The zig zag cactus, also known as fishbone cactus or ric rac cactus, is a fun and easy houseplant to propagate With its striking zig zag stems, this cactus adds visual interest to any space Propagating a zig zag cactus is simple and a great way to make more plants to share or expand your own collection.
Overview of Zig Zag Cactus
The zig zag cactus is native to the tropical forests of Mexico and is classified as an epiphytic cactus This means in its natural habitat, it grows on the branches and trunks of trees There are two main species that are both known as zig zag cactus
- Epiphyllum anguliger – Has yellow and white flowers
- Selenicereus anthonyanus – Has pink or reddish flowers
The leaves of these two species look a little different, but they need very similar care. The zigzag cactus has flattened, segmented green stems that grow in a zigzag pattern, which is how it got its name. With the right care, these stems that trail off can get very long.
Zigzag cacti that are fully grown may flower in the spring or summer. The flowers look beautiful, but they only last for a day. These cacti do best when they are warm and get direct sunlight. Also, the soil needs to drain well because they don’t like to sit in wet soil.
How to Propagate a Zig Zag Cactus
Propagating a zig zag cactus is quite easy! Here are the steps:
1. Take Cuttings
- Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to take 3-4 inch cuttings from the stems.
- Take multiple cuttings to make as many new plants as desired.
- Be careful not to turn the cuttings upside down as they will not root properly if flipped.
2. Allow Cuttings to Callous
- Place the cuttings in a dry area and allow to callous over for 2-3 days.
- This prevents rotting when propagating.
3. Root Cuttings
- Once calloused, place cuttings in water or moist soil to root.
- If water propagating, place cuttings in glass jars or vases with just the bottom submerged.
- If soil propagating, use a well-draining cactus mix and keep it slightly moist.
- Roots should emerge in 2-4 weeks.
4. Plant in Soil
- Once roots are 1 inch long, plant cuttings in a pot with cactus mix.
- Bury about 2/3 of the cutting, leaving 1/3 exposed.
- Water thoroughly after planting and let excess drain out.
5. Care for New Plants
- Place in bright, indirect light. East or west facing windows are ideal.
- Water when top inch of soil is dry. Allow more time to dry in winter.
- Use a cactus fertilizer occasionally during spring and summer.
- Repot when roots fill container, usually every 2-3 years.
Tips for Propagating Zig Zag Cactus
- Take cuttings in spring or summer during active growth. Avoid winter.
- More cuttings means a fuller, bushier plant. Take plenty!
- Well-draining soil is essential to prevent rotting.
- Water sparingly at first until cuttings establish roots.
- Give new plants a trellis or stake as support when stems get long.
Propagating a zig zag cactus is an easy, gratifying way to make more of these uncommon trailing succulents. In no time at all you can have tons of the cool zig zag stems to create an eye-catching display. Share with friends or create your own patches of spiky green in your home.
Step 4: Ongoing Care and Troubleshooting
- When to water: Let the soil dry out a bit between applications. Don’t water too much to keep the soil from getting soggy, which can cause root rot. Overwatering is a common issue with cacti.
- Keep an eye out for root growth. Your cutting should start growing roots after a few weeks to a few months. You can gently pull on it to see if it gives way, which means it has rooted. Be patient, as the timeline can vary.
- Transplanting: Move the cutting to a new pot with a little more room to grow once the roots have formed and the plant has grown.
- Yellowing or Shrinking Cutting: This may indicate overwatering. Reduce watering frequency.
- Mold or Fungus: If you see mold or fungus on the cutting or in the soil, you should let more air flow around the plant and lower the humidity.
- Slow Root Growth: If roots take longer to form, make sure the cutting is kept moist and don’t touch it.
- Slow Growth: If the cutting isn’t growing quickly, check the light and make sure it gets enough bright, indirect sunlight.
By following these steps and monitoring your cutting’s progress, you can successfully propagate your zigzag cactus using stem cuttings. Patience and attention to proper care are key to achieving healthy, thriving new plants.
Choosing a Healthy Parent Plant
Selecting a healthy parent plant is a critical step in successful propagation. Here’s why it matters:
- Pest and disease resistance: A healthy parent plant is less likely to get pests and diseases, which lowers the chance that these problems will affect the new plants.
- Strong Growth: Pick a parent plant that has strong growth, lush, green stems, and no signs of stress or wilting.
- There Are No Signs of Disease: Check the parent plant for any signs of rot, fungal infections, or other diseases. Avoid propagating from a plant with visible issues.
- Age and Maturity: Choose a fully grown zigzag cactus that is the right size for spreading. Younger plants might not have the energy reserves they need to successfully spread.
Zig Zag cactus AKA Selenicereus anthonyanus care and propagation
FAQ
Can I root fishbone cactus in water?
You don’t have to use soil to grow and root your Fishbone Cactus cuttings. You can also use water. 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.
Can you cut off a piece of cactus and plant it?
Yes, you can propagate a cactus from a cutting. To do this, carefully remove a segment or pad from the parent cactus and let the cut end callous over for several days before planting it in well-draining cactus soil.