Selenicereus anthonyanus is a cactus species native to southern Mexico. It is grown as an ornamental because of its nocturnal flowers and leaf-like stems. Common names are fishbone cactus, rick rack cactus, zig-zag cactus and St. Anthony's rik-rak.
Selenicereus anthonyanus is an easy, fast growing epiphyte plant. It is most frequently cultivated as a house plant (in pots and hanging baskets). It rarely planted outdoors in tropical countries, where climbs trees in a semi-naturalized state. In nature it climbs into trees. Older plants in the greenhouse buds freely. It can be trained to climb a trellis, but looks best in a hanging basket from whence the lightning-shaped leaves will dangle 60- 90 cm over the edge. Because the flowers are so quickly spent, this epiphyte is mainly only grown for the strange leaves which lend it the common name Ric-Rac Cactus, or occasionally Zig-Zag or Fishbone Cactus.
Like most cacti, fishbone cactus houseplant does best when allowed to dry out between watering. During winter, cut watering in half and then reinstate when spring growth begins.
They do not like full sun and many of them will become very damaged or will not survive very long when they receive too much direct sunlight. Instead, expose them to indirect, filtered sunlight.
Does best in conventional potting soils that contain ingredients such as peat, manure, and black hummus.
Ceramic pots are the most popular type of containers for houseplants today. You'll find them in all kinds of styles, colors, and sizes. At one time, the clay pot was the most common container for indoor plants. When choosing a pot, choose a pot that is 2.5-5 cm (1-2”) larger than the current size.
