Why is my plant not blooming?

It needs a distinct cooling period and shorter days in autumn to trigger flower buds.

How often should I water it?

Water when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry, but keep it drier during winter.

Plant guide

Fishbone Cactus.

Epiphyllum anguliger

Pronounced dis-oh-KAK-tus an-gyoo-LY-jer

Also known as Epiphyllum anguliger

Disocactus anguliger — Photo by Nick Moore (CC0) via gbif

The fishbone cactus is a charming epiphyte known for its unique, zigzagging stems. It produces stunning, fragrant flowers that bloom at night. This plant adds a tropical feel to any indoor space.

Another photo of Fishbone Cactus — Photo by Astra (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Epiphytic cactus
Light: Bright, filtered light is best for healthy growth.
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 2 to 3 feet long
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Late autumn to early winter

Care

Keep your plant in a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot. Watch for shriveled stems which indicate the plant needs more water. Ensure it gets plenty of filtered light to encourage blooming.

Watering: Water when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back any leggy or damaged stems in early spring to maintain shape.
Repotting: Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound or needs fresh soil.
Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: 10 to 28°C
Humidity: 50 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years.
Fragrance: Strong
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.

Safety

People: This plant is non toxic to humans.
Pets: This plant is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The stems have tiny, soft spines that can irritate sensitive skin if handled roughly.
Edibility: The fruit is technically edible but generally considered bland and not worth consuming.

How to identify it

Deeply lobed, zigzagging succulent stems
Flat, fleshy, and green foliage
Large, fragrant white and yellow flowers
Trailing or hanging growth habit

Height: 0.3 to 1m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.9m
Leaves: green, evergreen
Flowers: white, cream, yellow, 8 to 15cm
Fruit: green, yellow, Late winter

Problems to watch for

MealybugsCommon
Root RotCommon
Fungus GnatsUncommon
Scale InsectsUncommon

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Keep the plant in a bright, cool spot away from drafts. Reduce watering significantly to encourage a dormant period.
In containers: It is an excellent container plant that thrives in hanging baskets where its stems can drape naturally.

Stem cuttings

Cut a healthy stem segment.
Let the cut end callous for a few days.
Insert the calloused end into moist, well draining soil.

Group this cactus with other epiphytes to create a microclimate that mimics its natural forest home.

Grows well with

Orchid · They share similar requirements for bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Fern · Ferns provide a lush, contrasting texture and enjoy the same moisture levels.

Similar species

Queen of the Night · It is a related epiphytic cactus with similar care needs and nocturnal flowers.

Science

Family: Cactaceae
Genus: Disocactus
Order: Caryophyllales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Tropical forests of Mexico.
Conservation: It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, although habitat loss in its native Mexican forests can affect some wild populations.

As an epiphyte, it thrives in the dappled light of forest canopies where it receives high humidity.

Value to wildlife: night blooming nectar source
Pollinators: moths
Uses: hanging basket specimen, indoor ornamental

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 5/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why is my plant not blooming?: It needs a distinct cooling period and shorter days in autumn to trigger flower buds.
How often should I water it?: Water when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry, but keep it drier during winter.

Where the name comes from

The name anguliger comes from Latin meaning angle bearing, referring to the zigzag stem shape.

Good to know

It is commonly called the Fishbone Cactus.
The flowers are nocturnal and only last for one or two nights.
It is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on trees in its natural habitat.
The zigzag shape helps the plant catch falling organic debris for nutrients.

Keep your fishbone cactus growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.