Photo: P Gonzalez ZamoraCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Fishbone Cactus Plant Care
Disocactus anguliger (Lem.) M.A.Cruz & S.Arias
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Disocactus anguliger, commonly known as the fishbone cactus or zig zag cactus, is a cactus species native to Mexico. The species is commonly grown as an ornamental for its fragrant flowers in the fall.
Every 14–21 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Fishbone Cactus?
Water Fishbone Cactus every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Fishbone Cactus Native To?
What Is the Fishbone Cactus?
Fishbone Cactus (Disocactus anguliger) belongs to the Cactaceae family within the Disocactus genus. Fishbone Cactus is native to Mexico. Fishbone Cactus is also known as Fishbone Orchid Cactus, Zigzag Orchid Cactus.
Fishbone Cactus displays an epiphytic, trailing cactus growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Fishbone Cactus produces bright tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, or pink.
How Often Should You Water a Fishbone Cactus?
Disocactus anguliger requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Fishbone Cactus Need?
Fishbone Cactus thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Fishbone Cactus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Fishbone Cactus Prefer?
Disocactus anguliger grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Fishbone Cactus prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Fishbone Cactus?
Well-draining cactus mix with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Fishbone Cactus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Fishbone Cactus?
Feed Fishbone Cactus every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Fishbone Cactus?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Fishbone Cactus?
Fishbone Cactus can be propagated through stem cuttings, offsets.
Is the Fishbone Cactus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Fishbone Cactus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Fishbone Cactus?
Fishbone Cactus is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Fishbone Cactus Need?
Fishbone Cactus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Fishbone Cactus is native to Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Fishbone Cactus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Fishbone Cactus is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Disocactus genus — compare its care with other Disocactus species on PlantoScan.
Disocactus is part of the Cactaceae plant family — browse all Cactaceae genera and species.
Fishbone Cactus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Disocactus anguliger (Lem.) M.A.Cruz & S.Arias, family Cactaceae (first published in in Willdenowia 46(1): 157. 2016.) — World Flora Online record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Fishbone Cactus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: P Gonzalez Zamora, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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