Fishbone cactus (Selenicereus anthonyanus) care guide

Selenicereus anthonyanus is commonly called fishbone cactus. It is also sold under names such as zigzag cactus or ric rac cactus, but “fishbone cactus” is the documented common name for this plant.

Yes, Selenicereus anthonyanus is a true cactus in the family Cactaceae. Unlike desert cacti, it is an epiphytic, tropical cactus adapted to growing among trees.

Give it bright filtered light, an airy epiphytic cactus mix, and thorough watering followed by partial drying. Protect it from frost and move it indoors when temperatures approach 50°F.

Selenicereus anthonyanus can grow fairly quickly during warm, bright conditions. Growth slows when light, temperature, water, or nutrition is limited.

A fishbone cactus grows best in bright filtered or indirect light. Gentle morning sun can be suitable, but strong direct afternoon sunlight may scorch the flattened stems.

Yes, it can grow outdoors in warm, frost-free conditions with filtered light or partial shade. In most of the United States, grow it outdoors seasonally and bring it inside before temperatures fall below 50°F.

Keep Selenicereus anthonyanus in mild to warm conditions and protect it from temperatures below 50°F. It is not frost-tolerant, so bring outdoor plants indoors before cold weather arrives.

A fishbone cactus appreciates moderate to high humidity, especially in dry indoor climates. Good air circulation is important because constantly wet, stagnant conditions can encourage rot.

Yes, a hanging basket is well suited to Selenicereus anthonyanus because its segmented stems naturally trail. Use a container with drainage holes and provide support if the plant is allowed to climb.

Aerial roots are normal for this epiphytic cactus and help the stems attach to supports or absorb moisture from the surrounding air. They do not automatically indicate a problem or require removal.

Water thoroughly when the mix has partially dried, then let excess water drain completely. Watering frequency varies with light, temperature, humidity, pot size, and season, so check the mix rather than following a fixed calendar.

A fishbone cactus should usually dry partially rather than remain bone-dry for long periods. Allowing the mix to stay constantly wet is more dangerous than brief dryness because saturated roots can rot.

Wrinkled or limp stems commonly indicate that the plant is too dry or has damaged roots. Water thoroughly once the mix has partly dried, but inspect the roots if the stems remain soft after watering.

Mushy, brown stem sections usually indicate overwatering or root rot. Remove the plant from the wet mix, cut away soft tissue back to firm green tissue, let the cuts dry, and re-root healthy sections in a fresh airy medium.

Yellowing can result from excessive moisture, poor drainage, intense sun stress, or aging tissue. Check the roots and growing medium first, then correct watering and light before removing affected sections.

Mealybugs, scale, and spider mites can occasionally affect Selenicereus anthonyanus. Isolate an infested plant, remove visible insects, and use a labeled houseplant treatment according to its instructions.

Fertilize a fishbone cactus lightly during active spring and summer growth with a diluted cactus or balanced houseplant fertilizer. Avoid heavy feeding and reduce or stop fertilizing during winter or other periods of slow growth.

Use an airy epiphytic cactus mix containing materials such as coarse bark, perlite, pumice, or another drainage component. The medium should hold some moisture while allowing abundant air around the roots.

Yes, a fishbone cactus should be planted in a container with drainage holes. Without reliable drainage, the airy root environment this epiphytic cactus needs can quickly become waterlogged.

Repot Selenicereus anthonyanus in spring or early summer when it has outgrown its container or the mix has broken down. Signs include roots emerging from drainage holes, poor drainage, or persistently declining growth.

Choose a pot only about 1–2 inches wider than the current root ball. An oversized container retains excess moisture and increases the risk of root rot.

Yes, Selenicereus anthonyanus can be mounted on a suitable support because it is an epiphytic cactus. Mounted plants need careful attention to moisture, humidity, and root protection because they dry faster than potted specimens.

Propagate a fishbone cactus from healthy stem cuttings. Let a cutting callus for several days, then place the cut end into a lightly moist, sharply draining mix until roots develop.

Allow fishbone cactus cuttings to dry until the cut surface forms a thin callus, usually several days. Thick or large cuttings may need more time, while the goal is to prevent the fresh cut from staying wet in the propagation medium.

Selenicereus anthonyanus can sometimes root in water, but a clean, airy propagation medium is generally safer for a cactus cutting. Water-rooted cuttings may need gradual adjustment before planting into a coarse mix.

Prune with clean, sharp shears to remove dead, damaged, or excessively long stems. Make cuts at a joint or near the base, and allow fresh cuts to dry before exposing them to heavy moisture.

Pruning can improve the plant’s shape and encourage branching from remaining healthy sections, but it does not guarantee a fuller plant. Adequate light, warmth, water, and nutrition are also needed for new growth.

Species-specific toxicity information for Selenicereus anthonyanus is not sufficiently established here. Keep it away from pets and children, and contact a veterinarian or poison-control service if any part is ingested.

A fishbone cactus should not be eaten because its species-specific edibility and toxicity are not confirmed. Prevent ingestion by people and pets, even though the plant is not known for prominent spines.

Yes, mature Selenicereus anthonyanus can produce large, fragrant flowers that open at night. Flowering is less predictable indoors and depends on maturity and suitable seasonal growing conditions.

A fishbone cactus generally blooms seasonally, often during warmer parts of the year, but the timing varies by clone and growing conditions. Individual flowers are short-lived and may open for only one night.

A fishbone cactus may not flower because it is immature, lacks sufficient bright light, has no seasonal change, or is receiving inconsistent care. Avoid forcing blooms with drought or cold; provide stable care and allow the plant to mature.

Yes, flowers of Selenicereus anthonyanus are reported to be fragrant, particularly when they open at night. Flower size, scent, and frequency can vary between plants and growing conditions.

No, Selenicereus anthonyanus and Disocactus anguliger are distinct species that are often sold under the same fishbone cactus name. Their care is broadly similar, but accurate identification requires comparing stem shape and other botanical features.