This stunning plant is an epiphytic specimen that can grow in low soil situations where other organic media are present. Growing cactus fishbone is easy even for the so-called “black thumb” gardener. Bring in a houseplant cactus fishbone and enjoy the crazy zigzag pattern of its succulent foliage.
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Genus: Selenicereus
Species: S. anthonyanus
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Fishbone Cactus Info
The scientific name for the plant is Cryptocereus anthonyanus (syn. Selenicereus anthonyanus), and is a member of the blooming cactus family. Best known for its long, arching stems coated with serrated leaf nodes, fishbone cactus is found in its habitat in groups, which hang from trees.
The plant originates in Mexico, where tropical rainforests create a moist, humid environment. It is commonly found in garden centers as Ric Rac cactus or sometimes orchid cactus. Rarely the plant will bloom with soft pink flowers that open at night and last only one day. Fishbone cactus houseplant enjoys similar growing conditions as its cousin, the orchid.
Cultivation Mode:
As it is a cactus that has the characteristic of climbing the trunk of the trees, sometimes losing contact with the soil, its roots capture the decomposed organic matter on bark and branches.
To reproduce this kind of substrate we can use a mixture made of earthworm humus, sand and coconut powder in equal parts.
Rinse this powder first, as the coconut shell contains phenolic substances that can attack plant roots.
Soak in water, changing every day for at least 10 days before use.
If you need this material periodically, process more, then let it dry in the sun on a tarp, and pack the dried powder into a plastic bag and it will be ready for use.
To plant, use medium sized pot or plant in soil.
To prepare the vase, place on the bottom gravel or geomanta, on top of damp sand.
Put the mixture above, plant the cactus and do not tighten too much.
If planted in the soil, make the pit, put the mixture already mentioned and plant, leading the branches to a tutor, which may be truss battens, walls, fences or tree trunks.
After planting water well. Only space the waterings when noticing the beginning of their development.
Propagation and Moulting:
To propagate this cactus, use twigs or pieces of twigs.
Cut with a knife or trimmer clean and dry, leaving the stake on newspaper until you notice that a film has formed on the cut.
Plant in mixed substrate taught in cultivation mode or in sand only, keeping some moisture until the roots appear.
Then proceed to the planting.
Seed propagation is also possible.
selenicereus_propagacaoCollect the fruits and extract the seeds, placing on newspaper.
Prepare the substrate made of coconut powder or charred rice husk, sand and earthworm humus in equal parts, sift and place in seedlings or crates, smoothing and leveling.
Sow carefully, as the seeds are small.
Cover with dry sifted earth on top, very thin layer and water carefully.
Cover with plastic and keep moisture until emergency.
Remove plastic and keep in protected cultivation until it can be handled.
Transplant to individual pots or bags with the same mix used for planting, keeping under protected cultivation.
Only sunbathe when it is developed.
Fishbone Cactus Watering
Fishbone cacti originated from the moist and humid rainforest. Not from the dry desert like most cacti.
This means that your cactus fishbone likes a bit more water than the average cactus. Make sure it gets enough water, especially during spring and summer. Mist it occasionally for a little added humidity.
Keep the soil moist and fertilize during the growing period. In winter let the top of the soil dry out before watering. It can handle a little neglect, but jungle cacti don't like it to be bone dry for too long
