Epiphyllum Anguliger (Fishbone Cactus) Care: What to Know

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Today, we are doing a plant care video on this gorgeous plant—Epiphyllum anguliger. It’s a striking epiphytic cactus with deeply lobed succulent foliage that grows in a zigzag pattern. You’ll often hear it referred to as the zigzag cactus, fishbone cactus, or rickrack plant. The botanical name, Epiphyllum anguliger, is what you should use when searching for information.

Epiphyllum anguliger belongs to the orchid cactus genus and is native to the jungle rainforests of Mexico, where it grows on tree branches. As an epiphytic plant, it uses another plant as a support to grow, creating roots that attach to the nooks and crannies of the host plant. These plants often grow from the understory in the jungle, reaching toward the sun as they mature.

In mature Epiphyllum anguliger plants, you may notice aerial roots growing out of the soil. This is completely normal and a sign that your plant is thriving. These aerial roots help the plant attach to trees in its natural habitat. If you see them in your indoor garden, know that your plant is doing well.

Another fascinating feature of Epiphyllum anguliger is its beautiful flowers, which typically appear on mature plants. These flowers are usually white or pale yellow and have a wonderful fragrance that will perfume your home. However, the flowers are short-lived, lasting only about 24 hours. The fragrance is released at night, so be sure to enjoy it while it lasts.

Now, let’s discuss how to keep this architectural beauty healthy and happy.

Lighting

Lighting is crucial for all houseplants. In its natural environment, Epiphyllum anguliger grows in the jungle understory, where it receives dappled sunlight. This means it does not thrive in bright, direct sun like typical cacti. Instead, it prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate a few hours of direct light as long as it’s not too intense. For best results, place it in a western or southern window with some filtering, or an eastern window where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade.

If your plant isn’t thriving in its current location, try moving it to another spot. If you don’t have enough natural light, full-spectrum lighting is an excellent alternative. Ensure the plant receives enough light to avoid leggy growth.

Watering

Unlike desert cacti, Epiphyllum anguliger prefers its soil to be slightly moist. Water your plant when the top 2-3 inches of soil have dried out. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot, but also ensure the soil doesn’t go bone dry. Use warm to tepid water, as cold water can shock the plant and cause root dieback.

Epiphyllum anguliger is sensitive to chemicals in water, such as fluoride, which can be present in municipal and well water. If you notice issues with your plant, consider switching to reverse osmosis or distilled water. During the spring and summer months, when the plant is actively growing, it will require more frequent watering. In the cooler months, reduce watering as the plant uses less water.

Temperature and Humidity

Epiphyllum anguliger thrives in warm, humid conditions similar to its native jungle environment. Keep the plant in temperatures between 60-78°F (16-26°C) and maintain a humidity level of 50-60%. While it can tolerate humidity levels as low as 40%, higher humidity is preferable. If necessary, use a pebble tray or group plants together to increase humidity.

Repotting

Repot your Epiphyllum anguliger every 1-2 years in the spring. Use a well-draining soil mix with some moisture retention, such as a combination of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark. Avoid using cactus mix alone, as it may not retain enough moisture for this jungle cactus.

Fertilizing

Feed your plant during the spring and summer with an organic liquid fertilizer. Avoid chemical fertilizers, as they can burn the roots and cause root rot. Stop fertilizing in late September and resume in March.

Flowering

Getting Epiphyllum anguliger to flower indoors can be challenging. If you want to encourage blooming, expose the plant to slightly cooler temperatures (52-57°F or 11-14°C) in the late summer or early fall. Move it back to a warmer area in February. Regular feeding, proper watering, and bright indirect light also contribute to flowering.

Pruning and Propagation

Epiphyllum anguliger doesn’t require much pruning. If necessary, trim any damaged or unsightly stems. You can propagate the plant by cutting off a piece and allowing it to harden before planting it in soil or water. Spring and summer are the best times for propagation.

Pests and Diseases

This plant is generally pest-resistant, but it can occasionally be affected by mealybugs, fungal leaf spots, and root rot. If you notice pests, treat them with rubbing alcohol. To prevent fungal issues, avoid overwatering and allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings.

In conclusion, Epiphyllum anguliger is a stunning and unique addition to any indoor garden. With proper care, it will reward you with beautiful foliage and potentially even fragrant flowers.

Epiphyllum Anguliger Care FAQ

What is Epiphyllum anguliger?

Epiphyllum anguliger, also known as the zigzag cactus, fishbone cactus, or rickrack plant, is a striking epiphytic cactus with deeply lobed succulent foliage that grows in a zigzag pattern. It belongs to the orchid cactus genus and is native to the jungle rainforests of Mexico.

How do I care for Epiphyllum anguliger?

To care for Epiphyllum anguliger, provide bright, indirect light, keep the soil slightly moist, maintain temperatures between 60-78°F (16-26°C), and ensure a humidity level of 50-60%. Repot the plant every 1-2 years, fertilize during spring and summer, and avoid chemical fertilizers.

What type of lighting does Epiphyllum anguliger need?

Epiphyllum anguliger prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate a few hours of direct light, as long as it’s not too intense. For best results, place it in a western or southern window with some filtering, or an eastern window where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade.

How often should I water Epiphyllum anguliger?

Water Epiphyllum anguliger when the top 2-3 inches of soil have dried out. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, but do not let the soil go completely dry. Use warm to tepid water to avoid shocking the plant.

What is the ideal temperature and humidity for Epiphyllum anguliger?

Epiphyllum anguliger thrives in temperatures between 60-78°F (16-26°C) and prefers a humidity level of 50-60%. It can tolerate humidity levels as low as 40%, but higher humidity is preferable.

When and how should I repot Epiphyllum anguliger?

Repot Epiphyllum anguliger every 1-2 years in the spring. Use a well-draining soil mix with some moisture retention, such as a combination of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark. Avoid using cactus mix alone.

How do I fertilize Epiphyllum anguliger?

Fertilize Epiphyllum anguliger during the spring and summer with an organic liquid fertilizer. Avoid chemical fertilizers, as they can burn the roots. Stop fertilizing in late September and resume in March.

How can I get Epiphyllum anguliger to flower indoors?

To encourage flowering, expose Epiphyllum anguliger to slightly cooler temperatures (52-57°F or 11-14°C) in the late summer or early fall. Move it back to a warmer area in February. Regular feeding, proper watering, and bright indirect light also contribute to flowering.

How do I propagate Epiphyllum anguliger?

Propagate Epiphyllum anguliger by cutting off a piece and allowing it to harden before planting it in soil or water. The best times for propagation are spring and summer.

What pests and diseases affect Epiphyllum anguliger?

Epiphyllum anguliger is generally pest-resistant but can occasionally be affected by mealybugs, fungal leaf spots, and root rot. Treat pests with rubbing alcohol and prevent fungal issues by avoiding overwatering.

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