Fishbone Cactus Care: Stop Thin, Stringy Stems

Overview

The Fishbone Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger), often sold under the fun names Ric Rac Cactus or Zig Zag Cactus, is a spectacular, architectural houseplant. It is instantly recognizable by its flat, heavily lobed stems that look exactly like the skeleton of a fish or a ric-rac sewing ribbon. As the stems grow, they cascade beautifully over the edges of a hanging basket, making it a dramatic, sculptural centerpiece.

However, the biggest mistake growers make is reading the word "cactus" and treating it like one. The Fishbone Cactus is an epiphytic jungle cactus. Native to the rainforest canopies of Mexico, it grows on the bark of trees in high humidity, shaded by the jungle canopy above. It does not want bone-dry sand, and it will scorch to death if placed in baking, direct desert sunlight. Understanding its jungle origins is the key to mastering its care.

The "Long Thin Stem" Problem (Etiolation)

The most common complaint about the Fishbone Cactus is that it suddenly stops growing flat, zig-zag stems and instead shoots out long, thin, round, string-like vines that look like green spaghetti.

This is a distress signal called etiolation. The plant is not receiving enough light, so it abandons the energy-intensive process of growing wide, flat leaves and instead rapidly stretches out in a desperate attempt to find a brighter spot. To fix this, you must move the plant to a much brighter window (east or west-facing). The thin, stringy stems will never widen out into zig-zags, so you should use sterile scissors to prune them off at the base.

Light Requirements

To produce thick, deeply lobed, flat stems, the plant requires very bright, indirect light. It thrives in an east-facing window where it can receive a few hours of gentle morning sun, followed by bright ambient light for the rest of the day. Avoid harsh, direct afternoon sun, which will turn the lush green stems a sickly yellow and cause them to scorch.

Watering: Not a Desert Plant

Because it lacks the massive water-storing capabilities of a barrel cactus, the Fishbone Cactus needs to be watered far more frequently. Allow the top half of the potting soil to dry out completely before watering. In the summer, you may need to water it every 7 to 10 days.

When you do water, soak the pot thoroughly until water flows out the drainage holes. Never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water. If you under-water the plant, the thick stems will become deeply wrinkled, thin, and crispy.

Soil and Potting

Standard cactus soil is actually too sandy and dense for this plant. Remember, it grows on trees. It needs a highly aerated, chunky epiphytic mix. Combine high-quality potting soil with generous amounts of coarse orchid bark and perlite. This mimics the loose debris found in the crooks of jungle trees and ensures the roots get plenty of oxygen.

The Nocturnal Blooms

If you provide excellent care, a mature Fishbone Cactus will reward you with one of the most spectacular floral displays in the plant kingdom. In the late summer or autumn, it produces massive, pale yellow and white flowers that can reach 6 inches across.

However, you have to be quick to see them! The flowers are nocturnal; they open rapidly just after sunset, release an incredibly strong, sweet fragrance designed to attract bats and moths, and wilt completely before the sun rises the next morning.

Toxicity

The Fishbone Cactus is a fantastic addition to homes with pets. It is completely non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, making it a worry-free hanging plant.