You can find the Fishbone Cactus, which is also called the Ric Rac Cactus or the Zig Zag Cactus, if you want an unusual houseplant. It looks great and is easy to take care of.
This post will go into detail about how to grow fishbone cactus from cuttings and how to take care of the plant. It will also talk about flowering and other interesting topics!
Before I talk about how to grow and care for them, I’d like to talk about where they live in the wild and a few species that live there.
There is a lot of confusion on the topic. They’re both considered fishbone cactus and the care is the same, but they are in fact different species!.
The zig zag cactus, also known as ric rac cactus or fishbone cactus, is a unique and visually striking plant. With its flattened, segmented stems that resemble a zig zag pattern, it’s easy to see how this cactus got its common name. Zig zag cactus can be propagated through stem cuttings and offsets to multiply your plant collection. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about propagating zig zag cactus at home.
Overview of Zig Zag Cactus
Before we dive into propagation methods, let’s quickly go over some background on the zig zag cactus plant.
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Scientific Name: Selenicereus anthonyanus
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Native Region: Tropical jungles of Mexico
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Features Long, flattened stems with segments that zig zag Spines along the edges of stems. Large, fragrant white flowers that bloom at night
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Growth Epiphytic vine-like growth, up to 10 feet long in ideal conditions Slow growing
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Care: Bright, indirect light. Temperatures above 50°F. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Humidity.
When to Propagate Your Zig Zag Cactus
Timing is an important factor when propagating zig zag cactus. Here are some tips:
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Select a mature, healthy parent plant that is at least 1-2 years old. Older plants have better reserves for propagation.
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Propagate in spring through summer when the plant is actively growing. Avoid winter dormancy.
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Provide the parent plant with proper care and optimal conditions for a few weeks prior to propagation.
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Take stem cuttings in the morning when the plant is fully hydrated.
Picking the right time sets your propagation efforts up for success!
How to Propagate Zig Zag Cactus from Cuttings
Propagating from stem cuttings is the most common and reliable way to multiply your zig zag cactus. Follow these steps:
Supplies Needed
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Clean, sharp scissors or garden shears
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Rooting hormone (optional)
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Small pots, propagating mix, mister
Selecting and Preparing Cuttings
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Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings from healthy growth on the parent plant.
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Make sure the cutting includes 2-3 zig zag segments.
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Optional: Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to spur root growth.
Planting the Cuttings
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Fill small pots with propagating mix that drains well.
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Poke a hole and insert the cutting 1-2 inches deep. Gently firm soil.
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Water lightly until soil is moist but not soaked.
Caring for the Cuttings
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Place in indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun which can burn.
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Maintain humid conditions. Enclose in mini greenhouse or plastic bag.
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Keep soil lightly moist but not wet. Mist occasionally.
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Watch for roots in 3-8 weeks. Acclimate before repotting.
How to Propagate Through Offsets
Zig zag cactus will naturally produce offsets, also called pups or suckers. These are essentially baby clone plants. Learn how to propagate using offsets:
Identifying Offsets
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Check the base of the parent plant for offsets growing from the soil.
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Look for small stems with their own roots starting to emerge.
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Mature offsets will easily detach from the parent plant.
Separating and Potting Offsets
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Carefully wiggle and ease the offset until it detaches from the parent plant.
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Optionally dip roots in rooting hormone to encourage growth.
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Pot the offset in a small container filled with fast draining cactus mix.
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Water lightly and place in a warm area with indirect sun.
Caring for Offset Propagations
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Keep the soil slightly dry, watering only when top inch is dry.
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Provide plenty of indirect sunlight for new growth.
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Monitor for signs of dehydration or overwatering.
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Transplant into a larger pot once established.
Offsets provide an easy way to get new zig zag cactus plants identical to the parent.
Alternative Propagation Methods
While cuttings and offsets are most common, here are two other methods sometimes used:
Division
Mature clumping cacti can be divided into smaller sections, each capable of regenerating into a new plant. This is best done in early spring.
Grafting
Grafting involves joining the top portion of one cactus to the rooted bottom of another cactus variety. This can combine desirable characteristics.
Setting Up for Success
To ensure successful propagation of your zig zag cactus, focus on these key tips:
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Select a healthy parent plant that is thriving. Avoid stressed or diseased plants.
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Use sterile, sharp tools to prevent disease transmission.
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Apply rooting hormone to stimulate root growth (optional).
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Plant in a specialized propagating mix that drains very well.
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Maintain warm temperature, indirect sunlight, and humidity around cuttings/offsets.
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Reduce watering frequency once propagations are established.
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Monitor new plants closely and watch for signs of dehydration or rot.
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Be patient – rooting and new growth takes time!
Ongoing Care for Propagated Plants
Once your zig zag cactus cuttings have rooted or offsets are established, they will require care similar to a mature plant:
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Water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. These cacti are drought tolerant.
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Ensure the potting mix drains very quickly to prevent rot.
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Provide plenty of indirect sunlight from an east or west facing window. Some direct morning sun is okay.
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Maintain average room temperatures between 65-80°F.
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Increase humidity around the plant through pebble trays or a humidifier.
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Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength.
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Repot every 2-3 years in the spring into a slightly larger container.
Proper care ensures your propagated zig zag cactus thrives for years to come! Monitor the plant and make any adjustments to your care routine as needed.
Common Issues with Propagation
Even when carefully following the best practices, you may encounter some problems. Here are troubleshooting tips for the most common propagation issues:
Dehydration
This causes wrinkled, shriveled stems. Increase watering frequency and mist more often. Gradually acclimate to lower humidity.
Overwatering
Signs include yellow leaves, root rot, and mold. Cut back on watering and repot in fresh, dry soil.
Lack of new growth
Low temperatures, insufficient light, and poor nutrition can stunt growth. Optimize these conditions.
Pests
Mealybugs, spider mites, and other pests may be introduced via the parent plant. Isolate and treat with horticultural oil.
Disease
Fungal issues like root rot are caused by excess moisture. Improve drainage and water less. Remove affected parts.
Slow rooting
Be patient! Rooting can take 4-12 weeks. Maintain humidity and optimal temperatures. Avoid frequent disturbances.
With attentive care, your propagated zig zag cactus will flourish. Correct any issues immediately to prevent decline.
Propagating Zig Zag Cactus is Rewarding!
While it requires some patience and attention, propagating zig zag cactus is very rewarding. In a few months, you can turn one plant into many new additions to your cactus collection.
The key is providing warm, humid conditions for the new cuttings or offsets until roots develop. Once established, your propagated plants need the same bright light and drier conditions as a mature zig zag cactus.
In no time at all, you’ll have a striking, zig zagging cactus forest! Enjoy this satisfying method of multiplying your prized specimens.
EPIPHYLLUM ANGULIGER VS. SELENICEREUS ANTHONYANUS
I know, those plant names are hard to remember! Both of these species are called Fishbone Cactus, even though they are slightly different.
Seeing the flowers (if our plants are lucky enough to bloom!) is the best way to tell them apart.
Take a look at the photos below. The flowers are beautiful, but they only last one day. The main difference is in the color of the flowers.
Selenicereus anthonyanus has beautiful reddish-pink flowers. It has also been called Disocactus anthonyanus and Cryptocereus anthonyanus at different times. https://www. instagram. com/p/CBk6TX-HNqE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link.
Epiphyllum anguliger, on the other hand, has yellow and white flowers as shown below. Epiphyllum anguliger. credit below
The flowers make it super easy to tell the difference. Just by looking at the foliage, it may be a little trickier.
I found a resource that visually shows photos of the foliage of both species. You can visually see a difference in the foliage, and the Selenicereus anthonyanus foliage has more distinct and thinner “fishbones.”
That doesn’t help me figure out which plant it is because the leaves on my plant look a little different. Hopefully one day my plant will flower and I will finally be able to know!.
I have a hunch that it is Epiphyllum anguliger. Fortunately, the care is identical and that’s all that matters.
Both of these plants are native to Mexico and are epiphytic cacti.
How To Grow/Propagate Zig Zag Cactus/Fishbone Cactus/Ric Rac Cactus/Selenicereus Anthonyanus
FAQ
Can you take cuttings from a Fishbone Cactus?
Can you put cactus cuttings straight into soil?
How do you propagate a zig zag cactus?
Propagating your zig zag cactus has the benefit of also pruning it. Cutting leggy stems will encourage the plant to grow bushier and more full! There are 2 methods for propagating zig zag cactus from a stem cutting: in water or in soil. I tested both methods and had more success with propagating in water.
What is a zig zag cactus?
The Zig Zag cactus is a unique and visually striking succulent that can make an interesting addition to any home garden or indoor space. This species of cacti, in particular, is easy to propagate from cuttings due to its quick growth rate and vegetative nature.
How do you graft a zigzag cactus?
Prepare the Scion: Take a stem cutting from your zigzag cactus and prepare it as the scion. It should be a clean, healthy cutting with a callused end. Grafting Technique: Use a sharp, clean knife to make a diagonal cut on both the rootstock and scion.
How do you propagate cactus cuttings?
Once you make your cuttings, like any succulent or cactus, you need to allow your cuttings to dry and callous over before propagating. This is to ensure that your cuttings don’t rot. Simply let your cuttings air dry for a few days first. After a few days, you can place them in a vase with water to root, or directly into a pot of soil.
How do you propagate a fishbone cactus?
Here’s how to propagate your fishbone cactus by stem cuttings: Using a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears, take cuttings from your plant, keeping the cuttings between 4 and 5 inches long. Set the cuttings in a cool, dry location for at least 24 hours to allow the cut edge to form a callus.
How do I care for my zigzag cacti?
Ensure that the new pots have proper drainage and continue to follow the watering and light recommendations. By following these post-propagation care guidelines and addressing potential challenges promptly, you can ensure that your newly propagated zigzag cacti thrive and develop into healthy, mature plants.