Fishbone Cactus Care – All You Need To Know

The zig-zag look of the fishbone cactus is well-known. It can give a lot of visual appeal to any indoor room and is fairly resilient. If you have a Fishbone cactus, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about caring for it.

Watering Your Fishbone Cactus?

If you like cactus, you’re probably aware that they prefer to be kept dry. Fishbone cactus, on the other hand, is distinctive in that it comes from the rainforest and requires constant wetness, especially in the spring and summer.

Allow the top layer of soil to dry out somewhat before watering the plant again in the winter. Allowing the soil to dry out beyond the top layer, on the other hand, will deprive the plant of much-needed moisture. For this sort of plant, any prolonged dry time means doom. While the Fishbone cactus may withstand a brief time of drought, prolonged periods of drought will harm or kill the plant.

Because this plant requires a lot of moisture, spray it frequently to give it an extra dose of water, especially during the hotter summer months. Also, to avoid issues like root rot and fungus gnats, use a container or planter with drainage holes on the bottom.

You could also want to use a self-watering container or water from the bottom to allow the plant to absorb moisture as needed, reducing the risk of root rot and other problems.

Lighting Requirements 

For most of the day, fishbone cactus need strong indirect sunshine. The optimum location for your fishbone cactus is in an area that receives a lot of early sun but largely afternoon shade.

Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight for an extended length of time, as this can burn it and cause serious harm. The fishbone cactus can tolerate a little direct sunshine now and again, but not for long periods of time.

Make sure your fishbone cactus receives enough light from late summer to early fall if you want it to grow. This will considerably boost the likelihood of your fishbone cactus blooming.

What About Fertilizer?

Cactuses need regular fertilization, at least until the blooms begin to bloom in late summer or early fall. Every two weeks, use a high-quality fertilizer with a 10:10:10 ratio. Use a 2-10-10 ratio in February. Once the blooms have bloomed, do not fertilize your fishbone cactus.

Because fishbone cactus can be sensitive to fertilizer, keep a watch on the plant’s leaves and roots to make sure you’re not shocking it with too much. Cut cute dosages in half if required, or omit one feeding session.

Temperature Requirements

During the summer, your fishbone cactus has to be kept between 60 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit; during the winter, it can withstand temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Because fishbone cactus cannot tolerate freezing temperatures, care must be given if you reside in a cold climate. Avoid placing your Fishbone cactus near chilly windows or air conditioner vents, as the plant will be damaged by the cold air.

Repotting Your Fishbone Cactus

Your Fishbone cactus should be repotted every year or two years at the most. This will help the plant to absorb more important nutrients from the new soil, offer the roots more area to breathe, and boost the plant’s overall lifetime.

Consider selecting a pot that is approximately 2 inches larger than the previous one if the plant has grown significantly.

Pruning Your Fishbone Cactus?

If the leaves are growing too huge or the form is becoming too wild for your liking, you may wish to trim your fishbone cactus. Pruning also encourages the growth of new shoots beneath your trim cut.

Always use pruning shears instead than gardening scissors, which may not be sharp enough to effectively trim your plant.

What is the best way to get my fishbone cactus to bloom?

Maintain your Fishbone Cactus at a cool temperature of about 11-14°C (52-57°F) to help it bloom. The potting mix should be kept dry. If buds are forming, move your Fishbone Cactus slowly to a warm spot, water it, and feed it tomato feed.

Why is my fishbone cactus drooping?

Fishbone cactus leaves may become limp, discolored, and can even feel crispy and hard if they don’t get enough water. Your plant’s water intake will have to be increased gradually if this occurs.

Why is my fishbone cactus turning brown?

Leaf burn is indicated by dark patches on your Fishbone Cactus. This occurs when your plant has been exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time. Your plant will thrive in a shadier spot if you remove the burnt leaves.

Common Problems

Fishbone cactus plants are prone to a number of issues, the most prevalent of which is a lack of water. The leaves of your Fishbone cactus may become limp, discolored, and even crispy and hard if it doesn’t get enough water. If this happens, gradually increase the amount of water your plant consumes.

When you discover something is amiss with the plant, do not overfill the container with water; instead, let the plant soak in water until the roots have absorbed adequate water. You may also try shifting the plant to a shadier location to reduce the amount of water lost due to sun exposure.