Fishbone cacti are quite easy to take care of and reward you with fast growth. They are also super easy to propagate making them a great gift for friends and family. Below you will find all the information you need to care for your plant.
Light source: Fishbone Cacti adapt well to a mix of light levels and can easily thrive in bright, indirect sunshine as well as medium light too. Their flat leaves mean they have adapted to soak in as much sunlight as possible so are a great choice for most plant parents. They can deal with some direct sunshine but burn easily so be cautious. If they get the right level of sunlight over the year, your Fishbone Cactus will reward you by flowering so it is definitely worth keeping an eye on those light levels.
Watering: Fishbone Cacti are native to more tropical climates, rather than the desert so it is best to water it slightly more than your other cacti types. Make sure their soil is able to dry out between waterings as Fishbone Cactus plants don’t like to be sat in water too much. Adjust your watering schedule throughout the year so that the potting mix isn’t too soggy during autumn and winter.
High humidity: Fishbone Cacti thrive in humid environments so are best placed in the bathroom or kitchen where humidity levels are naturally higher due to showering and cooking. Misting, using pebble trays or buying a humidifier are the easiest ways for you to increase the humidity for your Cactus.
Repotting: Every year or so, it may be time to repot your Fishbone Cactus as it can become unstable and stressed if root bound for too long. Make sure to handle the plant carefully when repotting to avoid any damage to the root system or leaves. Check to see if the roots are popping out from the top or bottom of the pot as this is a telltale sign that you need to repot your plant.
Safe for pets: Another great thing about Fishbone Cacti is that they are completely non-toxic for dogs and cats so you don’t need to worry about it being near your beloved furry friends. Although they don’t have super sharp spikes like a lot of other cacti, Fishbone Cacti do have small spines that can cause irritation so wear gloves when handling.
We will post next week about propagating this beautiful cactus!