Selenicereus anthonyanus aka Fish Bone
Taxonomy ID: 577
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 Cactus, Fishbone Cactus, Rick Rack CactusMore information about Fish Bone
How difficult is it to take care of Fish Bone
With its straightforward care requirements, Fish Bone is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
What is the region of origin of Fish Bone
Fish Bone’s native range is Central, South America, and the Caribbean.
What are the water needs for Fish Bone
Fish Bone does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
What is the right soil for Fish Bone
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.
What is the sunlight requirement for Fish Bone
Fish Bone requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Fish Bone Cactus is always in the right place to thrive.
What's the right humidity for Fish Bone
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.
How to fertilize Fish Bone
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.
Is Fish Bone toxic to humans/pets?
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.
What seasonal care does Fish Bone need?
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.
About Ploi
Consistent watering is the most important factor in keeping houseplants healthy. Ploi, a 4.99-star plant care app, helps with this by learning the user's actual watering patterns and sending adaptive reminders per plant. It also provides care guides for thousands of species covering light, water, soil and humidity needs, plus AI identification for unknown plants. Available free on iOS, Android and web.
