Escondido Fishbone Cactus

Place your fishbone cactus in a bright spot with indirect light. If it happens to get direct sunlight, no worries it can handle it, but watch out for wrinkles on its leaves.

Fishbone cacti originate from the moist and humid rainforest. Not from the dry desert, like most cacti. This means it likes a bit more water than the average cactus.

The best way to water it is to give it a thorough watering until liquid drains out of the pot. Discard any drained water because the plant doesn't like wet feet and this can cause root rot.

Allow the top layer of the soil to dry out between waterings to make sure it does not get overwatered. Poke your finger into the soil to test its moisture level. If the top few inches of the soil are dry to the touch, then it is safe to proceed with watering, but if you can feel moisture, then you should wait before watering the plant again. The aim is to keep the lower level of soil moist but not soggy.It’s a bit of experimenting to get to the right balance but don’t worry, you’ll get it after a bit of trial and error.

Start with roughly twice a week. More in the hot, summer months, less in the monsoon and cooler seasons.

1. Snip off any mushy yellow ends. New stems will usually grow right from where you cut it and it will grow back fuller.

2. Scrape off any white mould on top of the soil. It’s just harmless fungi that lives in the soil. Lightly dust the soil with ground cinnamon.

3. Poke holes in the soil with a chopstick to aerate it and and give your plant a bit of extra breathing room. Sprinkle a tablespoon of vitamins in the soil and massage in.

4. Shine its leaves with a damp cloth, gently removing any dust. Front and back. This not only makes your plant look nicer but helps it to soak in light more easily too.

5. Spin it around to make sure its leaves are sunned evenly as it tends to grow towards sunlight.

6. Clean your cork mat with soap and water or white vinegar.

Mist for a little added humidity.