10 Tricks to Bloom Fishbone Cactus Quickly

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10 Tricks to Bloom Fishbone Cactus Quickly

The Fishbone Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger) is one of the most unique and sought-after houseplants, famous for its zigzag foliage and spectacular star-shaped flowers. However, getting this cactus to bloom can be challenging without the right approach.
With proper care and the techniques below, you can encourage fast, healthy blooming and enjoy abundant flowers each season.

1. Provide Bright, Indirect Light

Fishbone cactus thrives in filtered sunlight.
Direct sun burns the leaves, while low light prevents flowering.

Ideal setup:
Place the plant near an east- or west-facing window where it receives bright but soft light for several hours daily.

2. Drop the Night Temperature

A subtle drop in temperature can trigger buds.

For best results:
Keep nights between 15–18°C for several weeks to encourage bloom formation.

3. Follow a Consistent Watering Routine

Even though it is a cactus, fishbone cactus prefers slightly moist soil, never dry for long periods.

  • Water when the top 3–5 cm feels dry
  • Avoid overwatering or letting the pot sit in water

Stable moisture encourages bud development.

4. Use a Bloom-Boosting Fertilizer

High-phosphorus fertilizer is essential for flowers.

Use:

  • A formula like 10-30-20
  • Apply every 2 weeks during the growing season
  • Reduce feeding in winter

This supports strong, fast flower formation.

5. Repot Only When Necessary

Fishbone cactus blooms more reliably when slightly root-bound.

Repot only every 2–3 years, and always choose a lightweight, well-draining mix suitable for epiphytic cacti.

6. Increase Humidity Around the Plant

Higher humidity mimics its natural rainforest environment.

  • Aim for 50–70% humidity
  • Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or group plants together

Flower buds form more easily when moisture levels are stable.

7. Give It Plenty of Organic Matter

Fishbone cactus grows in leaf litter and tree bark in the wild.
A rich, airy mix is key.

Use a blend of:

  • Orchid bark
  • Coconut coir
  • Perlite
  • A small amount of compost

This encourages vigorous growth and blooming.

8. Allow the Plant to Rest Before Blooming

A short “rest period” increases flower production.

During fall:

  • Reduce watering slightly
  • Provide cooler nights
  • Hold fertilizer for 4–6 weeks

This signals the start of a bloom cycle.

9. Prune Lightly to Encourage New Growth

New growth segments are the ones that produce flowers.

Prune only older, overly long stems to encourage fresh branching.

10. Avoid Moving the Plant Once Buds Appear

Fishbone cactus buds are sensitive and may fall off if disturbed.

Do not:

  • Rotate the pot
  • Change location
  • Expose it to drafts

Keep conditions stable until blooming is complete.

Final Thoughts

With the right lighting, watering routine, and bloom-boosting nutrients, the fishbone cactus can produce clusters of bright, star-shaped flowers more quickly than you might expect. These ten tricks work together to mimic the cactus’s natural habitat, creating the perfect environment for fast and reliable blooming.

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