The Natural Liquid Trick That Makes Fish Bone Cactus Bloom Faster (Safe Indoor Method)
Fish bone cactus (also called zig zag cactus or ric rac cactus) is famous for its wild leaf shape — but many owners struggle to get it to bloom.
The plant grows well…
The stems get long and healthy…
But the flowers never appear.
The good news?
There’s a simple natural liquid method that can gently encourage blooming — without harsh fertilizers, without root damage, and safe for indoor plants.
But first, let’s understand why most fish bone cactus plants don’t flower.
Why Fish Bone Cactus Often Refuses to Bloom
Most bloom problems come from one of these:
Common mistakes:
- Too much nitrogen (leaf growth but no flowers)
- Overwatering
- No resting period in cooler months
- Low light
- Heavy soil that holds water
Fish bone cactus needs:
✅ Bright indirect light
✅ Slight drying between waterings
✅ Light feeding (not strong fertilizer)
✅ A gentle growth boost — not stress
That’s where this natural liquid comes in.
The Natural Liquid That Helps Trigger Blooms
The safest natural bloom booster is:
👉 Diluted rice water (the cloudy water from rinsing rice)
It contains small natural nutrients that:
✔ support root health
✔ encourage flower production
✔ improve soil microbes
✔ don’t burn roots
And it’s gentle enough for cactus plants.
Why Rice Water Works
Rice water contains:
• trace minerals
• natural carbohydrates
• mild nutrients
These support:
🌱 stronger roots
🌸 healthier buds
🌿 balanced growth
It doesn’t force blooms — it gently supports the plant so it can bloom naturally.
The Safe Rice Water Method (Step-by-Step)
What you need:
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups water
How to prepare:
- Put rice in bowl
- Add water
- Swirl gently for 20–30 seconds
- Strain the cloudy water (this is your plant liquid)
⚠️ Do NOT use cooked rice water
⚠️ Do NOT leave it to ferment
Use it fresh.
How to Apply
✅ Pour slowly into soil (not on leaves)
✅ Use just enough to lightly water the pot
✅ Let excess drain out
Frequency:
👉 Once every 2–3 weeks during spring and summer
Stop in fall and winter.
Extra Tips That Make Blooms Happen Faster
1) Give Bright Indirect Light
Near a window with filtered sun is perfect.
Avoid harsh direct sunlight.
2) Let Soil Dry Slightly Between Watering
Fish bone cactus hates sitting in wet soil.
Water only when top 2–3 cm feels dry.
3) Cooler Nights Help Bud Formation
If possible:
🌙 slightly cooler temps at night
(18–20°C / 65–68°F)
This encourages blooming naturally.
4) Use Well-Draining Soil
Best mix:
✔ cactus/succulent soil
✔ plus perlite or sand
Roots need oxygen.
Signs Your Cactus Is Getting Ready to Bloom
After a few weeks of proper care:
✅ small buds form along stems
✅ stems look firm and glossy
✅ growth slows slightly (normal before blooms)
Then flowers open beautifully.
What NOT To Do
❌ don’t overwater
❌ don’t use strong fertilizers
❌ don’t spray sugary liquids
❌ don’t keep soil constantly wet
❌ don’t feed in winter
These delay blooming.
FAQ (6 Questions)
1) How long until I see blooms?
Usually 3–6 weeks if conditions are right.
2) Can I use rice water every week?
No. Once every 2–3 weeks is enough.
3) Will rice water rot the roots?
Not if soil drains well and you don’t overuse it.
4) Can I spray rice water on leaves?
Better to water soil only.
5) Does fish bone cactus bloom every year?
Yes — usually late spring to summer with good care.
6) Can I use this method for other cactus types?
Yes, but use less often for desert cacti.
Final Thoughts
To make your fish bone cactus bloom faster and safely:
✅ use fresh diluted rice water
✅ apply once every 2–3 weeks
✅ give bright indirect light
✅ let soil dry slightly
✅ avoid heavy fertilizer
This gentle natural method supports blooming without stressing your plant.