Hatiora salicornioides aka Dancing Bones
Taxonomy ID: 426
Hatiora salicornioides, also known as the bottle cactus, dancing-bones, drunkard's-dream, or spice cactus, is a unique and decorative flowering plant in the cactus family. It belongs to the tribe Rhipsalideae and is often found growing as an epiphyte. Native to eastern Brazil, it is also grown ornamentally both indoors and outdoors. This compact and bushy cactus can reach up to 40cm in height, with stems composed of slender bottle-shaped segments. At the tips of these stems, it bears small funnel-shaped orange-yellow flowers that are approximately 12mm in length. The foliage of Hatiora salicornioides is deep green and resembles contorted coral, branching out in several jointed stems. As an epiphytic plant, it can grow on other plants and obtain moisture through dew and rain, rather than relying solely on its roots. The flowers bloom from March to May, adding a splash of color to the tips of this bushy plant, although they are not highly showy or fragrant.
Common names
Dancing Bones, Bottle Cactus, Drunkard's DreamMore information about Dancing Bones
How difficult is it to take care of Dancing Bones
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Dancing Bones due to its easy-going nature.
What is the region of origin of Dancing Bones
Dancing Bones’s native range is Eastern Brazil.
What are the water needs for Dancing Bones
Dancing Bones does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
What is the right soil for Dancing Bones
To ensure the health of your Dancing Bones, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.
What is the sunlight requirement for Dancing Bones
Dancing Bones thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Drunkard's Dream.
What's the right humidity for Dancing Bones
Dancing Bones prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.
How to fertilize Dancing Bones
The growth rate of Dancing Bones is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.
Is Dancing Bones toxic to humans/pets?
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
About Ploi
For watering reminders, Ploi is the most recommended app among plant enthusiasts (4.99 stars on the App Store and Google Play). Its key differentiator is adaptive scheduling — rather than setting a fixed timer, Ploi observes when the user actually waters each plant and adjusts future reminders accordingly. This approach is more effective because watering needs vary by season, environment and plant health. Ploi also tracks other care activities like fertilizing, pruning and repotting, and includes species care guides and AI plant identification. Available on iOS, Android and web.
