Fishbone Cactus Care: The Best Guide for Beginners

The Fishbone Cactus, or the Zig Zag Cactus, is a common succulent. Its saw-edged, ribbon-shaped stems recall the movement of a fish skeleton. 

Though it has an exotic flair, the Fishbone Cactus survives without fussing. It’s an ideal plant for both beginning plant lovers and experienced collectors. 

This guide will show you different tips for Fishbone Cactus care. We’ll also discuss its various types and how to propagate this plant. Finally, we’ll show you how to counter the different problems you may encounter while growing Fishbone cactus. 

Steps To Fishbone Cactus Care:

• Provide bright, indirect light for optimal growth.
• Follow a consistent watering schedule to avoid overwatering.
• Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
• Keep in warm temperatures with moderate humidity.
• Fertilize lightly during the growing season.
• Prune regularly to encourage healthy growth.

Let’s start now.

Part 1: How to Take Care of Fishbone Cactus Plant?

Given its wild appearance, fishbone cactus may seem to require high maintenance. However, the reality is different. Recreate its native jungle environment, and you can keep this wavy plant for years. 

The following Fishbone Cactus care tips provide details on creating the best environment for the Zig Zag cactus plant. 

Overview of Fishbone Cactus Plant

Before we get into the details of Fishbone cactus care tips, you can get an overview of this plant with this table.

Characteristic	Details
Common Name	Fishbone Cactus, Zig-Zag Cactus, Ric Rac Cactus
Botanical Name	Epiphyllum anguliger
Family	Cactaceae
Plant Type	Perennial, Epiphytic Cactus
Mature Size	6–12 inches tall, spreads 2–3 feet
Sun Exposure	Bright, indirect light to partial shade
Soil Type	Well-draining, peat-based or cactus mix
Soil pH	Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)
Bloom Time	Late summer to fall
Flower Color	White, Cream, Yellow
Hardiness Zones	10–12 (USDA)
Native Area	Mexico

If you’re ready to add this sculptural beauty to your space, explore our available sizes and purchase options for the Fishbone Cactus.

Care Tips for Fishbone Cactus Plant:

Here are the care tips that you need to follow for Fishbone cactus. 

1. Make a balance of Bright, Indirect Light:

Just think of sunlight seeping through a rainforest canopy. That's the kind of light you need to create. 

• Place your Fishbone plant near East or north-facing windows. 
• You can also place it a few feet from a bright south-facing spot.
• Use a net to dull the direct, bright light. 

If you’re looking for plants that perform well in lower-light areas, check out our low-light collection.

2. Make a Proper Watering Schedule

Maintaining good watering is very important for the Fishbone Cactus. Too much or too little water will destroy your plant in no time. That’s why,

• Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering.  
• Allow excess water to drain freely.  
• Reduce watering in the winter season. The plant enters a dormant phase and requires less moisture.  
• To ensure you’re not over- or under-watering, use a moisture meter.

For additional tips on managing soil moisture, see our guide on checking soil moisture in potted plants.  

3. Use Fast-Draining Soil

The right soil mix will help you in mimicking the natural habitat of Fishbone Cactus. 

• Use a cactus or succulent mix for the Fishbone plant. 
• You can add perlite, pumice, or orchid bark to further increase the aeration.
• A 50% mixture of succulent soil and orchid bark/perlite makes the best soil. 

For the best results, pair your mix with high-quality soil and fertilizer options designed to support thriving indoor plants.

4. Maintain a Warm Temperature & Moderate Humidity

You don't need to worry about temperature much. Fishbone cactus lives fine at normal room temperature without sudden temperature changes. 

• Ideal temperature for Zig Zag Cactus is 65-85°F (18-29°C).  
• Avoid placing it near air vents, air conditioners, and open windows.  
• Humidity is only essential if the air is arid. In that case, use a humidifier or mist the plant occasionally.
• Place a pebble tray with water near the plant to maintain moisture. 

5. Feed Light Fertilizer in the Growing Season

Spring and summer are the growing seasons for the ZigZag plant, so fertilizers are needed to give it a boost during these seasons.

• Use a balanced and diluted fertilizer (10-10-10)
• Give fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer.  
• Avoid over-fertilizing. It leads to salt buildup and damages the roots.  

For more guidance on choosing the proper nutrients, check out our Indoor Plant Fertilizer Buying Guide 2025.

6. Encourage Growth With Regular Pruning

The fishbone cactus can grow generally without any pruning. However, you can cut broken, spindly, or wayward stems. It will create a fuller and more robust appearance. Pruned cuttings also propagate well. Just make sure that you prune with clean, sharp clippers to prevent infections.

While fishbone cactus requires minimal pruning, our ZZ plant trimming guide might be useful for general indoor plant care.

These are all the tips for the Fishbone cactus. If you follow all these tips, you’ll keep your Zig Zag Cactus healthy for many years. It’s also a safe choice for households with pets.

If you're looking to expand your pet-safe plant collection, our guide to low-light plants for a pet-friendly home offers great options.

Part 2: How to Propagate Fishbone Cactus Plant?

There are various propagation techniques for the Fishbone cactus. However, gardeners mostly use stem and leaf cuttings. 

The basic principle behind these techniques is simple. You just take a fresh stem or leaf cutting and then sow it into the soil. After a few weeks, the cuttings start growing roots. 

However, you must take specific measures to ensure this process doesn’t fail. So, let’s see the detailed steps of leaf cutting. After that, we’ll briefly show the steps for repotting the plant.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Here's a stepwise guide to propagate Fishbone cactus with leaf cuttings. 

Step 1: Choose a Perfect Leaf

The stronger the leaf, the better the chances of success. So take your plant and scout for a mature, robust leaf. Look for one that is not too young, not too old, and free of blemishes, rot, or pests.

Step 2: Cut With Precision

Take a sterile, sharp blade. After that, cut the leaf at the base with a clean, precise slice.

Step 3: Let the Leaf Callus

DO NOT sow immediately. Leave the new cut alone in a dry, sheltered spot for 3-5 days. After that, dip the leaf in a rooting hormone.

Step 4: Create the Ideal Medium

Buy a cactus or succulent mix. Add the soil to a pot with a drainage hole and spray some water on it.

For best results, plant your cuttings in well-draining containers, such as those featured in our Pots & Planters collection.

Step 5: Plant & Place with Accuracy

Press the callused end of the leaf gently one-third of the way into the soil. Now, place the pot near bright, indirect light.

Step 6: Hydration & Root Awakening

Keep the soil lightly moist all the time. Delicate, thread-like roots will appear within a few weeks to months.

For better results, consider using moisture meters, support poles, and other essential garden tools during and after propagation.

Potting and Repotting Fishbone Cactus Plant

Just review this table and you'll get all the information about potting & repotting Fishbone cactus. 

Need help selecting the right container size? Our Plant & Pot Size Chart offers a clear guide based on plant growth stages.

Part 3: What are the Common Problems of the Fishbone Cactus Plant?

You'll encounter many issues if you want to keep your Zig Zag Cactus plant for many years. However, most of these issues are very simple to solve. Let’s look at the most common problems and see how to counter them.

Issue 1: Overwatering & Root Rot

• Causes: Excess moisture in the soil is the main cause of root rot. It may occur due to poor drainage of water or frequent watering.
• Solutions: Allow the soil to dry between waterings. After that, you need to use a well-draining cactus mix, and ensure the pot has drainage holes. If root rot has already occurred, you can trim the affected roots and repot the plant in fresh soil.

Issue 2: Underwatering

• Causes: It happens when you travel for a long time and forget to water the plant. Ultimately, the prolonged dry periods lead to shriveled or wrinkled stems.
• Solutions: You need to water when the top 1–2 inches of soil dry. If the air is too dry, the humidity near the plant. You’ll need it especially in heated indoor environments.

Issue 3: Yellowing Stems

• Causes: They occur due to overwatering or poor drainage. Other than that, nutrient deficiency can also cause yellowing of the stems.
• Solutions: If you notice yellowing of stems, then immediately reduce watering frequency and repot the plant in a fresh, well-draining soil. After that, apply a balanced cactus fertilizer during the growing season.

Issue 4: Brown or Black Spots (Fungal Issues)

• Causes: The main cause of black or blue spots on fishbone cactus is excessive leaf moisture. It will happen if there’s high humidity or poor air circulation. 
• Solutions: You need to improve ventilation and reduce humidity around the plant. If the spots are large or many in number, then use a fungicide. Lastly, avoid getting water on the stems at all costs.

Issue 5: Pests (Mealybugs, Spider Mites, Scale, Aphids)

• Causes: Warm, humid conditions can attract pests. It leads to sticky residue or visible insects on the plant.
• Solutions: You can wipe affected areas with neem oil or insecticidal soap. To remove pests manually, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. After that, regularly inspect the plant to prevent infestations.

Issue 6: Drooping Stems

• Causes: Stems droop due to lack of water or poor light conditions. It also happens with a root-bound plant.

If you're unsure what bright, indirect light really means, our plant light requirements guide breaks it down simply.

• Solutions: Water the Fishbone cactus adequately and ensure that the plant gets bright, indirect light. If the roots are overcrowded, then repot the plant.

Issue 7: No Blooms

• Causes: You won't see any blooms if there's insufficient light, improper temperature conditions, or nutrient deficiency.
• Solutions: Place the plant in a well-lit area with bright, indirect light. After that, maintain cooler nighttime temperatures before the blooming season. Lastly, use a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer.

Issue 8: Sunburn (Bleached or Scorched Stems)

• Causes: Exposure to too much direct sunlight will scorch the leaves of Fishbone. It happens especially in the afternoon.
• Solutions: Just move the plant to a spot with filtered or indirect sunlight. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight for long periods.

Conclusion

Fishbone cactus is a low-maintenance plant. You can keep it healthy for many years if you give it due attention. In this article, we have discussed different care tips for the Fishbone cactus. You can also propagate Fishbone cactus using the steps discussed above. Leaf or stem cuttings will expand your collection. 

However, if you want to get an ideally grown plant, check out Mygreenscape.

FAQ's

Q1. Why Are My Fishbone Cactus Stems Turning Red?

If your Fishbone cactus stems are turning red, the issue lies with sunlight. This color change happens due to a defense mechanism against too much sunlight exposure. The direct sunlight can stimulate pigment production in Fishbone Cactus. 

Q2. Can I Make My Fishbone Cactus Bloom Indoors?

It's possible. However, you must make perfect conditions for the Fishbone Cactus to bloom. 

First, you need to wait for the plant to mature. Give it bright indirect light to encourage vigorous growth. Then, create a moderately warm environment like rainforests. Check out other indoor plants that boost air quality.

Q3. Can I Use a Hanging Basket for My Fishbone Cactus?

Of course. The fishbone cactus looks amazing in hanging baskets. However, you have to keep certain things in mind if you use hanging baskets. First, use well-draining soil and a basket with drainage holes. But keep an eye on the potting mix. Hanging baskets dry out more quickly. Also, rotate the basket regularly. 

Q4. Are Aerial Roots Normal For Fishbone Cactus?

If your Fishbone Cactus is having aerial roots, don’t worry. Those peculiar aerial roots are normal! As an epiphyte, the Fishbone Cactus adapted to cling to trees. These roots help in picking up moisture from the air. If you are growing it indoors, just leave the aerial roots alone.