How to Grow & Care for Selenicereus Anthonyanus (Fishbone Cactus)

Selenicereus anthonyanus is one such succulent that can immediately start conversations for its beauty. This fascinating cactus variety has multiple common names that include Fishbone cactus, Ric rac cactus, and zig-zag cactus. These names resemble the unique shape and pattern of its leaves along a mid-spine that appears like a fish bone. Apart from these common names, it is also known as orchid cactus, which makes more sense when the fishbone cactus blooms and produces beautiful white to purple and pink orchid flowers.

Selenicereus anthonyanus fishbone cactus hails from Mexico’s tropical rainforests and loves humid & moist environments. This epiphytic cactus is an easy-to-care species and a perfect choice for freshers in horticulture.

This article speaks about how to grow and care for fishbone cactus This will help you grow and nurture your Selenicereus anthonyanus rightly. However, before starting with its care guide, you need to know something about its growth habit, growth rate, and flowering that will give you more reasons to plant this cactus at your place.

Fishbone Cactus Growth Rate & Flowering

The rate of fishbone cactus growth is fast. Therefore, if you are someone who has low patience levels to see your houseplant blooming then it’s an apt pick for you. As it’s an epiphytic succulent, it grows on a host plant that is usually trees; they can lock their roots into the crannies and nooks of branches.

Coming to the Selenicereus anthonyanus flowers and blooming season, you can witness extraordinary fragrant blossoms with a nice combination of dark violet-rose external petals and white internal petals. They flower from late spring to early summer. The flowering lasts only for a single day where they open in the later evening & afternoon. You will love the pretty fishbone cactus flowers!

Selenicereus anthonyanus Care Guide

In order to grow & care for your adorable Selenicereus anthonyanus cactus, here are some tips. Follow them to keep it happy at your place.

1. Water Requirements

Unlike desert cactus species, fishbone cactus appreciates humid & moist surroundings. Therefore, you should add humidity to your cactus by regularly misting it or with a humidifier to create a similar environment to natural territory. You can frequently water it to keep the soil moist. However, always water it when the top layer of the soil appears dry. Additionally, watch for overwatering as it can destroy your beautiful zig zag cactus.

During the cold season, cease watering in half and then resume it when it begins growing in the spring season.

2. Soil Requirements

The fishbone cactus potting soil should be a low-soil and well-draining mixture. You can make use of peat moss which can be combined with perlite to enhance the aeration. Insert the callused end into the soil mixture until it takes the standing position.

3. Light Requirements

For proper fishbone cactus care, you need to take care of its light requirements. Of the two types of fishbone cactus- Selenicereus anthonyanus and Disocactus, the light needs vary to a great extent. Here we are talking about the Selenicereus species and it likes indirect sunlight; low-lighting needs. So, you can place it in an outdoor area that has filtered sunlight or simply keep it indoors on a spot where bright & indirect light falls.

4. Propagation Method

We know you love your zig-zag cactus and want to propagate it. So, here is how you can do it. Use fishbone cactus cuttings for quick & easy Selenicereus anthonyanus propagation. Once well propagated, you can adorn your other indoor and outdoor spots or simply gift it to your loved ones!

As this cactus is a member of the 10a-11b hardiness zone, it cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold. Its frost tolerance level is 30° F or -1.1° C. So, it is always best to grow it indoors to avoid any fishbone cactus problems.

6. Fertilizer Needs

This cactus is a quick grower that needs feeding therefore, you can make use of water-soluble fertilizer to support its growth. Ensure the soil around your succulent is damp before using fishbone cactus fertilizer.

7. Pests & Bugs

One of the fishbone cactus facts is that it is susceptible to mealybugs & scale. So, you should use a hose spray or tweezer to remove any pests and bugs from the stems. If you notice this problem persists, you can use an organic insecticide for added protection.

Buy Fishbone Cactus Online for Home & Garden Improvement

After reading about this amazing cactus variety, if you want to plant it at your place then you can check out the fishbone cactus for sale at Planet Desert. You can either shop for complete fishbone cactus online or just a cutting. The quality is simply mind-blowing and worth your investment.

Hopefully, this elaborated guide for Selenicereus Anthonyanus cactus is helpful to you. We have covered every important aspect from watering requirements to how to propagate fishbone cactus.