Selenicereus anthonyanus aka Fish Bone
Taxonomy
Selenicereus anthonyanus (otherwise known as Cryptocereus anthonyanus, Fishbone Cactus, Rickrack Cactus, Zig-zag Cactus, or St. Anthony's Rik-rak) is a popular houseplant that is native to southern Mexico. It is grown as an ornamental for its nocturnal flowers and leaf-like stems and is easy and fast growing. It does best in long-lasting, direct sunlight and should be less than a foot from a window. This epiphyte thrives with very little water and prefers extremely well-draining soil. It should not need added fertilizers if it is repotted each time it doubles in size. It can be trained to climb a trellis or look its best in a hanging basket, draping up to 90 cm over the edge. This plant is mainly grown for its strange leaves and therefore sometimes referred to as Ric-Rac, Zig-Zag, or Fishbone cactus.
Common names
Fish Bone, Ric Rac Cactus, Zig Zag Cactus, Fish Bone CactusHow to care for Fish Bone
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Fish Bone is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Fish Bone does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
The Fish Bone is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Fish Bone plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Humidity
Fish Bone prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.
Fertilizer
The Fish Bone is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.
Region of origin
Fish Bone’s native range is Central, South America, and the Caribbean.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Selenicereus Genus
Selenicereus anthonyanus Fish Bone
Selenicereus pteranthus Princess Of The Night
Selenicereus undatus Dragon Fruit
Selenicereus inermis Moonlight Cactus
Selenicereus chrysocardium Fern Leaf (Orchid) Cactus
Selenicereus monacanthus Dragon Fruit
