Selling size: Single Plant | 2.5" Pot Included
The Fishbone Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger), also known as the Zig Zag Cactus or Ric Rac Cactus, is a unique and tropical epiphyte, meaning it naturally grows on other trees in its native Mexican rainforests. Unlike desert cacti, it prefers more humidity and filtered light.
Here is a guide to help you care for your Fishbone Cactus, Epiphyllum Anguliger, Zig zag cactus:
Light
This plant loves bright, indirect light.
Ideal Placement: An east or west-facing window is often best, as it provides bright light without the intense, scorching midday sun.
Avoid: Direct, harsh midday sun can easily burn its stems, leading to brown edges. In its natural environment, it receives filtered light under a canopy of trees.
Signs of Low Light: Stems may become thin and pale as the plant stretches to find more light.
Watering
The Fishbone Cactus prefers more regular watering than a typical desert cactus, but is still prone to rot if overwatered.
Rule of Thumb: Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings during the growing season (spring and summer).
How to Water: Water thoroughly until you see water drain from the bottom of the pot. Ensure all excess water is dumped so the pot is never left sitting in water.
Winter: Reduce watering significantly in the fall and winter when the plant's growth slows, allowing the soil to dry out more completely.
Sign of Thirst: The stems may start to look a little wrinkly or soft.
Soil, Potting, and Repotting
As an epiphyte, this cactus needs a rich, airy, and well-draining mix that mimics the organic matter it would find in a jungle tree.
Soil Mix: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent soil and amend it with materials like perlite, orchid bark, or peat moss to increase aeration and drainage. A recommended mix is one part commercial cactus/succulent soil, one part perlite, one part peat moss, and one part orchid bark.
Pot: Use a pot with excellent drainage holes. Unglazed terracotta or ceramic pots are great options as they help the soil dry out quicker.
Repotting: This cactus actually grows and blooms best when slightly root-bound. You will generally only need to repot it every four to five years or when it has severely outgrown its container.
Temperature and Humidity
Since it's a tropical plant, it enjoys warmth and higher humidity.
Temperature: It thrives in average indoor temperatures, ideally between 61∘F and 77∘F (16∘C to 25∘C). Keep it away from cold drafts and direct heaters.
Humidity: The Fishbone Cactus loves moderate to high humidity (ideally around 60%). It's an excellent plant for a bright kitchen or bathroom. If your air is dry, you can mist it occasionally or place it on a humidity tray filled with pebbles and water.
Fertilizing
When: Fertilize once a month during the active spring and summer growing season.
What: Use a diluted, water-soluble cactus or orchid fertilizer.
Encouraging Blooms
The Fishbone Cactus is known for producing beautiful, large, heavily scented white flowers that bloom at night, typically in the autumn. To encourage flowering:
Provide bright, indirect light throughout the year.
In the winter, provide a rest period by keeping the plant in a slightly cooler location (around 50∘F to 60∘F or 10∘C to 16∘C) and significantly reducing watering. Keep the plant almost dry during this time.
You can purchase it from Jiffy Plants
