The hardy indoor plant, the fishbone cactus, will make your head spin.
Because I couldn’t believe it. One day a very special package arrived on my doorstep. A bunch of seriously incredible plants from one of you~ my incredibly sweet readers.
Thank you Cheri L! You are so kind.
It was mind-blowing. Who would take the trouble to buy and ship me plants?
One of these plants was the Fishbone Cactus, a hardy indoor plant you can’t kill. Never had I’ve seen such a magnificent plant before!
My heart skips a little faster each time I pass it. It’s not something sold in any garden centers where I live.
But maybe you are acquainted with this plant by its many alter egos including the Zig Zag Cactus, Ric Rac Orchid or if you want to get all fancy with the scientific name……drum roll please….Epiphyllum anguliger.
Seriously, you can’t kill the Fishbone Cactus even if you think you have a black thumb. I’ve killed countless plants over the years and (fingers crossed) have learned from my mistakes.
Here’s the inside scoop!
Background info on the Fishbone Cactus
The fishbone cactus originated from Mexico where it thrives in the tropical rainforest environment. Yes to moisture and humidity.
A member of the night blooming cactus family, the fishbone cactus can display soft pink flowers that open at night and last for one blissful day.
And no wonder, it’s related to its cousin, the orchid and enjoys very similar growing conditions. For this reason, the fishbone cactus is also called the orchid cactus.
Although I would like nothing better than to see my fishbone cactus in bloom, for now I am content to gaze upon its stunning dark green foliage.
That spine, resembling a fish skeleton stops me in my tracks every time I walk past this plant in my house!
That spiky, trailing stem never ceases to impress.
How-to propagate the hardy indoor Fishbone Cactus
No doubt it’s the ease of propagation of the Fishbone Cactus that is the stand out quality of this unique and fabulous plant!
The plant Cheri sent was pretty huge! So when I went to re-pot it, I found a dense and thick root system craving to be separated.
Gentry with my fingers, I untangled a good chunk of root and a long stem of the top of the plant and re-potted it in it own pot. I shook off as much of the old soil as I could and replaced that soil with a cactus/succulent mix.
Don’t worry if you do hear a bit of tearing when you disentangle the roots~ that’s perfectly normal. Most plants can lose a lot of root mass and come out okay.
But it was that simple. That was over three months ago and the plant I re-potted and gave to my sister is still thriving!
No need to fret about rooting in water or it rotting in soil when you propagate with this method.
Now you can also cut a piece of stem to start a new plant. Take a fresh cutting and let it callus on the counter for a few days (just like you would with any succulent.)
Insert the callused end into a low soil medium such as a peat moss mixed with perlite. Because of its close relationship with its cousin, the orchid, I like to line the bottom of my pot with orchid bark to increase drainage.
Water & fertilizer requirements of hardy indoor Fishbone Cactus
Show me a plant that loves sitting in water said no one ever. Because the truth of the matter is this: no plant really likes sitting in standing water.
I water my Fishbone Cactus once every two weeks and don’t fuss. But I’m generous with the water making sure it gets a good, thorough drink.
After all, the fishbone cactus used to live in a moist and humid rainforest environment so unlike some other cactus, it has a greater need for moisture.
Then I let it dry out. Not bone dry mind you, but I do let the water clear. Fishbone cactus can survive the an occasional bout of dryness, but extended neglect will kill this hardy indoor plant.
If water does go into the drainage tray and stays more than a day, dump it out. Don’t let the roots rot in standing water.
Pick pots with drainage holes to avoid root rot and fungus gnats. Unglazed pots are awesome for any cactus to enhance evaporation and prevent the plant from getting too wet.
And of course, smaller pots generally need to be watered more often. If you acquire a bigger fishbone cactus in a larger pot, don’t be tempted to saturate every inch of soil. Use the amount of water equal to about one-third the volume of the pot.
Misting this plant is never a bad idea.
Fertilize regularly with a water soluble cactus or orchid fertilizer late summer or early Autumn when (fingers crossed) the fishbone cactus is most likely to bloom. High-quality fertilizer mind you that has a 10:10:10 ratio every two weeks. In February, make the switch to 2:10:10 ratio.
Do not fertilize once the flower blossoms!
Let there be light for the hardy indoor fishbone cactus
The hardy indoor plant, fishbone cactus thrives in indirect light but can tolerate periods of bright sun.
So it loves bright, but indirect light most of the day. Lots of morning sun but mostly shade in the afternoon is ideal.
Or perhaps tucked under some sheer curtains that will provide a little dappled sunlight in the afternoon if the plant is positioned in a super sunny location.
Exposing the fishbone cactus to direct sunlight will most likely scorch the plant and cause significant damage. For this reason alone, I consider the fishbone cactus an indoor plant that never ventures outside. It’s not worth killing my plant!
But allowing the fishbone cactus to get plenty of sun late summer into early autumn does increase its chances of blooming ~ and we all want that!
The fishbone cactus likes temps between 60 degrees to 77 degree Fahrenheit anyhow during summer. But don’t let it sit in temps under 50 degrees ever. This plant can’t survive freezing temps. Neither does it want to sit on a cold windowsill or be near an AC vent.
Re-potting advice
Plants prefer to get re-potted. Period. Especially after coming home from the garden center. Plants don’t like to stay in plastic nursery pots so be sure to re-pot any plant within two months of bringing it home.
As a general rule, plants in a two-gallon pot or smaller should be re-potted once a year. Plants in larger pots can go between two and three years before re-potting.
Re-potting allows the plant to absorb key nutrients from fresh soil, gives the roots room to breath and overall increases the longevity of the plant.
No matter how much fertilizer I add to my plants, or even the quality of the fertilizer, nothing can make up for fresh soil with fresh nutrients.
When you go to re-pot shake off as much of the old soil as you can. Try not to touch the roots much, most cacti don’t like that.
If your goal is to make the plant grow larger, give it more space. Going up by two inches in diameter is common, but if you want to give your plant lots of room to roam, give it four inches to encourage growth.
To keep the plant the same size, trim the roots prior to re-potting it in the same-size pot.
Divide and conquer ~ re-pot and propagate at the same time!
Now is the time to propagate new plants, too if you notice your plant is big enough to divide into two or three plants to share with friends!
Focus on getting at least a few of the big, thick roots when re-potting and dividing the plant. With one hand, fan out the roots in the bottom of the pot as you spread them out.
Line the bottom with some orchid bark. Add cactus soil mixed with perlite and scoop soil around and on top of the roots. Leave at least 1/2 inch at the top of the pot to catch water overflow.
Pat the soil down gently and water immediately. Finally….if you hear a few tearing sounds when re-potting, that’s usually okay! Most plants can lose a lot of root mass and still be fine.
Pruning advice
So I am all about pruning indoor plants these days. Not only do my plants look better, they are thriving with my efforts!
The fishbone cactus tends to get a little on the wild side if not pruned. Those long, spiky stems get out of control.
The leaves become too large and the shape downright unruly with stems jutting every which direction.
It’s clearly a plant that prefers to be pruned! Besides, pruning encourages fresh new shoots to grow behind its new trim cut.
Use pruning shears and not gardening scissors though, they are simply not sharp enough. This is the time to take control of your plant and cut off all the ugly brown stems or stems that got brown spots over time.
And because the fishbone cactus tends to get so unruly, I think it looks best in a hanging indoor pot where its long, trailing stems can flow to their hearts content.
What indoor plants do you have right now?
Secret Code: grape
I have never seen a fishbone cactus before. I used your advice to split a succulent I had and hopefully it takes 🙂
Fingers crossed for you Tandy!
First time I’ve heard of it but willing to give it a try. Because of health I’ve cut back to cactus & succulents plus easier to grow plants. Finally got my green thumb back. Wonderful r÷view.
Interesting plant. I’m hoping to find a low light plant that I can keep alive.
Fishbone cactus sounds exciting
It is Mike! Thanks for chiming in!!
I love all the detail you provide! I don’t take as good care of my plants as I should. I water, give them light, forget to fertilize, over water and hope for the best. Which explains why mine has not bloomed yet. I am happy to send cuttings to any of your followers if they want to send/DM me their address in March.
You are just too kind Cheri! I hope you had a nice Christmas and New Year!!
I would love to have a couple cuttings! Yesterday I got a cutting of something like this, but I think it got too cold in the car since I stopped at the store on my way home with it. I am so upset with myself I thought I had it wrapped up ok, but my dog also knocked me down getting in the house with the poor thing. And it’s cold here.
That’s a really pretty plant, I will have to get one🌱❤️🌱
Very unique looking plant. I may…MAY even be able to keep this one alive,. Lol
Wow a plant that I just maybe wouldn’t kill? Got to get one.
I loved the article. Thank-you
Cactus are always an easy plant to care for and one of my favorites to have in my home!
Interesting looking cactus
I have never seen a cactus like this.And I love your Blog and the great givaways
Thank you for the information. I needed to know about the propagation.
The fishbone cactus is a new one on me. I have an ordinary Christmas cactus and it blooms twice a year. A beautiful deep peach color. Thanks for sharing this post.
A new cactus variety for me to try!
Cool plant! Can’t remember ever seeing one.
i need some new plants!!
Awesome
I have 15 different cactus as house plants, but not Fishbone Cactus. I now want one.
I’ve never heard of a Fishbone Cactus but it’s beautiful!
Good article. Well in depth. I’m not a cacti fan. This 1 doesn’t look painful like most. I’ll still take a pass.
I’ve never seen or heard of a Fishbone Cactus until now. It’s probably the only plant that would have a chance in my house because it’s so easy to grow. The fishbone cactus used to live in a moist and humid rainforest environment so unlike some other cactus, it has a greater need for moisture. How cool!
I’ve never ever heard of a Fishbone cactus sounds interesting and looks interesting. Not like most plants. I’d be willing to gift my mom one she has plants all over the house she loves them!!
Thank you for the tips. I certainly do not have a green thumb based on my past experiences lol
A hardy indoor plant you can’t kill?? That sounds like a challenge. Lord knows if there is a way to kill it, I would find it. I have the worst record with indoor plants.
Really cool plant! Thanks for the info.
I’ve never heard of the Fishbone Cactus! Very interesting plant. My hubby loves growing cacti.
this is a fabulous plant. My great aunt says its the only thing she has kept alive
Very cool!!!! A houseplant that even I couldn’t kill.
I like the fishbone cactus. I have orchids, jasmine and stephanotis growing now.
I like cacti because they are easy to take care of.
I am horrible with plants. I love them but being a mom to 6, I just can never find time. I will have to get one of these.
I have never seen a fishbone cactus before. I need a plant that I can’t kill!
What a fun plant!
I’ve never heard of a Fishbone Cactus before and find them fascinating. Thanks for the tips.
A giant poinsettia in a pale cream. I love plants and used to have a lot but I really don’t have a lot of extra space so I need some hanging plants.
I bet I can kill it. 🙂 I am no green thumb.
I love the look of this awesome plant! It’s very cool!
I have some Ferns around my home. I haven’t heard of the Fishbone Cactus. It really sounds like a gorgeous plant.
The hardy plants like Fishbone Cactus are the best indoor plants.
Anybody that knows me, know I love plants! I have a room with a cathedral ceiling, that looks like a forest 🌳 I love it so much, I sit in it and have the sun peep out of the leaves. It’s peaceful. Plus plants release oxygen which is good for us! I know I have an Ivy, Aloe Vera, orchids, Mother-in-Law’s Tongues, a money tree, philodendron, and ferns. I have a couple more, but I don’t know what they are, but they bloom now and then with beautiful flowers 🌸. I’m still upset about all of the trees, etc. that have perished in all of the fires 🔥 Its sad that someone allegedly set it on purpose! I love your knowledge of plants 🪴 Thank you for sharing!
I love keeping these kinds of plants.
Looks like a beautiful plant! I would love to get one and hopefully I won’t kill it.
Thanks for the tips
I’ve never seen this plant – but I have to be careful which plants I bring into the home as some are poisonous to cats
Thanks for the tips, I currently have a peace plant, some aloe, and a few herbs growing in the house. I don’t have a lot of sun exposure so it’s difficult to find plants that will thrive.
I’m rather silly, as I think I prefer the names Zig Zag Cactus and/or Ric Rac Orchid to Fishbone! I’m amazed it’s related to orchids and was wondering if it ever flowers? The idea of it being Hardy definitely appeals to me, as does the unique patterning. And, with more than one propagation technique I could likely succeed! This plant will be added to a list of those plants I’m presently considering, as I’ve now got insufficient space for everything I want. Thank you for sharing!
What a wonderful plant. Something I’m sure I would be able to make survive. As all others I don’t have much luck with.
Never heard of this plant
Beautiful plant! Never really thought of a cactus til I’ve seen this post. Looking for new ideas of plants for my sunroom!
It sounds like a perfect fit for me, “THE PLANT KILLER!!!”
Fingers crossed
I’ve wanted to get a Fishbone Cactus because it looks easy to grow. I like the leaf shape too.
This beautiful plant has surely earned its name!
This plant is for me. I like easy care plants.
Sounds like ai need this plant in my life
This would be an interesting plant to add to my collection.
I have never seen the fishbone cactus before it looks really neat. I usually over water plants.
Wow a plant that I could actually keep alive!!! I do not have much luck with house plants!! We currently do not have any but I am hoping to try again in the spring!
Thanks for the idea for my next plant!
This plant looks cool. I love cactus and have several. I have never seen this kind before
I had not heard of the fishbone cactus, but I am going to research it now. Cactus are about the only type of plant I do not kill.
I love this plant.
I never heard of this plant but I like the way it looks .
Another ideal houseplant for me. Thanks for sharing!
Interesting
I currently have no houseplants because they all died.
Interesting plant!
I need this plant, haven’t had much luck with house plants!
I have never seen or heard of this plant before. I love it! So when the flowers bloom, does that happen one time only per plant? Or once a year? How does that work?
I do not have any cactus.This is a great looking plant.Thanks for all the time and effort you took to write a top notch article on this plant.I will try to find out where I can purchase this plant near me.
Nice to know there’s a plant that might survive under my care.
This is beautiful. I can probably grow this.
I’m just starting my houseplant collection, and this looks like a great one to get next!
I have really been enjoying your site
Looks great and hard to kill….sounds like the Fishbone is the plant for me!
I’m not much of a plant girl, sounds like the perfect plant for me lol
I’m really enjoying the gardening info on your site!
First time visitor.
This plant sounds easy to maintain.
I’m going to have to get one.
Fishbone Cactus is a very unusual plant. Decorative and pretty, and I would love to have one.
A very unusual plant and I would love to have one.
I never saw this plant before this. It would be great for me to have!
I love plants you cant kill. With interesting leaf patterns!
So beautiful. I never seen it before.
I’ve never heard of this plant. I need a plant that I can cre for. My husband use to say I would kill an artificial plant.
Thank you..love your web page.
Thanks for the interesting article. I love cactus’s.
This is the first I’ve ever heard of a fishbone cactus! Very interesting
I’ve never had one of these plants, I’m going to get me one this spring
that is one epiphyllum that I do not have. My newest one is a curly one
I’d like to get one of these!
I’m trying to keep and help thrive the Christmas cactus I received from my son for Christmas
I should try this, I kill every plant!
Thanks for sharing this informatione on the Fishbone Cacti.
I’ve never seen this plant before! It is quite cool looking! I like it!
This plant is neat. I had never heard of it til now.
Very helpful advice. And informative.
Interesting!
Have never seen this type of cactus before, very interesting!
I haven’t heard of the fishbone cactus…might be easy to maintain.
I have never seen or even heard of a fishbone cactus before.
This looks like the Christmas Cactus my Mother-in-law used to have.
I’ve never seen this one before – a real conversation starter.
I hadn’t heard of the Fishbone Cactus before. I would love to grow one.
During a busy period in her life, my daughter jettisoned a fishbone cactus my way. It’s growing well, getting a lot of indirect sunlight, but has many stalks that are more straight than zigzagged. Do these stalks become more zigzagged as they mature? If not, should I remove them? Thanks for the tips on dividing and watering this great plant. Things have settled down a bit for my daughter. Therefore, I’ll be splitting the plant to share between us. I was watering once a week, but will take your recommendation and drop back to every other week.
Your advice on repotting plants is incorrect. They don’t like to be repotted. You’re better off, keeping them in the nursery pot and putting that pot into something pretty. Sometime,You have no choice but to repot a plant. most of the time you don’t need to. You run the risk of putting it in a pot that’s too big, adding too much soil or disturbing the roots. Causing damage to the plant than just leaving it alone.