Fishbone Cactus
Epiphyllum anguliger
Anguliger
About this plant
Epiphyllum anguliger, commonly called Fishbone Cactus, is a unique-looking cactus with flat, zigzag-shaped stems that resemble fishbones. It produces beautiful, fragrant white flowers that bloom at night. This plant is popular as a houseplant due to its interesting shape and easy care. It naturally grows on trees in tropical forests, so it prefers indirect light and higher humidity.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Epiphyllum
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Higher classification
- Order: Caryophyllales
- Plant type
- Houseplant
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- Mexico
- Distribution
- Native to Mexico; widely cultivated as a houseplant worldwide.
Care
- Light preference
- Bright indirect
- Suitable locations
- Indoor, Balcony, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- East-facing, North-facing, Northeast-facing, Northwest-facing
- Watering frequency
- Moderate
- Watering interval
- 7–14 days
- Humidity
- Normal
- Minimum
- 10 °C
- Maximum
- 30 °C
- Optimal
- 18–24 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 10–12
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Soil type
- well-draining cactus or orchid potting mix
Watering. Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is resting. Avoid letting the plant sit in water to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing. Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant rests.
Epiphyllum anguliger is a moderately easy plant to care for. It prefers indirect light and well-draining soil. Overwatering can cause root rot, so allow the soil to dry between waterings. It benefits from occasional fertilizing during the growing season.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Cuttings, Division
- Care difficulty
- Medium
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- spring–summer
Distinctive zigzag stems and large, fragrant white flowers that bloom at night.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Non-toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Non-toxic
- Weed potential
- Not considered a weed
Non-toxic to humans and pets, making it safe to keep around children and animals.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Sap or latex, Skin contact
- Pollen level
- Low
Epiphyllum anguliger is generally safe and unlikely to cause allergic reactions. However, people sensitive to plant sap might experience mild skin irritation if they touch the plant's sap. To avoid this, wear gloves when handling or pruning the plant.
Common problems
Common problems include root rot from overwatering, yellowing stems due to too much direct sun, and pests like mealybugs or spider mites if kept in poor air circulation.
Uses
Primarily grown as an ornamental houseplant for its unique foliage and attractive night-blooming flowers.
Notes
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage branching. Repot every 2-3 years in spring using a well-draining cactus or orchid mix. Protect from temperatures below 10°C (50°F).