5 Tricks to Bloom Fishbone Cactus Quickly

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5 Tricks to Bloom a Fishbone Cactus Quickly

The Fishbone Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger), also called the Ric Rac Cactus or Zigzag Cactus, is famous for its dramatic stems and spectacular night-blooming flowers. But many plant owners struggle to get it to bloom. The good news is that with the right conditions, your Fishbone Cactus can produce large, fragrant flowers much faster than you think.

Here are five proven tricks to encourage fast blooming using simple indoor gardening tips and houseplant care practices.

1. Give It Bright, Indirect Light

Blooming depends heavily on light. This cactus thrives in:

  • Bright filtered sunlight
  • A south-facing or east-facing window
  • 4–6 hours of strong but indirect light daily

Avoid harsh midday sun, which burns the stems.
Light is one of the most powerful triggers for flower development.

2. Provide a Cool Temperature Drop at Night

In nature, Fishbone Cactus blooms when night temperatures drop. You can recreate this by placing the plant in a cooler spot during the evening.

Ideal nighttime temperatures:

  • 15°C–18°C (59°F–65°F)

This temperature difference signals the plant to initiate buds. It’s a classic home gardening trick that works extremely well on flowering succulents.

3. Feed Your Cactus the Right Fertilizer

To bloom quickly, it needs a balanced diet. Use:

  • A low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer
  • Apply every 2–3 weeks in spring and summer

High-nitrogen formulas cause leafy growth but delay flowers.
Phosphorus boosts bud formation and strong blooming.

This is essential for anyone following modern plant fertilizing tips and houseplant care routines.

4. Let It Become Slightly Root-Bound

Fishbone Cactus blooms more reliably when slightly snug in its pot.
If the roots have filled the container, do not repot yet.

A tight pot encourages:

  • Faster bud formation
  • More abundant blooms
  • Stronger flowering performance

Repot only every 2–3 years.

5. Reduce Watering Before Flowering Season

This plant is a cactus—but a rainforest cactus. It loves moisture but hates soggy soil.
To encourage blooming:

  • Water less at the end of summer and early fall
  • Allow the top soil to dry between waterings
  • Resume regular watering once buds appear

Mild drought stress stimulates blooming in many epiphytic succulents.

Bonus Tip: Use the Right Soil Mix

A fast-draining mix boosts oxygen flow to roots, which improves overall growth and blooming.

Use:

  • Orchid bark
  • Perlite or pumice
  • Cactus soil
  • A bit of compost

This combination mimics its natural growing environment and supports healthier flowering.

Final Thoughts

Blooming a Fishbone Cactus isn’t difficult—it just needs the right cues. With strong light, cooler nights, proper feeding, controlled watering, and the right soil mix, your plant will reward you with striking blooms much sooner than expected.

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