Fishbone Cactus Propagation: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Fishbone Cactus is an aesthetically appealing houseplant with unique “zig-zag” leaves. It’s widely found in the tropical rainforests of Mexico and can help clean the air of your living space, while also adding an exotic vibe to your indoor jungle. If you know how to propagate a Fishbone Cactus, you can expand your greenery in your home and share extra plants as gifts with friends and family.
In this comprehensive guide, learn the best two Fishbone Cactus propagation techniques: division and stem cutting, in detail, to become more confident in multiplying your Zig Zag Cactus at home. Lastly, we’ll discuss a few post-propagation care tips to ensure your new plants grow healthy and strong.
So, keep reading to find out more.
About Fishbone Cactus
Fishbone Cactus, also called the Zig Zag Cactus, is a unique tropical plant with flat, wavy stems that look like “fishbones”, hence the name. Native to the rainforests of Mexico, this epiphytic cactus grows on trees in its natural habitat. Its unusual leaves are dark green, long, and zig-zag-shaped, giving it a striking appearance. It blooms in spring or summer with beautiful white, pink, or yellow flowers, but flowering is rare indoors. This plant thrives in USDA hardy zones 10-11 and prefers warm, humid conditions.
Caring for a Fishbone Cactus is fairly easy compared to desert cacti, making it a great plant for beginners. It thrives in bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and regular watering when the soil is dry. It's pet-friendly, non-toxic to cats and dogs. Symbolically, the plant represents resilience and adaptability due to its ability to grow in tough conditions. And with proper care, it can be a stunning addition to any home.
Propagating Fishbone Cactus: Tools and Supplies
You’ll need the following tools and supplies for successful Fishbone Cactus propagation:
- Pruning shears or scissors: Clean and sterilize them with isopropyl alcohol to prevent the spread of diseases
- Water: Rainwater, distilled water, or filtered water
- Soil: Well-draining, airy, and rich in organic matter
- Container: Glass jar (if you’re propagating Fishbone Cactus in water) or pot (for Fishbone Cactus propagation in soil)
- Rooting hormone: To increase the speed of rooting and the success rate of propagation (optional)
- Mat or old newspapers: To prevent a mess
When to Propagate Fishbone Cactus
Propagate Fishbone Cactus in the early summer or spring months, as this aligns with the plant’s natural growth cycle, where it comes out of its dormant state to enter the phase of fresh growth. The result? Each division or cutting of your Fishbone Cactus gets the best chance to develop.
How to Propagate Fishbone Cactus Easily
How do you propagate a Fishbone Cactus? You can propagate Zig Zag Cactus by division or stem cuttings; both are relatively easy and cost-effective methods. Below is a simple explanation of each propagation technique with a few steps to follow easily.
Propagate Fishbone Cactus by Division
’Can you divide a Fishbone Cactus?’ many novice plant enthusiasts may wonder. Definitely! You can divide a mature Fishbone Cactus, especially if it has grown too big, into individual sections with roots intact and then use each to create a new plant.
Follow these steps to propagate Fishbone Cactus by division:
- Firstly, spread a mat or old newspaper on the table or worktop to prevent any kind of mess during the process.
- Gently take out your Fishbone Cactus from its pot and shake off any excess soil.
- Look for natural sections where stems and roots separate. Use pruning shears to cut or carefully pull apart the sections with your hands, ensuring each part has roots and a few stems attached to it.
- Fill the new pot with fresh soil mix and cover the roots completely to keep the stems upright.
- Water the soil just enough to make it slightly damp (avoid overwatering) and place the pot in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight.
With patience, you should see signs of new growth from the divisions.
Fishbone Cactus Propagation From Cuttings
Let’s now learn how to grow Zig Zag Cactus from cuttings with soil and water as growing mediums.
Propagate Fishbone Cactus in Soil
Learn how to propagate Zig Zag plants in soil by following the instructions below:
- Identify a healthy part of your Fishbone Cactus for propagation.
- Using sterilized pruning shears or a sharp pair of scissors, cut a few 4- to 5-inch-long cuttings. Make sure you don’t damage the remaining plant in the process.
- Allow the cut end to dry for a few days and form a callus; this prevents a fungal infection.
- Dip each stem cutting in a rooting hormone to speed up rooting and increase the chances of success.
- Meanwhile, layer a new pot with fresh soil and dampen it with water.
- Finally, insert the Fishbone Cactus cuttings in this pre-moistened potting mix and place the new plant in indirect light.
New growth should begin in the next couple of weeks with proper care.
Fishbone Cactus Propagation in Water
Can you propagate Fishbone Cactus in water? Instead of soil, you can also use water as a growing and rooting medium for your Fishbone Cactus cuttings. The benefits include being able to watch your cuttings develop new roots. Don’t forget to change the water weekly until the rooted cutting is ready for planting in soil.
Fishbone Cactus Propagation: After-Care Tips
Young Fishbone Cactus plants need care, post-propagation, for optimal growth. Below are the main care requirements you need to consider.:
- Light and placement: Ensure to place your young Fishbone Cactus plants under bright, indirect sunlight.
- Soil: Use a readily available cactus-only potting mix, or mix one part of regular soil with one part each of perlite, peat moss, and orchid bark to achieve similar soil properties.
- Water: Water your Zig Zag plant once the top 2 to 3 inches of soil has dried. Over- or underwatering should be avoided.
- Humidity: Fishbone Cactus appreciates humidity above 55-60%.
- Temperature: Keep temperatures between 60°F and 75°F to mimic the plant’s natural habitat.
- Fertilizer: You may fertilize your young Fishbone Cactus plants once they look established.
Fishbone Cactus Propagation: FAQs
Q: Does Fishbone Cactus like sun or shade?
A: A Fishbone Cactus prefers bright, indirect sunlight, which makes a windowsill with dappled light or a shelf near a window ideal for its healthy and vibrant growth. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can burn its leaves. On the other hand, too much shade can cause the plant to grow weak and leggy. If kept indoors, use a sheer curtain to soften the strong afternoon sun.
Q: Does Fishbone Cactus like to be root-bound?
A: No, a Fishbone Cactus doesn’t like to be root-bound. While it can tolerate it for short periods, it’ll eventually begin to struggle if kept in a pot that’s too small for too long. If you find your Zig Zag Cactus roots circling tightly or water doesn’t drain well through the drainage holes, repot it into a slightly larger pot.
Q: Why is my Fishbone Cactus growing skinny?
A: Your Fishbone Cactus may be growing skinny because it’s not getting enough light, which is forcing it to stretch out to get as much sunlight as possible. Overwatering can also cause weak growth, as soggy roots weaken the plant by blocking access to oxygen. Check if the soil is too wet or the pot lacks adequate drainage.
Q: How to get Fishbone Cactus to flower?
A: To get your Fishbone Cactus to flower, provide it with ample bright, indirect light daily. Keep it in a slightly bigger pot, as this encourages blooms. Water sparingly in winter during its natural rest period, but don’t let it dry out completely. Feed a cactus-friendly liquid fertilizer once or twice during spring and summer. Cooler nights in fall can also trigger flowering. Be patient, as young plants may take time to bloom.
Q: How do you make a Fishbone Cactus bushy?
A: You can make a Fishbone Cactus bushy by pruning its long leaves (which are actually stems) in spring or summer; just make sure to cut above a leaf node to encourage new branches. Provide it with bright, indirect light and consistent watering to promote full growth..
Conclusion
Fishbone Cactus propagation is both easy and fun if you follow the right steps. With some care, your cuttings will grow into healthy new plants in a very short time. It’s a great way to expand your indoor greenery.
You can also consider pairing your Fishbone Cactus with companion plants like Sharktooth Fern, which has a similar appearance, or Monstrose Cactus and Vriesea Bromeliad to create a lovely, low-maintenance indoor garden.