Disocactus ( Epiphyllum ) anguliger leaf close-up on white background.

Disocactus ( Epiphyllum ) anguliger potted houseplant in nursery pot on white background, product photo 2.

Disocactus ( Epiphyllum ) anguliger potted houseplant in nursery pot on white background, product photo 3.

Disocactus ( Epiphyllum ) anguliger potted houseplant in nursery pot on white background, product photo 4.

Cactaceae

Disocactus ( Epiphyllum ) anguliger

Disocactus anguliger sends out flattened, deeply lobed stems that zig-zag like fishbones, then, when mature, rewards good care with large, scented night flowers. Suspended in a hanging pot, those lobes read like green neon tubes drawn in waves.

Full guide to Disocactus ( Epiphyllum ) anguliger

€25,75

VAT included · plus

Size:

S

Variant

Disocactus ( Epiphyllum ) anguliger at a glance:

Disocactus anguliger is the classic fishbone cactus, producing flattened succulent stems with deep zig-zag lobes that hang, arch, or sprawl depending on how it is displayed. Mature plants may also produce large fragrant night flowers, but even out of bloom the unusual stem shape makes it instantly recognizable in cultivation.

It comes from humid Mexican cloud forests rather than arid desert, so bright indirect light, moderate humidity, and an airy substrate with bark, coir, and perlite are more appropriate than dense cactus soil kept bone dry. Water thoroughly when the top portion of the mix has dried, reduce watering somewhat in cooler months, and keep temperatures around 18–25 °C while avoiding cold below 10 °C. A cooler, drier winter rest may encourage buds on mature growth.

Disocactus ( Epiphyllum ) anguliger

Quick Care Guide

Light

Bright indirect • approx. 10,000–20,000 lux

Water

Water when ~50–70% dry

Substrate

Airy + fast-draining • Light moisture buffer • Bark-based • Medium-chunky

Temperature

Ideal: 18–26 °C • Avoid below: 10 °C

Humidity

Moist 50–60 %

Growth habit

epiphytic cactus, trailing

Support

optional

Growth speed

Average

Max size indoors

Max. trail length: 90 cm • Max. spread: 90 cm

Toxicity & safety

Non-toxic; spines – physical injury risk

Origin & habitat

SW. & Central Mexico (to Hidalgo); seasonally dry tropical habitat

How to read these metrics

These metrics are standardised reference points. We compile them by reviewing and cross-checking multiple botanical and horticultural references, then refining them through real-world growing experience. Source links: Plant Care Resources.

Please use the values as guidance. Conditions vary by home, so the same plant can respond differently. For plant-specific context, read the full product description and browse our Plant Care Guides.

Light: level + approximate lux at leaf level;
Watering: “% dry” is the trigger before watering again; lower % stays more evenly moist.
Potting mix: one-line profile (structure/drainage • moisture buffer • base • particle size).
Temperature: “Ideal” comfort range; “Avoid below” marks higher stress risk.
Humidity: target bands (Normal/Moist/Humid); consistency usually matters most.

Growth habit: growth form (rosette, trailing, climbing) for placement and training.
Support: needed/optional/none — whether stake, pole, or trellis improves structure and size.
Growth speed: fast/average/slow under decent indoor conditions—expectations, not a promise.
Max size indoors: realistic long-term potential; format differs for climbers vs. trailers.
Toxicity & safety: chemical irritants/toxicity and physical hazards (spines, bristles).
Origin & habitat: native region + typical biome/habitat as context.

Disocactus anguliger – The Original Fishbone Cactus

Disocactus anguliger, formerly known as Epiphyllum anguliger, is a unique epiphytic cactus native to southern Mexico. Known as the Fishbone or Zig Zag Cactus, it features deeply lobed, succulent stems that resemble the backbone of a fish. Its flowing, architectural growth is perfect for hanging baskets, trailing from shelves, or growing on vertical supports. Under the right conditions, mature plants produce large, fragrant, night-blooming flowers – a rare reward for patient indoor growers.

Striking Features of Disocactus anguliger

Distinctive Stems: Flattened, deeply lobed segments with undulating margins. Each stem measures top 15 – 20 % wide and up to 30 cm long.
Fragrant Night Blooms: Large (up to 20 cm), white to yellow flowers that open after dusk and emit a sweet scent.
Epiphytic Habit: Grows naturally on trees and mossy surfaces in cloud forests – adapted to bright shade, moisture, and airflow.

Native Habitat and Elevation

Disocactus anguliger is endemic to cloud forests in Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Jalisco, Mexico. It grows between 1,000 – 1,800 meters elevation, clinging to tree bark and shaded rock faces in humid montane regions. It prefers filtered light, moderate warmth, and air movement – all factors that can be mimicked indoors.

How to Care for Disocactus anguliger

Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Tolerates gentle morning sun, but avoid harsh direct rays which can scorch the stems.
Watering: Water thoroughly when the top 10 – 15% of substrate is dry. Reduce watering slightly in cooler months.
Humidity: Enjoys moderate humidity (50 – 70%). Can adapt to average indoor humidity but benefits from grouping with other plants.
Temperature: Optimal range is 18 – 25°C. Protect from temperatures below 10°C and cold drafts.
Soil: Use a loose, well-draining mix such as orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir. Avoid compact potting soils.
Fertilizing: Apply a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 – 6 weeks during active growth. Do not overfeed.
Repotting: Every 2 – 3 years or when rootbound. Prefers slightly tight conditions to encourage flowering.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Yellowing Stems: Usually a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Check moisture levels and aeration.
Brown Edges: Caused by low humidity or too much direct sun. Increase ambient humidity and relocate to filtered light.
No Blooms: May indicate immaturity or insufficient light. Encourage blooming by providing bright conditions and a cool, dry rest in winter.
Pests: Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Treat early with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Propagation of Disocactus anguliger

Easily propagated via stem cuttings. Let cuttings callous for 1 – 2 days, then place in a well-draining mix. Rooting usually occurs within 2 – 3 weeks in warm, humid conditions. Best done in spring or early summer.

Etymology of Disocactus anguliger

The genus name Disocactus is from Greek “dis” (double) and “kaktos,” referencing the flattened, lobed stems. The species name anguliger comes from Latin and means “angle-bearing,” describing the distinctive zig-zag shape of the foliage.

Winter Care Tips

During winter, reduce watering frequency but don’t allow complete drying out.
Keep in a bright, slightly cooler room (15 – 20°C) to simulate natural rest phase.
Stop fertilizing until active growth resumes in spring.

Buy Disocactus anguliger Online

Disocactus anguliger is a stunning, architectural trailing cactus with fragrant blooms and sculptural stems. Order now and add this iconic fishbone beauty to your collection!