Epiphyllum Anguliger (Fishbone Cactus, Ric Rac Cactus)
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ADD A BEAUTIFUL FITTED POT (OPTIONAL)
We love Epiphyllum anguliger, better known as the Fishbone Cactus, for its sculptural zig-zag foliage and trailing growth. Native to the rainforests of Mexico, this unusual cactus brings jungle drama into your home while being surprisingly easy to care for. A true conversation starter, it looks just as good on a high shelf as it does in a hanging planter.
Buying it as a gift? We’ll include a free handwritten card — just add your message at checkout. We’ll wrap it with care and leave out the paperwork or price tags, creating a lovely surprise for the recipient.
Native habitat and growth pattern
Unlike desert cacti, Epiphyllum anguliger grows in the moist forests of Mexico as an epiphyte, anchoring itself to trees. Its unusual fishbone-like leaves grow upright at first, then cascade downwards as the plant matures. Under the right conditions, it can produce large, scented white flowers that bloom at night — a rare but stunning treat.
Size
W14cm nursery pot x H40cm. Supplied in a plastic nursery pot.
Styling tips
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Perfect for trailing from shelves, hanging pots, or plant stands
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Its zig-zag leaves make it a sculptural statement piece
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Works beautifully in modern or eclectic interiors
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A great plant for anyone looking for something unusual and low-maintenance
Fishbone Cactus care guide
Light requirements:
Loves bright, indirect light. Avoid deep shade — it thrives in sunny spots.
Watering:
Water when the top layer of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter. Unlike desert cacti, it enjoys occasional misting.
Feeding:
Feed once a month during spring and summer with a cactus fertiliser. Our vegan, organic cactus & succulent food, made from sustainably harvested seaweed, is ideal for keeping this plant healthy.
Humidity:
Prefers a little extra humidity compared to desert cacti — misting helps keep the foliage happy.
Pet safety:
Safe for cats and dogs.
Propagation:
Easy to propagate from stem cuttings.
Why choose this plant?
The Fishbone Cactus is one of the most distinctive indoor plants, loved for its dramatic zig-zag foliage and rainforest origins. Despite its exotic look, it’s hardy, low-maintenance, and perfect for beginners. Its unusual leaves and potential for night-blooming flowers make it a unique addition to any collection.
This plant is ideal for small spaces, stylish homes, or anyone looking for a quirky statement piece. It’s also one of the few cacti that’s pet safe, making it a brilliant option for animal lovers.
As a gift, the Fishbone Cactus is memorable and full of character — a great choice for birthdays, housewarmings, or simply treating someone to something special.
FAQs
Why are the leaves shaped like a fishbone?
It’s a natural adaptation that helps the plant anchor itself in its native rainforest habitat.
Can Fishbone Cactus flower indoors?
Yes — though not every plant will, mature specimens in the right conditions can produce large, fragrant white flowers at night.
How fast does it grow?
Moderately fast — with good care it can produce long cascading stems within a year.
Is this cactus safe for pets?
Yes — unlike many houseplants, it’s non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Explore More
Looking for more vibrant and easy-to-grow greenery? Browse our Easy Care Houseplants for beginner-friendly options, or explore our Tropical Indoor Plants for bold foliage and rainforest style. For detailed plant care guides, tips on watering and dormancy, and expert advice, visit the Happy Houseplants blog.
To keep your plant thriving, feed once a month during spring and summer with our vegan, organic Original Plant Food, specially formulated for healthy growth and lush foliage.
Happy Houseplants delivers live houseplants across the UK with fast, carbon-neutral tracked service.
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Looking for more vibrant and easy-care houseplants? Check out our Easy Care Houseplants collection or browse our Pet Friendly Houseplants if you’ve got furry friends at home. And why not read the Happy Houseplants blog for more styling ideas and plant care tips?
Happy Houseplants runs the UK’s number one houseplant blog with expert tips and guidance.
At Happy Houseplants, we believe buying a plant is only the start — helping it thrive is what really matters. That’s why we run the UK’s number one houseplant blog, filled with expert advice on watering, light, feeding, pest care and more.
Every plant we sell comes with straightforward care tips, and if you’d like to dive deeper you’ll find hundreds of helpful guides and styling ideas on our blog. Explore them here: Happy Houseplants Blog.
Whether you’re just starting out or building a collection, you’ll always find support and inspiration from us.
Happy Houseplants makes plant gifting simple with handwritten cards and nationwide delivery.
At Happy Houseplants, we believe plants make the perfect living gift — thoughtful, long-lasting, and always a joy to receive. Unlike flowers that fade quickly, a houseplant grows and thrives, becoming a lasting reminder of your care.
Sending a gift is simple. Just add your message at checkout and we’ll handwrite it on a card for you. We never include prices or invoices, so your plant arrives as a pure surprise.
Our carefully chosen range includes everything from easy-care indoor plants for beginners to rare and unusual plants for collectors — ideal for birthdays, thank-yous, housewarmings or simply to brighten someone’s day. Every gift is hand-packed in sustainable, plastic-free packaging and delivered nationwide with DPD’s carbon-neutral tracked service.
When you send a gift from Happy Houseplants, you’re not just giving a plant — you’re sending a beautiful, meaningful gesture that lasts.
Happy Houseplants makes it easy to find pet-safe and easy-care houseplants in the UK.
At Happy Houseplants, we know every home is different. That’s why we make it easy to find plants that fit your lifestyle — whether you’re looking for pet-safe options or low-maintenance plants that thrive with minimal fuss.
Our Pet-Friendly Houseplants are carefully chosen so you can add greenery to your home without worry around cats or dogs.
Our Easy Care Houseplants are perfect for beginners or busy households, with varieties that don’t demand constant attention but still bring life and beauty to your space.
