Fishbone Cactus

Looking for a unique and easy-care hanging plant? The fishbone cactus is a fantastic choice. With its fascinating zig-zag stems and simple needs, it’s perfect for adding a touch of the unusual to your home.

This epiphytic cactus, native to the jungles of Mexico, is surprisingly low-maintenance. Unlike desert cacti, it thrives in indirect light and enjoys a bit more humidity. Its long, arching stems make it ideal for a hanging basket, where it can truly show off its distinctive shape.

Botanically known as Epiphyllum anguliger, the fishbone cactus gets its common name from the unmistakable pattern of its stems. They resemble the skeleton of a fish, with deep, alternating indentations running along each side. This clever design helps the plant capture more light in its native, shaded forest habitats.

Why You’ll Love This Plant

There are several reasons the fishbone cactus has become so popular among houseplant enthusiasts.

Unique Appearance: Its architectural form is a real conversation starter and adds visual interest to any room.
Forgiving Nature: It’s resilient and tolerates occasional lapses in care, making it great for beginners.
Spectacular Blooms: With proper care, it produces large, fragrant, night-blooming flowers that are truly stunning.
Pet-Friendly: According to the ASPCA, it is non-toxic to cats and dogs, giving pet owners peace of mind.

Perfect Placement and Light Needs

Getting the light right is the key to a happy fishbone cactus. Remember, it grows under the canopy of trees in the wild.

Ideal Spot: Place it near an east or north-facing window where it gets plenty of bright, indirect light.
What to Avoid: Harsh, direct afternoon sun can scorch and yellow its stems. Too little light, however, will result in weak, leggy growth and no flowers.
Great Locations: A bathroom with a window is often perfect due to the higher humidity. A living room shelf or a hanging planter a few feet back from a south or west window also works well.

Watering Your Fishbone Cactus Correctly

This is where many people get tripped up. While it’s a cactus, its watering needs are more like a tropical succulent.

Check the Soil: Before watering, stick your finger about an inch into the potting mix. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Water Thoroughly: Water slowly and evenly until you see excess water drain out of the bottom of the pot. This ensures the roots get a good drink.
Let it Drain: Always empty the saucer or cache pot after 15 minutes. Never let the plant sit in standing water, as this leads to root rot.
Seasonal Adjustments: Water more frequently in the spring and summer (every 1-2 weeks) when the plant is actively growing. In fall and winter, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out more between sessions.

The Best Soil and Potting Mix

A well-draining, airy potting mix is non-negotiable. You can’t use regular garden soil.

Simple Recipe: A good mix is 60% regular potting soil with 40% perlite or orchid bark. This provides nutrients while ensuring excellent drainage.
Pre-Mixed Option: A quality succulent or cactus potting mix, with a handful of extra perlite added, is a great ready-made solution.
Pot Choice: Use a pot with drainage holes. Terracotta pots are excellent because they allow the soil to dry out more quickly, reducing the risk of overwatering.

Feeding and Fertilizing for Growth

To encourage healthy growth and those coveted flowers, your plant will appreciate some food.

Type: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to half strength.
Schedule: Fertilize once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
When to Stop: Do not fertilize in the fall and winter, as the plant is resting. Over-fertilizing can harm the roots and cause weak growth.

Easy Propagation Techniques

Sharing your fishbone cactus with friends is incredibly easy. The best method is stem cuttings.

Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut a healthy stem segment that is at least 4-6 inches long.
Place the cutting in a cool, dry spot out of direct sun for 1-3 days. This allows the cut end to form a callus, which prevents rot when planted.
Once calloused, insert the cut end about an inch deep into a small pot filled with the well-draining potting mix described earlier.
Water lightly to settle the soil, then place the pot in bright, indirect light. Keep the soil slightly moist (but not wet) until you see new growth, which indicates roots have formed. This usually takes a few weeks.

Common Problems and Simple Solutions

Even easy-care plants can have issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems.

Yellowing or Limp Stems

This is almost always a sign of overwatering. Check the roots. If they are brown and mushy, you have root rot.

Solution: Cut away all rotted roots and stems with a sterile tool. Repot the healthy remaining plant into fresh, dry potting mix. Wait a week before resuming very careful watering.

Brown, Dry Patches on Stems

This is typically sunburn from too much direct sunlight.

Solution: Move the plant to a location with gentler, indirect light. The damaged patches won’t heal, but new growth will be healthy.

No Flowers

If your mature plant isn’t blooming, it’s usually due to light or fertilizer issues.

Solution: Ensure it gets enough bright, indirect light. Provide a cool, dry rest period in winter with reduced watering and no fertilizer. This dormancy period often triggers bud formation for spring or summer blooms.

Pests to Watch For

While generally pest-resistant, it can occasionally attract mealybugs or fungus gnats.

Mealybugs: Look for small, white, cottony masses. Wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Fungus Gnats: These tiny flies indicate soil is staying too wet. Let the soil dry out more between waterings and use yellow sticky traps to catch adults.

Repotting Your Fishbone Cactus

You only need to repot every 2-3 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Spring is the best time to do this.

Gently remove the plant from its current pot, brushing away old soil from the roots.
Choose a new pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Too large a pot holds excess moisture.
Place some fresh potting mix in the bottom of the new pot, position the plant inside, and fill around the roots with more mix.
Wait about a week before watering to allow any disturbed roots to heal, which helps prevent rot.

FAQ About Fishbone Cacti

Is the fishbone cactus really easy to care for?
Yes, it is considered an easy-care plant. Its main requirements are bright indirect light and careful watering, making it suitable for most indoor gardeners.

How often should I water my fishbone cactus?
There’s no set schedule. Always check the soil first; water only when the top inch is dry. This might be every week in summer and every 3-4 weeks in winter.

Why are the stems on my fishbone cactus turning purple?
A slight reddish or purple tinge can be normal, especially on new growth or with high light exposure. However, intense purple or red often indicates the plant is receiving too much direct sun or is under temperature stress.

Can I grow a fishbone cactus in water?
You can root a cutting in water, but it’s not ideal for long-term growth. For a healthy adult plant, potting it in a proper, well-draining soil mix is always best to prevent rot and provide nutrients.

What temperature does it prefer?
Average room temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C – 27°C) are perfect. Avoid placing it near cold drafts or heating vents, as sudden temperature changes can shock the plant.

With its sculptural beauty and adaptable nature, the fishbone cactus is a rewarding plant to grow. By following these simple guidelines on light, water, and soil, you’ll be able to enjoy its unique form for years to come, and with a little patience, you might even be rewarded with it’s spectacular nocturnal flowers. It’s a plant that truly stands out without demanding constant attention.