The common name, Fishbone Prayer Plant, is misleading, as the plant you are looking to flower is the Fishbone Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger). This distinctive plant is an epiphytic jungle cactus native to the rainforests of Mexico, unlike the true Prayer Plants (Maranta or Calathea genera). Like its close relatives, the Orchid Cacti, this species is highly prized for its spectacular, yet fleeting, floral display. Understanding its identity as a tree-dwelling cactus is key to successfully inducing blooms.
Identifying the Nocturnal Bloom
The flowers of the Fishbone Cactus appear in late summer or autumn. These blooms are large, often measuring between 4 and 8 inches in length, with narrow, elongated petals. The petals are typically creamy white or pale yellow, sometimes displaying greenish or pinkish hues near the base of the flower tube.
The most captivating feature is its strong, sweet fragrance, which intensifies as the evening progresses. This heavy perfume attracts nocturnal pollinators, such as moths and bats, in the plant’s native habitat. True to its common name, Queen of the Night, the flower opens only after sunset. Its delicate structure begins to wilt and close by dawn, offering a very narrow window to appreciate its beauty.
Specific Care Requirements for Flowering
Successfully inducing a Fishbone Cactus to flower requires mimicking the distinct seasonal changes of its tropical home. The plant thrives in bright, indirect light, and insufficient light is the most common reason for a lack of blooms. While it is a cactus, intense direct sunlight should be avoided, as this can scorch the delicate, fleshy stems.
The most important step is enforcing a cool, dry “winter rest” period, typically lasting six to eight weeks in late autumn or early winter. During this time, temperatures must be maintained between 50°F and 60°F (10°C to 16°C). This drop signals the plant to initiate flower bud formation for the following season.
Watering must be significantly reduced during this rest period; the soil should be kept nearly dry, only receiving enough moisture to prevent the stems from shriveling. As an epiphyte, this cactus stores water in its stems and is sensitive to waterlogged conditions, which inhibit blooming and can lead to root rot. Once the rest period is complete, return to warmer temperatures and a consistent watering schedule to encourage bud development.
The correct fertilization regimen during the active growing period (spring and summer) is necessary to support bud development. Use a fertilizer low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus, as phosphorus promotes flower production. A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer can be used at half-strength, or a specialized bloom-booster formulation can be applied every two to four weeks. Fertilization should cease completely in late summer or early autumn to prepare the plant for its cool rest.
Managing the Plant After Blooming
Once the short-lived blooms have finished their display, the spent flowers will naturally wilt, shrivel, and dry out. These faded structures can be gently removed from the stems to maintain the plant’s appearance. This cleanup marks the transition back to the normal growing cycle or preparation for the winter rest period.
If the flower was successfully pollinated, a small, ovoid fruit may begin to develop at the base of the spent flower. These fruits are generally smooth and can range in color from brownish to greenish or yellowish, often taking on a magenta or purple hue as they ripen. The fruit is edible, though they are not always produced indoors.
After the flowering cycle is complete, the plant needs replenishment. Return to the regular bright, indirect light and the consistent watering and feeding schedule for the growing season. If the plant bloomed in late summer, immediately begin the cool, dry rest period to ensure flower production the following year.