Fishbone Cactus Plant Lighting Requirements

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Care Guide

The appearance of this cactus can be perplexing but are its light needs too? Find out the Fishbone Cactus plant lighting requirements here!

The fishbone cactus is not your average succulent. Everything from its shape and place of origin to its growth requirements set it apart. A significant factor that leads to exotic beauty is the right amount of light exposure. So, if you, too, want your plant to be an eye-catcher, this article will help you understand that “the light must be right!”


What is a Fishbone Cactus?

By the term Cactus, you would have deduced that it is a succulent, but the name fishbone is attributed to its unique toothed or segmented stem (which is also referred to as its leaves). This uneven physical form is also the reason it is popular as the zig-zag cactus or the ric rac cactus. Along with the stem, it also boasts nocturnal white flowers, which last just for a single day before withering away.

Coming to the scientific details, the fishbone cactus botanical known as the Epiphyllum anguliger is a tropical epiphytic plant that breaks down the stereotype that cacti are only found in deserts as this one originates from the rainforests of Mexico.

Note: Another cactus species, namely Selenicereus anthocyanins, also shares the common name “fishbone cactus,” but there are a few minor distinguishable factors.


Growth Requirements of Fishbone Cactus

Although this article mainly focuses on the light requirement of this plant, the following are brief descriptions of the rest of its growth needs:

Temperature

The fishbone cactus is well adapted to the 10-11 USDA zones. Therefore, exposing it to extremely high or low temperatures can be detrimental to its health. The ideal temperature would be between 60°F to 78°F.

It is recommended that this plant be grown indoors where the conditions are a lot more controlled.

Soil

This plant loves its freedom. It gets claustrophobic in jam-packed soil, so a potting mix that is created with peat moss and perlite will give it good aeration along with drainage.

Watering

Unlike most desert cacti, this one is a sucker for water. It requires higher watering sessions than the rest of its family members, and therefore, saturating it every time the top layer of the soil gets dry is a must.

Misting the stems can also keep it happy, as it needs humidity levels of 60%. Consider placing a pebble tray filled with water beneath its pot or investing in a small humidifier if your home’s air is particularly dry.

Fertilization

The fishbone cactus will not mind a bit of fertilization during the growing season. These plants are quick growers, and therefore, extra supplementation will aid in their growth. However, overdoing can do more harm than good. So, use a water-soluble succulent fertilizer once a month or so just before and during the blooming season.


Fishbone Cactus Plant Lighting Requirements

Now coming to the main section of this article. As mentioned before, this plant calls the rainforests of Mexico its home and hence is surrounded by a bunch of flora in its natural habitat. This means that it thrives under filtered sunlight, where its exposure is gentler and less harsh. The taller plants or trees in its native habitat usually provide a bit of shade or dapple out the sunlight before it can reach the fishbone cactus.

Mimicking its original environment will produce the best results. Therefore, placing it in a spot where it is allowed to soak in 8 hours of bright but indirect sunlight is necessary. Placing it near a south or east-facing window is most suitable for this plant.

If you’re using grow lights indoors, position them about 12-18 inches above the plant and keep them on for approximately 8-12 hours daily to replicate natural light conditions. LED lights with a mix of warm and cool spectrums work best for this purpose.

Do not worry if it is not getting sunlight the entire day. It can tolerate some shade as well. However, the afternoon sun, especially in the summer, can lead to issues such as discoloration of its stems or leaves.


Final Words!

Fishbone cactus plants have unique lighting needs, but with the right balance of indirect sunlight or artificial light, they can thrive beautifully. Have you tried growing a fishbone cactus? Share your lighting tips and experiences in the comments below!