that people notice immediately, even if they don’t know its name. You might have seen it hanging in a bright window or trailing from a shelf, with those wavy, angular leaves that look like they were drawn by a mathematician. It is not your typical desert cactus, and that is exactly why it stands out.

This plant, also known as the zigzag cactus or ric rac cactus, is native to the tropical rainforests of Mexico. Unlike the spiny saguaro or barrel cactus, this one grows on trees in the wild. It clings to branches and absorbs moisture from the humid air. That means its care needs are totally different from what you might expect from a cactus. You do not need to neglect it or keep it bone dry. In fact, it thrives with a little more attention and water than most succulents.

If you are looking for a houseplant that is easy to talk about but still forgiving, this is a great pick. It grows fast, propagates easily, and rewards you with gorgeous nocturnal blooms. Let us walk through everything you need to know about growing and caring for this unique plant.

What Is A Fishbone Cactus?

The scientific name for this plant is Selenicereus anthyllanus, though you might still see it listed as Epiphyllum anguliger in older books. It belongs to the cactus family, but it behaves more like an orchid or a fern. In its natural habitat, it grows high up in the canopy, rooting in leaf litter and moss. The roots are shallow and airy, which is why they hate sitting in soggy soil.

The stems are flat, green, and deeply lobed. Each segment looks like a fish skeleton, which is where the common name comes from. The edges are wavy and dramatic, giving the plant a sculptural look. It can grow quite long, reaching up to three feet or more in a single season. Because the stems arch and trail, it looks amazing in a hanging basket or on a high shelf.

One of the most exciting things about this cactus is its flowers. They bloom at night and are usually white or pale yellow. The blooms are large, fragrant, and absolutely stunning. They only last for one night, but the show is worth the wait. Some growers report multiple flushes of blooms throughout the year, especially if the plant is happy.

Light Requirements For Fishbone Cactus

Getting the light right is the most important part of keeping this plant healthy. It does not want direct, harsh sunlight. In the wild, it is shaded by the forest canopy. Too much sun will cause the stems to turn yellow or even burn. Too little light, and the growth will become leggy and weak.

The ideal spot is bright, indirect light. A north or east-facing window is usually perfect. If you only have a south or west window, place the plant a few feet away from the glass or use a sheer curtain to filter the light. You can also grow it under artificial grow lights if your home is dark.

Morning sun is fine, but avoid afternoon sun in summer.
If the stems start to look pale or bleached, move it to a shadier spot.
If the growth is thin and spaced out, it needs more light.
Rotate the pot every few weeks so all sides get even light.

During the winter months, the light is weaker, so you might need to move the plant closer to the window. Just be careful about cold drafts. This cactus is not frost hardy and will suffer if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Watering Your Fishbone Cactus

This is where most people get confused. It is a cactus, but it is a tropical cactus. That means it likes consistent moisture, but it cannot sit in water. The roots need oxygen, and waterlogged soil will quickly lead to root rot. The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist, not wet and not bone dry.

During the growing season, which is spring through early fall, water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. Stick your finger into the pot. If it feels dry, water thoroughly until water drains out the bottom. If it feels damp, wait a day or two and check again.

Use room-temperature water, not cold water from the tap.
Water less frequently in winter when growth slows down.
Never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.
If you are unsure, it is better to underwater than overwater.

Humidity is also important. This plant loves moisture in the air. If your home is dry, especially in winter, you can mist the stems regularly or place a small humidifier nearby. A pebble tray with water under the pot also helps. Just make sure the bottom of the pot is not sitting directly in the water.

Soil And Potting Mix

The right soil mix is crucial for this epiphytic cactus. Regular potting soil is too heavy and holds too much water. You need something that drains quickly but still retains some moisture. A mix designed for orchids or succulents works well, but you can also make your own.

A simple recipe is two parts regular potting soil, one part perlite, and one part orchid bark. The bark adds air pockets and mimics the plant’s natural growing conditions. Perlite helps with drainage, and the potting soil provides some nutrients. You can also add a handful of coconut coir to help retain a little moisture.

When you repot, choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the root ball. This plant likes to be a bit root-bound. A pot that is too big will hold excess water and increase the risk of rot. Terracotta pots are a good choice because they wick away moisture, but plastic pots are fine if you are careful with watering.

Repotting is best done in spring. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, shake off the old soil, and place it in the new pot. Water lightly after repotting and keep it in a shaded spot for a few days to recover.

Temperature And Humidity Needs

This plant is not a fan of extreme temperatures. It prefers a comfortable range between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C). It can handle slightly warmer temperatures in summer, but it will struggle if the mercury climbs above 90°F (32°C) for long periods. On the flip side, it does not like cold drafts or sudden temperature swings.

If you move your plant outdoors for the summer, do it gradually. Start by placing it in a shaded spot for a few hours a day, then slowly increase the time. Bring it back inside before nighttime temperatures drop below 55°F (13°C).

Humidity is more important than temperature for this cactus. It thrives in 50% to 70% humidity. If your home is dry, you might notice the stems looking wrinkled or the tips turning brown. A simple humidifier or regular misting can solve this problem. Grouping plants together also helps create a microclimate with higher humidity.

Fertilizing Your Fishbone Cactus

Feeding your plant is not complicated, but it does help with growth and flowering. During the growing season, from spring to early fall, you can fertilize once a month. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. A formula like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 works well.

You can also use a fertilizer specifically designed for cacti or orchids. These are usually lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus, which promotes blooming. Avoid fertilizing in winter when the plant is resting. Too much fertilizer can cause salt buildup in the soil, which can burn the roots.

Dilute the fertilizer more than the label says.
Water the plant before fertilizing to avoid root burn.
Stop fertilizing in late fall and winter.
If you see white crust on the soil surface, flush the pot with water.

If you want to encourage blooms, you can switch to a high-phosphorus fertilizer in late summer. This helps the plant set flower buds. However, flowering is not guaranteed. It depends on age, light, and overall health. Young plants may take a few years to bloom.

How To Propagate Fishbone Cactus

Propagation is easy and fun. You can grow a new plant from a single stem cutting. The best time to propagate is in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. All you need is a healthy stem, a clean knife, and a small pot with fresh soil.

Cut a stem segment that is at least 4 to 6 inches long.
Let the cutting dry for a few days until the cut end forms a callus.
Plant the cutting about an inch deep in moist soil.
Place the pot in bright, indirect light.
Water lightly every few days to keep the soil slightly moist.
Roots should form in 2 to 4 weeks.

You can also propagate by rooting the cutting in water. Place the cut end in a glass of water and change the water every few days. Once you see roots about an inch long, you can transfer it to soil. This method works well, but the roots may be more fragile.

Another option is to divide an overgrown plant. When you repot, you can carefully separate the root ball into two or more sections. Each section should have several stems and a good root system. Plant them in separate pots and water well.

Common Pests And Problems

This plant is generally hardy, but it can face a few issues. The most common problem is root rot from overwatering. If the stems become mushy or the base turns black, you need to act fast. Remove the plant from the pot, cut away any rotten roots, and repot in fresh, dry soil.

Pests are not common but can happen. Mealybugs and scale are the usual suspects. They look like small white or brown bumps on the stems. You can remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Spider mites might also appear if the air is too dry. Regular misting helps prevent them.

If the stems are turning yellow, it is usually a light issue. Either the plant is getting too much direct sun, or it is not getting enough light overall. Adjust the position and monitor the plant for a week or two. If the stems are wrinkled, it is likely underwatered or the humidity is too low.

One more thing to watch for is bud drop. If the plant forms flower buds but they fall off before opening, it could be due to stress. Sudden temperature changes, overwatering, or moving the plant while it is budding can cause this. Keep conditions stable during the blooming period.

Now that you know the basics, let us talk about the plant’s personality. The fishbone cactus is not a fussy plant, but it does appreciate consistency. If you give it the right light, water, and humidity, it will reward you with fast growth and stunning flowers. It is a great plant for beginners and experienced growers alike.

One of the best things about this plant is its versatility. You can grow it in a hanging basket, on a shelf, or even in a terrarium. It looks great on its own or mixed with other tropical plants. The zigzag stems add texture and movement to any space. It is also a safe plant for pets, so you do not have to worry about your cat or dog chewing on it.

If you are looking for a plant that is both unique and forgiving, this is the one. It does not need constant attention, but it will respond well to regular care. You can easily share cuttings with friends and family, making it a wonderful plant to propagate and gift.

Encouraging Blooms

Getting your fishbone cactus to flower is the ultimate goal for many growers. The flowers are spectacular, with a sweet fragrance that fills the room. However, they only open at night and last for a single evening. It is a fleeting moment, but it is unforgettable.

To encourage blooming, you need to mimic the plant’s natural cycle. In the wild, it blooms after the rainy season when conditions change. You can simulate this by giving the plant a slight rest period in winter. Reduce watering, stop fertilizing, and keep it in a cooler spot for about six to eight weeks. Then, in spring, gradually increase water and move it to a brighter location.

Make sure the plant is mature. Young plants, especially those grown from cuttings, may take two to three years before they are ready to bloom. Patience is key. Also, avoid moving the plant once buds start to form. Any stress can cause the buds to drop.

If you are lucky, you might get multiple blooms over the summer. Each flower opens at dusk and closes by morning. The fragrance is strongest at night, attracting moths and bats in the wild. Indoors, you can enjoy the scent if you are awake late enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a fishbone cactus the same as a ric rac cactus?

Yes, they are the same plant. Ric rac cactus, zigzag cactus, and fishbone cactus all refer to Selenicereus anthyllanus. The names describe the wavy, zigzag shape of the stems.

How often should I water my fishbone cactus?

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. In summer, this might be every 5 to 7 days. In winter, you can water less often, maybe every 2 to 3 weeks. Always check the soil first.

Why is my fishbone cactus turning yellow?

Yellowing is usually a sign of too much direct sunlight or overwatering. Move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light and check that the soil is not staying soggy. Trim off any badly yellowed stems.

Can I grow a fishbone cactus in low light?

It can survive in lower light, but it will not grow well or bloom. It prefers bright, indirect light. If your room is dark, consider using a grow light for a few hours a day.

Does the fishbone cactus need a trellis?

Not necessarily. It is naturally a trailing plant. You can let it hang from a basket or let it climb a moss pole if you prefer a vertical look. Both work fine.

Final Care Summary

To keep your fishbone cactus thriving, remember these simple rules. Give it bright, indirect light. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Use a well-draining soil mix. Provide humidity and keep it away from cold drafts. Fertilize monthly during the growing season and rest it in winter.

With the right care, this plant will grow quickly and become a stunning focal point in your home. It is a conversation starter, a beautiful decor piece, and a rewarding plant to grow. Whether you are a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, the fishbone cactus is a fantastic addition to your collection.

So go ahead, find a spot for this quirky plant. Give it a little attention, and it will give you so much back. From its dramatic zigzag stems to its rare and beautiful flowers, this is a plant that truly stands out. And once you see those blooms, you will understand why so many people love it.