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Cryptocereus anthonyanus
(formerly Selenicereus anthonyanus) is an epiphytic cactus from Mexico. It
can be grown either in orchid substrate, or in regular cactus potting soil
with a bit of humus added. In the wild it attaches itself to trees,
clinging by little aerial root filaments along the zig-zag succulent
leaves, but it is
 adaptable
to terrestrial habits. It can be trained to climb a trellis, but
looks best in a hanging basket or pot where the lightning-shaped leaves
will dangle two to four feet over the edge.
It loves strong yet indirect lighting. It does not need a lot of water &
should be permitted to dry out entirely between waterings.
It is night blooming, & its flowers last a single night or two in spring.
It is common that specimens rare or never flower, but when they do so,
they are usually root-bound in poor soil, then can produce many white &
pink & maroon slender-petaled starburst blossoms, which begin to open
right at dusk, releasing a pleasing fragrance intended to attract
nocturnal pollinators.
Because the flowers are so quickly spent, this epiphyte is mainly only
grown for the strange leaves which lend it the common name Ric-Rac Cactus,
or occasionally Zig-Zag or Fishbone Cactus. |
