Scientific Name
Selenicereus anthonyanus (Alexander) D. R. Hunt
Common Name(s)
Fish Bone Cactus, Fishbone Orchid Cactus, Rick Rack Cactus, Ric Rac Orchid Cactus, Zig-Zag Cactus, St. Anthony's Rik-Rak
Synonym(s)
Cryptocereus anthonyanus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Hylocereeae
Genus: Selenicereus
Origin
Selenicereus anthonyanus is native to southern Mexico.
Description
Selenicereus anthonyanus, formerly known as Cryptocereus anthonyanus, is a fast-growing epiphytic cactus with climbing stems. It branches in clusters at intervals along the stem. The unusual leaf-like branches are green and can grow up to 3.3 feet (1 m) long and 6 inches (15 cm) wide. They have lobes tapered towards the rounded apex. The lobes can measure up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) wide.
The showy, fragrant flowers have dark violet-rose outer petals, white inner petals, yellow stamens, and a prominent white-branched pistil in the center. They can reach up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) long and 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. The flowers appear in late spring and early summer, open in the late afternoon and evening, and last only one day.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 45 °F (+7.2 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Perhaps the most important aspect of epiphytic cactus care is the potting soil. Experts are strongly divided on using commercial cacti or orchid mixes, but they agree that epiphytes need well-draining potting soil with lots of air space since the roots would naturally be exposed to air. If you wish to create your own mix, start with a basic formulation of 60% potting soil to 40% perlite. Other amendments are often added, including peat, orchid bark, sand, fine gravel, and leaf mold. Aim for a pH of 5.0 to 6.0, and plan to repot every 2 to 3 years if you use ingredients that eventually break down completely, such as orchid bark.
In most situations, epiphytes do not exist in the open sun. They thrive as houseplants because of their relatively low lighting requirements. Ideally, you should provide full morning sun and shade for the rest of the day. An east-facing window with nothing blocking it can create these conditions. Light will affect the plant's willingness to bloom, though these requirements vary widely between epiphytes. Many can be coaxed into blooming by simulating short days by placing them in dark closets for 12 or more hours at a time for 4 to 6 weeks.
Learn more at Tips for Growing Epiphytic Cacti.
Links
- Back to genus Selenicereus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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