Product Description:
While fishbone cactus is the most-used common name, this plant does have others, including the ric rac cactus and the zig zag cactus. As soon as you look at the leaves (which are actually flattened stems), Some growers also call it the orchid cactus, a name which makes a whole lot of sense when the plant is in bloom. The breathtaking 4- to 6-inch-wide flowers it occasionally produces are an orchid purple/pink to white, multi-petaled, and they each only stay open for a single night before fading on morning’s arrival. Fishbone cacti are climbing plants whose stems ramble up the trunks of trees. Each leaf can grow 8 to 12 feet long if conditions are right.
Light:
When growing fishbone cacti as a houseplant, avoid direct sunlight. If the sun is too strong and it receives too much sunlight, the leaves will bleach out and become pale in color.
Soil:
As an epiphyte, the fishbone cactus appreciates a potting mix that is well-drained, airy, and rich in organic matter.
Water:
The fishbone cactus appreciates regular watering. As a general rule, you should water your cactus once the top 2-3 inches of the soil have dried out.
Temperature and Humidity:
Native to jungle environments, the fishbone cactus thrives in warm, humid conditions. Keep temperatures between 60 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 25 degrees Celsius) and humidity above 60 percent.
Fertilizer:
Your fishbone cactus should be fertilized once in the early spring with a liquid cactus/succulent fertilizer.
Pruning:
Fishbone cacti do not require regular pruning to stay healthy and happy, however, occasional trimming may be desired for aesthetic purposes.
Propagating the Fishbone Cactus:
- Using a pair or sharp scissors or pruning shears, take cuttings from your plant, keeping the cuttings between 4 and 5 inches long.
- Set the cuttings in a cool, dry location for at least 24 hours to allow the cut edge to callous over.
- Fill a small potting container with a well-draining, airy potting mixture and moisten the soil lightly.
- Plant the calloused cuttings in the pre-moistened potting mix, and set the planted cuttings in a location that receives bright, indirect light.
- Lightly water the cuttings every few days to ensure the soil stays moist.
- Once you see signs of new growth the cuttings are considered established and normal fishbone cactus care can be resumed. If you wish to transplant the cuttings into a new container, you can do so at this time.
