The “squiggly plant” earns its common name from its undulating, flattened stems, creating an unusual and eye-catching display. This unique characteristic makes it a sought-after houseplant, adding an architectural element to any indoor space. This article explores how to successfully grow and maintain this fascinating botanical specimen.
Meet Your Squiggly Plant
This plant is scientifically known as Epiphyllum anguliger, also called the Fishbone Cactus or Zigzag Cactus. Its flattened, leathery stems have deep indentations along their edges. These stems can grow long, cascading gracefully from hanging baskets or shelves. As an epiphyte, it naturally grows on other plants or structures in its native tropical Mexican forests. Mature plants can produce beautiful, fragrant, nocturnal flowers, often white or yellow, emerging from the scalloped stem edges.
Caring for Your Squiggly Plant
Providing the right environmental conditions is important for your Epiphyllum anguliger to thrive. Understanding its needs for light, water, soil, temperature, humidity, and nutrients ensures healthy growth and characteristic appearance.
Light Needs
The squiggly plant thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural forest canopy. Place it near an east or north-facing window, or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window. Direct, intense sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day, can scorch its delicate stems, causing yellowing or reddish discoloration. Insufficient light results in leggy growth, where stems elongate and lose their zigzag pattern.
Watering Practices
Watering practices are essential for this epiphytic cactus, which prefers its substrate to dry out between waterings. Feel the top two to three inches of the potting mix; if dry to the touch, it’s time to water. Thoroughly soak the substrate until water drains from the pot’s bottom, then discard any standing water in the saucer to prevent root saturation. Overwatering leads to root rot and mushy, discolored stems, while persistent underwatering causes stems to shrivel and become limp.
Soil Requirements
Given its epiphytic nature, the squiggly plant requires a specialized, airy, and well-draining substrate. Standard potting mix is often too dense and retains too much moisture. An ideal blend includes components like orchid bark, perlite, and a small amount of peat moss or coco coir, providing excellent drainage and aeration. This type of mix allows for proper air circulation around the roots, preventing waterlogging.
Temperature and Humidity
The squiggly plant thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C). It tolerates slightly cooler temperatures but must be protected from frost, which damages its succulent stems. As a tropical native, it appreciates moderate to high humidity levels, often thriving with 50% humidity or higher. Increase ambient moisture by grouping plants, using a pebble tray, or employing a humidifier.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season (spring through late summer), the squiggly plant benefits from regular, diluted fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer (e.g., 5-5-5 or 10-10-10) every two to four weeks. Dilute the fertilizer to half or quarter strength to avoid over-fertilization, salt buildup, and root burn. Reduce or halt fertilization entirely during the cooler, dormant months of fall and winter.
Propagating Your Squiggly Plant
Propagating the squiggly plant is straightforward, primarily achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy section of stem, ideally 4 to 6 inches long, and use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to make a precise cut. Allow the cutting to sit in a dry, well-ventilated area for a few days until the cut end forms a callus, which helps prevent rot. Once callused, insert the cut end about an inch deep into a well-draining potting mix, similar to that used for mature plants. Keep the substrate lightly moist; roots typically form within several weeks.
Common Squiggly Plant Problems
The squiggly plant may encounter common issues related to environmental conditions or pests. Limp or yellowing stems signal either overwatering (leading to root rot) or severe underwatering (causing dehydration); assess soil moisture first. A lack of flowering can be due to insufficient light, inadequate temperature fluctuations, or a lack of a cool, dry resting period during winter. Mealybugs and scale insects are occasional pests, appearing as small, white, cottony masses or raised brown bumps. Manage these by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.