Fishbone cactus vs Snowdrop cactus
How to care for these beautiful epiphytic cacti.
If you are looking for some unique and exotic houseplants to brighten up your home, you might want to consider epiphytic cacti. We have fishbone cactus and snowdrop cactus in our shop, they look quite similar. Are they same species?
Answer is no. Fishbone cactus and snowdrop cactus are different species of epiphytic cacti that have similar appearance and care requirements. Fishbone cactus is the common name of Epiphyllum anguliger. Snowdrop cactus is the common name of Rhipsalis houlletiana.
These are two types of epiphytic cacti that grow on trees or rocks instead of soil. They have adapted to survive in humid and shady environments by storing water and nutrients in their stems. Some of the most popular epiphytic cacti are epiphyllums and Rhipsalis. These plants have thin, fleshy stems that can hang or trail from pots or baskets. They also produce delicate flowers that add a touch of colour and charm to any indoor space. They are easy to grow and care for as houseplants, as long as they have bright indirect light, well-draining soil, moderate watering, and occasional fertilizing.
But how do you tell these two types of plants apart? And how do you care for them properly? In this blog post, we will compare and contrast epiphyllums and rhipsalis in terms of their appearance, growth habit and flowering time. We will also give you some tips on how to keep them healthy and happy.
Appearance
Epiphyllums and Rhipsalis have different shapes and sizes of stems. Epiphyllums have flat or slightly curved stems that resemble orchid petals. They can grow up to 80 cm long and come in various colours, such as green, purple, red, or yellow. Rhipsalis have cylindrical or angular stems that resemble coral or rice grains. They can grow up to 60 cm long and are usually green or purple.
Both plants produce small flowers that are usually white, yellow, or pink. However, epiphyllums have larger and more showy flowers than Rhipsalis. Some epiphyllum flowers are fragrant and open at night, while Rhipsalis flowers are mostly scentless and open during the day.
From left: Orchid cactus, snowdrop cactus
Growth Habit
Epiphyllums and Rhipsalis have similar growth habits. They both grow widely branched and pendulous shoots that can form large hanging clusters. They prefer bright indirect light and moderate temperatures. They do not tolerate direct sunlight or frost.
However, epiphyllums have more varieties and hybrids than Rhipsalis. There are about 19 species of epiphyllum and over 1000 cultivars, while there are about 35 species of Rhipsalis and a few hybrids. This means that you can find more diversity in epiphyllums in terms of their flower colours, shapes, sizes, and patterns.
From left: Spaghetti cactus, Snowdrop cactus
Flowering Time
Epiphyllums and Rhipsalis have different flowering times. Epiphyllums usually bloom in spring or summer, while Rhipsalis usually bloom in winter or early spring.
To encourage flowering, both plants need a period of cooler and drier rest in fall and winter. You can reduce watering and fertilizing, and move them to a cooler spot with temperatures between 10°C and 15°C. You can also expose them to longer nights and shorter days, by keeping them in a dark place for at least 12 hours a day.
Once you see flower buds forming, you can resume normal watering and fertilizing, and move them to a warmer and brighter spot. Avoid moving or turning them too much, as this can cause bud drop. You can also mist them occasionally to increase humidity.
The flowers of epiphyllums and Rhipsalis are usually short-lived, lasting only a few days or hours. Some epiphyllum flowers are nocturnal, meaning they open at night and close during the day. Some Rhipsalis flowers are diurnal, meaning they open during the day and close at night. The flowers are often followed by small berry-like fruits that contain seeds.
Rhipsalis pilocarpa fruits, flowers
Care tips
Epiphyllums and rhipsalis are relatively easy to care for as houseplants, but they do have some specific needs that you should meet to keep them healthy and blooming. Epiphyllum and Rhipsalis have different cultural requirements for growing as houseplants. Epiphyllums need more light than rhipsalis, but not direct sun exposure. They also need more water and fertilizer during the growing season (spring and fall), but less in winter when they are dormant. Rhipsalis need less light than epiphyllums, but bright indirect light. They also need less water and fertilizer than epiphyllums, but more humidity. They can tolerate some dryness in winter, but not too much.
Here are some general care tips for both plants:
- Light: Both plants prefer bright indirect light, such as near an east or west-facing window. They can tolerate some morning or evening sun, but avoid harsh midday sun that can burn their stems. If you notice your plants becoming pale or leggy, they may need more light. If you notice your plants becoming scorched or yellow, they may need less light.
- Water: Both plants need moderate watering, especially during their active growing season in spring and summer. Water them thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and let the excess water drain out of the pot. Do not let them sit in waterlogged soil, as this can cause root rot. Reduce watering in fall and winter, when they enter a dormant period. Water them sparingly, only when the soil feels completely dry.
- Humidity: Both plants appreciate high humidity, as they are native to tropical and subtropical regions. You can increase humidity by misting them regularly, placing them on a tray of pebbles and water, or using a humidifier. Avoid placing them near heaters or air conditioners that can dry out the air.
- Temperature: Both plants prefer warm temperatures, between 18°C and 27°C. They can tolerate cooler temperatures in winter, but not below 10°C. Protect them from drafts and sudden temperature changes that can stress them out.
- Fertiliser: Both plants benefit from regular fertilizing during their growing season in spring and summer. You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release granular fertilizer at the beginning of spring4. Do not fertilize them in fall and winter, when they are dormant.
- Pruning: Both plants do not require much pruning, except for removing dead or damaged stems. You can also trim them back if they become too long or unruly. Prune them after flowering in late summer or early fall.
Epiphyllum and Rhipsalis are fascinating plants that can add beauty and diversity to your indoor or outdoor garden. They are easy to grow and care for if you follow some simple tips. I hope these tips help you keep your epiphyllum and rhipsalis healthy and happy. If you want to adopt these epiphytic cacti, check out our range below or follow me on Instagram for more pictures and information. Happy gardening!