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Fishbone Cactus – Unique Sculptural Succulent

Fishbone Cactus – Unique Sculptural Succulent

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About This Plant

Fishbone Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger), also called Ric Rac Cactus, is native to the tropical forests of Mexico. Despite being called a cactus it has no spines and is not a desert plant. It produces long, flat, succulent stems with deeply serrated, zigzag edges.

The zigzag stem shape is unlike any other houseplant. The trailing form shows them at their best when the stems arch freely from a hanging basket or high shelf, where the full length of each zigzag stem can be seen.

Safe for cats and dogs. Fishbone Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger) is confirmed non-toxic to cats and dogs by multiple veterinary sources. It is pet-safe and suitable for households with pets that might reach a trailing plant.

It handles drier conditions better than most tropical trailing plants. Despite its epiphytic tropical origin, the Fishbone Cactus stores water in its flat succulent stems and tolerates being slightly under-watered better than most trailing ferns or pothos.

Winter Slowdown

Growth slows from November onward. The stems hold well through winter as long as temperatures stay above 10 degrees C and light is maintained. Reduce watering to every three to four weeks in winter.

Toxicity

Non-toxic to cats and dogs. Epiphyllum anguliger is confirmed pet-safe by multiple veterinary sources. Safe for homes with pets and small children. The flat succulent stems have no spines and are not a physical hazard.

Pests

Mealybugs are the most common pest, hiding in the notches of the zigzag stem edges where they are difficult to spot. Check the inside of each notch along the stem when watering.

Other Plants You Might Like

Not sure this is the right fit? Here are three other plants our Canadian customers love. All ship across Canada and thrive in Canadian homes.

String of Pearls. Trailing and distinctive.

For another distinctive trailing succulent with a completely different spherical bead form and similarly low watering needs, the String of Pearls trails from a shelf or hanging basket and suits the same bright indirect light conditions.

Chlorophytum Mandarin. Pet-safe and fast-trailing.

For a pet-safe trailing plant that grows faster and produces orange-stemmed runners with baby plants, the Chlorophytum Mandarin suits the same hanging basket or high-shelf positions.

Hoya Carnosa. Drought-tolerant and fragrant.

For another drought-tolerant trailing plant with waxy leaves and fragrant flower clusters, the Hoya Carnosa has a completely different leaf shape and also produces intensely fragrant blooms with patience.

Common Questions

How often should I water the Fishbone Cactus?

Every two to three weeks in spring and summer when the top two inches of soil are completely dry. Every three to four weeks in a Canadian winter. The flat succulent stems store water and handle drought better than most trailing plants. Our indoor plant watering guide shows how to check correctly.

Will it flower?

Yes, with patience and the right conditions. Fishbone Cactus typically needs to be a mature plant of two or more years old before flowering. It blooms in response to a cool, slightly drier rest period in autumn. The flowers are large, white, intensely fragrant, and open at night, usually in autumn or early winter in Canadian homes.

Is the Fishbone Cactus safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. Epiphyllum anguliger is confirmed non-toxic to cats and dogs by multiple veterinary sources. It is pet-safe and also has no spines, making it one of the safest hanging plants for pet-friendly homes.

What light does it need in a Canadian home?

Bright to medium indirect light. As an epiphyte from forest understory it handles lower light than desert cacti but needs bright indirect light to grow well and flower. An east-facing window is ideal. Read our guide to light requirements for indoor plants for more.

Will it survive a Canadian winter indoors?

Yes, very easily. Keep above 10 degrees C, reduce watering to every three to four weeks, and leave it in indirect light. The cool dry period of a Canadian winter can actually help trigger autumn flowering. Read our tips on keeping plants alive in winter for more.

Good to Know

Sun: Indirect

Bright to medium indirect light. An east-facing window works well in a Canadian home. Handles lower light than desert cacti but needs consistent bright indirect light to grow actively and eventually flower. Direct sun bleaches the flat stems.

Light: Medium to bright indirect

A spot near an east-facing window works year-round. From October to February in Canada, the reduced light and cooler temperatures naturally trigger a rest period that can lead to autumn or winter flowering.

Water: When top 2 inches are dry

Water when the top two inches of soil are completely dry. Every two to three weeks in spring and summer. Every three to four weeks in Canadian winter. The flat succulent stems store water well. Never leave in standing water.

Humidity: Moderate

More tolerant of average indoor humidity than most tropical plants. A pebble tray nearby helps during the dry Canadian heating season from November to March but a full humidifier is not required.

Pet Friendly: Yes

Non-toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by multiple veterinary sources. No spines. Safe for homes with pets and small children.

Pro Tip

A plant that has too much space in its pot puts energy into root growth rather than flowering. Leaving it slightly root-bound in combination with a cool, drier autumn period gives the best chance of seeing the fragrant white flowers.


What To Expect

Shipping and Delivery Details

Choose local GTA delivery, free Richmond Hill pickup, or shipping across Canada. Pick your delivery or pickup date at checkout, we'll have it ready and fresh for you. See full shipping and delivery details.

30-Day Happy Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged or isn't healthy, contact us within 30 days with a photo. We'll sort it out with a replacement, refund, or store credit whichever works best for you. View our complete guarantee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!

Plant and Pot Size Guide

4" Pot (Small): plant is approx. 6-10 inches tall. 6" Pot (Medium): approx. 12-18 inches tall. All plants come in a standard nursery pot. Decorative pots are sold separately.

Winter Shipping Protection

Between November and March we add extra insulated packaging and heat packs to protect your plant from cold temperatures during transit. You can add winter shipping protection at checkout.

Returns Policy

If a plant arrives with significant damage, pests, or disease, we offer a full replacement or refund.Our guarantee covers the viability and health of your plant for 30 days.

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Plant care essentials

Everything you need to keep this plant thriving.

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