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Selenicereus anthonyanus
Also called Rick Rack Cactus
Fishbone cactus is a fast-growing epiphytic cactus from southern Mexico, grown for its zig-zag, leaf-like stems and large, fragrant flowers that open for only one night. It is grown like a shade-tolerant houseplant or outdoor climber, kept humus-rich and moist in summer and protected from cold.
Selenicereus anthonyanus (also known by its obsolete name, Cryptocereus anthonyanus) is a cactus species native to southern Mexico. It is grown as an ornamental because of its nocturnal flowers and unusual, leaf-like stems. Common names include fishbone cactus, rickrack cactus, zig-zag cactus and St. Anthony's rickrack, and is sometimes referred to as an orchid cactus.
An easily cultivated, fast growing epiphyte, S. anthonyanus needs a compost containing plenty of humus and sufficient moisture in summer. It can be grown in semi–shade or full sun, but should not be kept under 4 °C (39 °F) in winter. Extra light in early spring will stimulate budding. Its flowers only open for one night and are very fragrant, to attract nocturnal pollinators. It flowers in late spring or early summer.
Nightblooming cactus · Selenicereus costaricensis · Queen of the night · Selenicereus hamatus · Selenicereus megalanthus · Selenicereus setaceus · Vine-like moonlight cactus · Nightblooming Cactus · Moonlight cactus
Text excerpted from the Wikipedia article Selenicereus anthonyanus by its contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0; the excerpts and the care summary drawn from them are shared under the same licence.
The care summary was written by AI (Claude, Anthropic) from the sources on this page, with general growing knowledge where they are silent. Check before relying on it.
Life form, climate and native range: World Checklist of Vascular Plants, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (CC BY 3.0), reformatted; see Plants of the World Online.
