The Fishbone Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger or Disocactus anguliger) is a houseplant known for its distinctive appearance. Its flattened, zig-zag stems resemble a fish’s skeleton, earning it common names like zig-zag cactus or ric-rac cactus.
Essential Care Requirements
The fishbone cactus thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat where it grows under tree canopies. Placing it near an east or west-facing window is ideal, as direct sunlight can scorch its stems, causing brown edges. Insufficient light may lead to slower growth or thin, rounded stems. Sheer curtains can help diffuse strong light from a south-facing window.
When it comes to watering, the fishbone cactus appreciates regular moisture due to its epiphytic nature. Water thoroughly when the top two to three inches of soil feel dry, ensuring excess water drains completely. Allowing the plant to sit in standing water quickly leads to root rot. Use room temperature water, as cold water can shock the roots. During cooler winter months, reduce watering frequency, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings.
An ideal soil mix is well-draining, airy, and rich in organic matter. A suitable blend includes one part commercial cactus or succulent soil, one part perlite, and one part orchid bark mix or peat moss. This composition ensures proper drainage and aeration, which is crucial for this epiphyte whose roots are accustomed to growing on other plants rather than in dense soil.
The fishbone cactus prefers warm and humid conditions, reflecting its tropical rainforest origins. Maintain temperatures between 60°F and 78°F (16°C to 25°C). While it can tolerate brief drops to around 50°F (10°C), it is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from cold drafts. Moderate to high humidity, ideally above 60%, is beneficial; misting or using a humidity tray can help in drier environments.
Fertilize during its active growing season, from spring through summer. A liquid cactus or succulent fertilizer applied once a month, diluted to half strength, supports healthy growth. If the potting mix already contains organic matter like peat moss or orchid bark, additional fertilizing may not be required throughout the year. Cease fertilization during its dormant winter period.
Repotting Your Fishbone Cactus
Repotting a fishbone cactus is recommended every one to three years, or when it becomes root-bound, to refresh the soil and provide more space. The best time for repotting is in the spring. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one, typically one size up, ensuring adequate drainage holes.
Handle delicate stems with care. A few days before repotting, lightly water the plant to reduce transplant shock. Gently remove the cactus from its old pot, teasing out tangled roots if pot-bound. Place it in the new pot with fresh, well-draining soil, backfilling around the roots. After repotting, water to settle the new medium.
Propagating Your Fishbone Cactus
Propagating from stem cuttings is straightforward. The ideal time to take cuttings is during spring and summer. Select a healthy stem segment, four to five inches long, and make a clean cut using sharp, sterilized scissors or pruning shears.
Allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for at least 24 hours, or up to a few days, which helps prevent rot. Once callused, plant the cutting about two centimeters deep into a small container with a well-draining, airy potting mix, similar to the one used for the mature plant. Keep the soil lightly moist, but not soggy, and place the cutting in bright, indirect light. Roots develop within a few weeks; once new growth appears, normal care can resume.
Addressing Common Issues
Yellowing leaves can indicate watering imbalances. Both overwatering, which leads to root rot, and underwatering can cause leaves to yellow. Check soil moisture deeply to determine the cause; consistently wet soil suggests overwatering, while very dry soil suggests underwatering. Nutrient deficiencies might also contribute to yellowing foliage.
Brown or mushy stems indicate overwatering and root rot. If detected, remove affected portions immediately, as there is no cure for rotted sections. To prevent recurrence, ensure the plant is in well-draining soil, the pot has drainage holes, and the top few inches of soil dry out between waterings.
Encouraging a fishbone cactus to flower requires specific conditions, as they can be notoriously challenging to bloom indoors. Mature plants are more likely to flower, typically in late summer or fall, producing fragrant, night-blooming flowers. Providing a cool, dry dormancy period in winter, with temperatures between 50°F and 60°F (10°C to 16°C) and reduced watering, can trigger bud formation. Bright, indirect light and a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer during the growing season also support blooming.
Fishbone cacti can encounter pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, or fungus gnats. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses, often found in stem crevices, and can cause yellowing and stunted growth. Inspecting the plant regularly helps in early detection. Small infestations can be managed by wiping pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by using insecticidal soap. Ensuring proper care, particularly avoiding overwatering and providing adequate humidity, helps maintain plant health.