Fishbone cactus.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Succulent

Light

Bright, indirect light

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

1-2 feet tall and wide

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 10 to 12

Bloom time

Mid autumn to early winter

Care

This cactus prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, and allow it to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Watering

Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Reduce watering in winter.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 30 days during the growing season (spring to fall).

Pruning

Prune lightly in spring to maintain shape or remove dead/damaged stems. Do not over-prune.

Repotting

Repot every 1-2 years, or when rootbound, into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil.

Soil

Well-draining potting mix, cactus or succulent mix

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-7.0)

Temperature

15 to 27°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Safety

People

This plant is not known to be toxic to humans, but it's best to avoid ingestion.

Pets

Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

While not toxic, ingestion of plant parts by small children could cause mild stomach upset. Handle with care to avoid sharp edges.

Contact allergens

No significant contact allergens are typically associated with Epiphyllum anguliger.

Airborne allergens

Pollen from this plant may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.

Edibility

This plant is not intended for human consumption.

How to identify it

• Flattened, stem-like leaves
• Zigzag or fishbone pattern
• Glossy green surfaces
• Spaced-out small spines
• Epiphytic growth
• Blooms at night

Height

0.3 to 0.6m

Spread

0.3 to 0.6m

Leaves

green, evergreen

Flowers

white, cream, 10 to 15cm

Common problems

• Root Rot — Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to root rot, a common issue for epiphytic cacti.
• Mealybugs — These small, white, cottony pests can infest the stems and suck sap from the plant.
• Spider Mites — Tiny mites can cause stippling on the leaves and fine webbing, especially in dry conditions.

Growing it

Propagation

stem cuttings, division

When to plant

Spring, Summer

When combining plants, ensure they all have similar light, watering, and humidity requirements to thrive together.

Grows well with

• Orchids — These plants share similar epiphytic needs for good drainage and bright, indirect light.
• Bromeliads — Bromeliads can provide a similar tropical aesthetic and thrive in comparable conditions.
• Ferns — Many ferns appreciate the humidity and indirect light that also suit Epiphyllum anguliger.

Keep away from

• Mealybugs — These pests are a common problem for many houseplants and can damage the cactus by feeding on its sap.
• Spider Mites — Dry conditions, often found indoors, can encourage spider mite infestations that harm the plant's foliage.
• Mealybug Destroyer — While beneficial for controlling mealybugs, introducing predatory insects needs careful consideration for the specific plant's health and environment.

Similar species

• Easter Cactus — Similar epiphytic growth habit and blooming period, though stem segments are typically segmented and flattened differently.
• Christmas Cactus — Also an epiphytic cactus with flattened stems, but Christmas cactus segments are more rounded and segmented, blooming in winter.
• Orchid Cactus — Other species within the Epiphyllum genus often share a similar epiphytic nature and large, showy flowers, though stem shapes vary widely.

Science

Family

Cactaceae

Genus

Disocactus

Order

Caryophyllales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Mexico

Conservation

This species is not currently listed as endangered or of conservation concern.

In its native tropical forests, Epiphyllum anguliger grows attached to trees, obtaining moisture and nutrients from the air and accumulated debris.

Uses

Ornamental

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How often should I water my fishbone cactus?

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually every 1-2 weeks during the growing season and less in winter.

What kind of light does it prefer?

Bright, indirect light is ideal; avoid direct, intense sunlight which can scorch the stems.

Does it need special soil?

Yes, it thrives in a well-draining potting mix, similar to what's used for orchids or other epiphytic cacti.

When does it bloom?

Blooming typically occurs in late fall or winter, with fragrant, nocturnal flowers.

Can I grow this outdoors?

Yes, in frost-free climates, but it's often grown indoors as a houseplant due to its sensitivity to cold.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Epiphyllum comes from Greek words 'epi' (upon) and 'phyllon' (leaf), referring to its epiphytic nature. The species name 'anguliger' refers to the angled or cornered appearance of its stems.

Good to know

• It's native to the rainforests of Mexico.
• Its flowers are typically white and highly fragrant, often opening at night.
• As an epiphyte, it naturally grows on other plants in its native habitat.
• The stems can grow quite long, making it a popular hanging basket plant.