Fishbone Cactus, Moon Cactus, Queen of the Night, Rickrack Cactus, Rick-Rack Orchid Cactus, Disocactus anguliger
Epiphyllum anguliger, also known as the Fishbone Cactus or Ric Rac Cactus, is an attractive cactus species known for its distinctively shaped stems and fragrant night-blooming flowers. It is a popular houseplant due to its unique appearance and low-maintenance care needs, making it ideal for beginners and experienced gardeners.
The Fishbone cactus is a member of the Cactaceae family, which also includes the popular Chrismas cactus, prickly pear (opuntia), pincushion cactus (mammillaria), and the iconic saguaro cactus and San Pedro cactus.
Epiphyllum anguliger is an epiphytic cactus with deeply lobed, flattened, and zigzagging stems. These stems have a leaf-like appearance, and their distinctive shape, resembling a fishbone, gives the plant its common name. The stems are typically green and fleshy, allowing them to store water and contributing to the plant’s drought tolerance.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this plant is its night-blooming flowers. The flowers are large, fragrant, and white or creamy. Their intense fragrance and nocturnal blooming habits attract nighttime pollinators, such as moths and bats, in their natural habitat.
Epiphyllum anguliger is native to the rainforests of Mexico, where it grows attached to tree trunks and branches high above the forest floor. It is well-adapted to the humid and shaded conditions of the rainforest canopy, where it receives filtered light and occasional rainfall. This natural epiphytic lifestyle allows the plant to absorb moisture from the air and nutrients from decaying organic matter around it.
The Fishbone Cactus is an epiphytic cactus with a sprawling or trailing growth habit – its long, flat stems cascading over the sides of pots or hanging baskets. It can be grown indoors as a houseplant or outdoors in climates where temperatures don’t drop too low.
This cactus can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and spread 2-3 feet (60-90 cm). The size of the plant varies depending on its growing environment, but it typically forms a dense cluster of trailing stems.
The flowers are among its most stunning features. These large, fragrant, and tubular flowers can measure up to 8 inches (20 cm) in length and 4 inches (10 cm) across. The petals are typically white or cream-colored but may have yellow or pink hues near the base. The flowers open at night, filling the air with a sweet, heavy fragrance that attracts nocturnal pollinators.
The plant’s flowers are ephemeral, lasting only a few hours before wilting. However, their short-lived beauty is part of their charm, making them a highly anticipated event.
This flowering cactus blooms from late summer to fall. Under the right conditions, the plant can produce multiple blooms throughout the blooming season.
The foliage consists of its distinctive stems, often mistaken for leaves. These flattened, green stems have notched edges, giving the plant its characteristic fishbone appearance. They are initially upright before becoming more pendent as they age, and elongate.
This cactus is hardy in USDA zones 10-11 and prefers temperatures between 61°F and 77°F (16°C to 25°C) but can tolerate brief drops in temperature to 50–59°F (10–15 °C).
Epiphyllum anguliger is primarily grown for ornamental purposes due to its striking foliage and large, fragrant flowers. It is an excellent choice for hanging baskets, where its trailing stems can be displayed to their full effect. The plant is also grown as a houseplant or greenhouse specimen.
In its natural habitat, the plant attracts a variety of nocturnal pollinators, including moths and bats, which are drawn to its fragrant, night-blooming flowers. The plant’s small fruits may also be consumed by birds and small animals, contributing to seed dispersal in the wild.
Epiphyllum anguliger is considered non-toxic to humans and pets, making it a safe choice for households with children or animals. However, the plant should still be kept out of reach of pets to avoid accidental ingestion of the stems, which could cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
As an epiphyte, Epiphyllum anguliger is adapted to withstand periods of drought. Its fleshy stems store water, allowing the plant to survive in scarce moisture. However, it prefers regular watering during its growing season and should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.
This cactus is not considered invasive. It grows relatively slowly and does not spread aggressively. Its epiphytic nature means it relies on specific conditions to thrive and does not threaten native ecosystems when cultivated in gardens.
The primary benefits of growing Epiphyllum anguliger are its ornamental value, unique appearance, and easy care requirements. Its fishbone-like stems add architectural interest to any garden or indoor space, and its night-blooming flowers provide a beautiful, fragrant display.
In addition to its aesthetic qualities, the plant is non-toxic and relatively low-maintenance, making it suitable for a wide range of growing conditions. It is also an excellent choice for hanging baskets, where its trailing stems can create a cascading effect.
The Fishbone Cactus thrives in bright, indirect light. In its native habitat, it grows under the canopy of trees, so it is used to filtered light rather than direct sunlight.
Use a well-draining potting mix for epiphytes or cacti. A mixture of cactus soil, orchid bark, and perlite is ideal to mimic the plant’s natural growing environment. The soil should retain some moisture but drain quickly to prevent root rot.
As an epiphytic cactus, the Fishbone Cactus requires more water than typical desert cacti. However, it still prefers to dry out slightly between waterings. Water thoroughly when the soil’s top 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) are dry. Water until it drains from the bottom of the pot, but avoid letting the plant sit in water.
Avoid watering your Fishbone cactus with cold water, as this can shock the roots.
The Fishbone Cactus thrives in moderate to high humidity (60%), similar to the tropical conditions of its native habitat. It’s an ideal plant for bathrooms or kitchens, where humidity levels are naturally higher. If growing in a dry environment, consider misting the plant occasionally or using a humidity tray.
Temperature: The Fishbone Cactus prefers temperatures between 61°F and 77°F (16°C to 25°C). It is not frost-tolerant and should be kept indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Feed your Fishbone Cactus during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
In early spring, trim back any overly long or damaged stems to shape the plant and encourage new growth. Use clean, sharp scissors to avoid spreading disease.
Pests: The Fishbone Cactus is generally resistant to pests, but it can occasionally suffer from mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot. Always allow the soil to dry out between waterings and use well-draining soil to prevent water from sitting around the roots.
Leggy growth: If the plant isn’t receiving enough light, it may grow leggy. Move it to a brighter spot to promote fuller growth.
Brown Spots: Excessive humidity or water left on Fishbone Cactus stems can lead to fungal infections, resulting in slightly raised brown spots. Cut off affected areas to prevent the fungus from spreading.
Shriveled Stems: Underwatering. Water the plant thoroughly when the soil is dry. If underwatered for an extended period, gradually reintroduce watering without soaking the plant too much at once.
During winter, reduce watering and keep the plant in a cooler location, ideally between 50°F and 60°F (10°C to 16°C), with indirect light. A rest period with lower temperatures and reduced watering helps promote flowering in the next growing season. Avoid fertilizing during this time.
The Fishbone Cactus is easy to propagate through stem cuttings:
Repot every 2-3 years in spring to refresh the soil and give the plant more room to grow. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one to prevent water retention issues.
To get your Fishbone Cactus to bloom, you must provide the right combination of light, water, temperature, and rest.
The Fishbone Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger) is considered non-toxic to both humans and pets. This makes it a safe plant for households with children, dogs, or cats, though it’s still best to keep plants out of reach to prevent any accidental ingestion or damage to the plant.
The Fishbone Cactus can be grown both indoors and outdoors, depending on the climate. It is commonly grown indoors as a houseplant due to its need for bright, indirect light and moderate humidity. In tropical or warm climates (USDA zones 10-11), it can also be grown outdoors in partial shade. If growing outdoors, protect it from frost and extreme cold, as it is not frost-hardy.
The Fishbone Cactus typically blooms once a year, during late summer to fall (usually between September and November). However, under optimal growing conditions, such as providing the right light, humidity, and a cool winter rest, the cactus can produce multiple blooms during its blooming season.
| Hardiness |
10 - 11 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Houseplants, Cactus & Succulents |
| Plant Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Epiphyllum |
| Common names | Cactus |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
| Height | 1' (30cm) |
| Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Garden Uses | Hanging Baskets, Patio And Containers |
| Hardiness |
10 - 11 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Houseplants, Cactus & Succulents |
| Plant Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Epiphyllum |
| Common names | Cactus |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
| Height | 1' (30cm) |
| Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Garden Uses | Hanging Baskets, Patio And Containers |
How many Epiphyllum anguliger (Fishbone Cactus) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Epiphyllum anguliger (Fishbone Cactus) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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