Fishbone cactus
Description
The strange shape of Epiphyllum anguliger's leaves has earned it the nickname of fishbone cactus. Flat, wavy, and bizarre looking leaves dangle from mature plants, Upright leaves indicate the plant is young. In late summer, mature plants will produce big, showy, flowers with a delightful fragrance. Easy to care for and cool looking. Win-win!
Size: 11cm diameter
Origin: Rainforests of Mexico
Care
Light: Indirect light
Humidity: Moderate
Temperature: 11-25ºC
Watering: Allow the top 2-3 cm of the compost to dry between waterings when the plant is actively growing, usually from spring through autumn. Reduce watering frequency in winter when light levels are lower.
Feeding: Use half the recommended dose of a potash liquid fertilizer every few weeks from the moment that the flower buds appear in summer until the flowers die off.
Soil: Cactus compost.
Troubleshooting: Even if this plant is a cactus, it should not be kept under direct sunlight. This plant originates in tropical rainforests and in its natural habitat lives under a canopy, so it only gets dappled light.
Tip: This plant is safe around pets and children. Display in a hanging basket. Keep the plant at 16-25ºC from spring through autumn. In winter, move to a cooler, shadier spot at around 11-14ºC as this will encourage flowering.
Did you know? This cactus is an epiphytic plant, meaning they live attached to a host plant (usually a tree) and not with its roots buried in the ground. For this reason, a light and porous potting medium is essential for this plant.