Fishbone Cactus
Epiphyllum anguliger
📖 About this plant
The Fishbone Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger, also called Ric Rac Cactus or Zig Zag Cactus) is a unique epiphytic cactus from Mexico’s tropical rainforests that looks nothing like a typical desert cactus. Its flat, deeply lobed stems create a distinctive zigzag or fishbone pattern that’s immediately eye-catching. Unlike desert cacti, it thrives in humid conditions and doesn’t need blazing sun. The real showstopper comes in late autumn when it produces enormous, breathtakingly beautiful fragrant flowers that can be 15-20 cm wide — among the largest of any cactus flower. Despite its exotic appearance, it’s surprisingly easy to grow and makes an outstanding trailing or hanging plant.
🧑🌾 Care requirements
Bright Indirect Light to Light Shade
When top 3-4 cm of soil is dry (more frequent than desert cacti — weekly in summer)
50-70%
18-27°C (65-80°F)
Well-draining orchid bark or epiphytic cactus mix with perlite
Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
📋 Plant facts
- 🌍 Origin
- Mexico (epiphytic cactus from tropical rainforest regions)
- 📏 Max height
- 30-60 cm (12-24 in) long trailing stems
- 📐 Spread
- 30-60 cm (12-24 in) trailing
- 🕰️ Bloom time
- Late autumn to winter (short day trigger)
- 🎨 Bloom color
- Large, fragrant, cream-white to pale pink flowers 15-20 cm (6-8 in) wide
- 🍃 Foliage color
- Flat, zigzagging green stems with fishbone-like notched edges
- ⏳ Lifespan
- Perennial (10-20+ years)
- 📈 Growth rate
- Moderate to Fast
- ☠️ Toxicity
- Non-toxic to humans and pets — completely safe
- 🌱 Propagation
- Stem segment cuttings — cut at a node, allow callus 2-3 days, place on moist soil; roots in 3-4 weeks
🛡️ Health & Safety
Non-toxic to humans and pets — completely safe
Common issues
- No flowers without cool, dry autumn rest period, stems shriveling from underwatering, root rot from heavy soil, mealybugs at stem joints, stems becoming limp from overwatering, sunburn in direct afternoon sun
💡 Care tips
- This is a rainforest cactus — it needs more water and humidity than desert cacti. For flowers, provide a cool (10-15°C/50-59°F) and dry rest period for 6-8 weeks in autumn. The spectacular flowers open at night and last only 1-2 days but are unforgettable. Train stems on a trellis or let them trail. Orchid bark mix works better than standard cactus soil. Propagation is extremely easy — a single stem segment can grow into a full plant.
