Fishbone cactus is a fun, zigzag-shaped plant that adds a unique tropical touch to your home with its striking leaves and easygoing nature.
The fishbone cactus is not your typical cactus. This tropical plant grows well in places where a desert cactus wouldn’t. It likes less sunlight and enjoys humid conditions. People grow it mainly for its interesting, zigzag stems (or leaves), and it looks great in a hanging pot or planter. The plant also has beautiful flowers that bloom at night. Keep reading for our guide on how to care for a fishbone cactus.
Propagating Fishbone Cactus
You can grow new fishbone cacti by taking stem cuttings. It’s best to do this in the spring or summer, not in the fall or winter when the plant is resting. Here’s how to propagate your fishbone cactus:
Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut a 4 to 5-inch piece from the plant. Place the cutting in a cool, dry spot for at least 24 hours to let the cut end heal. Fill a small pot with well-draining soil and lightly moisten it.
Plant the cutting in the moistened soil, and put the pot in a place with bright, indirect light. Water them lightly every few days to keep the soil damp.
When you see new growth, the cutting is ready. You can then move it to a new pot and care for it like a regular fishbone cactus.
Requirements for Growing Fishbone Cactus
Location
This plant naturally grows under bigger plants and trees, where it gets soft, filtered light. Indoors, it does best in a spot that gets a few hours of bright but indirect sunlight each day.
Soil
The fishbone cactus is an epiphyte, which means it likes soil that drains well, has lots of air, and is full of natural materials. To make the best soil mix, combine equal parts of cactus or succulent soil, perlite, peat moss, and orchid bark.
Water
Unlike desert cacti, the fishbone cactus likes to be watered more often. Give it water when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feels dry. Don’t use cold water, as it can shock the roots. This cactus is also sensitive to chemicals in tap water. If your tap water is hard, let it sit out for 24 hours before using it, or use distilled water instead.
Temperature and Humidity
The fishbone cactus comes from tropical places, so it likes warm and humid air. Try to keep the temperature between 60°F and 78°F, and the humidity above 60%.
Fertilizer
Feed your fishbone cactus once in early spring using a liquid cactus or succulent fertilizer. If the soil mix has organic materials like peat moss or orchid bark, you don’t need to fertilize it again for the rest of the year.
Pruning
Fishbone cacti don’t need regular pruning to stay healthy, but you can trim them now and then to keep them tidy. You can use the trimmed pieces to grow new plants.
Pests & Diseases
The fishbone cactus likes humid air, but this can make it more likely to get pests and diseases. Common bugs that may show up are mealybugs, fungus gnats, and aphids. It can also get problems like root rot and spots on the leaves caused by fungus.
