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Here is one succulent I haven't never seen.  How about you?  Fishbone cactus  It looks really interesting to grow.  I might have to find this one to have here.

12/19/2017

1 Comment

 
      Now the article is called the most common succulent plants, and I have grown some of these but some are new so will take a few days to go thru the list with pictures so you can see if you have them in your succulents. I haven't seen this one before....how about you?   I am always learning so love to do this blog as often as I can to keep learning.   When I have researched this genius of succulents, there is only 15,000 species in it...so here is one of them. 
 
Fishbone Cactus
Anyone who has observed the trailing rickrack patterned leaves of the Epiphyllum anguliger plant will find beauty in the foliage alone, but the fantastic orchid-like flowers that sometimes appear are the icing on the cake. Unlike some succulents, the fishbone cactus appreciates a humid environment. However, the plants get by on partial sunlight or filtered light. The trailing habit of the fishbone cactus makes it ideal for hanging baskets, or a sturdy container on a pedestal.
 https://www.thespruce.com/most-popular-succulent-varieties-
 
Fishbone Cactus Care – How To Grow And Care For A Ric Rac Cactus Houseplant
By Bonnie L. Grant
 
Fishbone cactus boasts many colorful names. Ric Rac, Zigzag and Fishbone orchid cactus are just a few of these descriptive monikers. The names refer to the alternate pattern of the leaves along a central spine that resembles a fish skeleton. This stunning plant is an epiphytic specimen that can grow in low soil situations where other organic media are present. Growing fishbone cactus is easy even for the so-called “black thumb” gardener. Bring in a fishbone cactus houseplant and enjoy the crazy zigzag pattern of its succulent foliage.
 
Fishbone Cactus Info
The scientific name for the plant is Cryptocereus anthonyanus (syn. Selenicereus anthonyanus), and is a member of the night blooming cactus family. Best known for its long, arching stems coated with serrated leaf nodes, fishbone cactus is found in its habitat in groups, which hang from trees. The plant originates in Mexico, where tropical rainforests create a moist, humid environment.
It is commonly found in garden centers as Ric Rac cactus or sometimes orchid cactus. Rarely the plant will bloom with soft pink flowers that open at night and last only one day. Fishbone cactus houseplant enjoys similar growing conditions as its cousin, the orchid.
 
Growing Fishbone Cactus Houseplants
The trailing stems offer an interesting feature for the home landscape. Choose a basket or unglazed pot for the cactus to enhance evaporation and prevent the plant from getting too wet. You can do a hanging basket, tabletop display or terrarium installation. Either way, the fishbone cactus will enhance and entertain. Use gloves when handling the plant, since it has tiny fine hairs, which will stick into skin and cause discomfort.
 
Fishbone Cactus Care
Novice gardeners could not ask for an easier plant than a fishbone cactus houseplant. The cactus grows in low soil media, such as orchid substrate. You can also plant it in cactus blend  mixed with compost to enrich the medium.
Fishbone cactus thrives in indirect light but can tolerate periods of bright sun.
Like most cacti, fishbone cactus houseplant does best when allowed to dry out between watering. During winter, cut watering in half and then reinstate when spring growth begins.
Fertilize with a water-soluble cactus or orchid fertilizer in early spring.
You can place your plant outside in spring and summer but do not forget to bring it in when temperatures cool. Best of all, the cactus will stand some neglect, so do not worry about it when you go on vacation.
 
Propagating Fishbone Cactus
 
This is one of the easiest cactus plants to propagate and share with your family and friends. You just need a piece of stem to start an entirely new plant. Take a fresh cutting and let it callus on the counter for a few days.
 
Insert the callused end into a low soil medium, such as peat moss mixture. That is pretty much all there is to it. Provide light moisture and medium light when growing Fishbone cactus stems. Soon you will have new plants to spread to your gardening family.
taken from Gardening Know How - https://www.gardeningknowhow.com 
till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa

1 Comment
Deborah A Hough link
1/2/2020 05:57:34 pm

Nicely done! I found this for sale on Mercari purely by accident and fell in love with it. Bought two good size pieces and just planted them yesterday. Can't wait to see how they grow. I have definitely become obsessed with cacti lately; mostly Easter Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti. One of the joys of retirement. LOL

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    Hi! My name is Becky and I am a Master Gardener. I own Becky's Greenhouse in Dougherty, Iowa.

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