Common Name: Dancing Bones Cactus
Botanical Name: Hatiora salicornioides
Welcome the most whimsical and well-mannered cactus into your home! Hatiora salicornioides is unlike most cacti because there are no spines making this hanging indoor plant easy to handle. The long stems will gracefully start cascading over the sides and develop radial clusters of secondary stems, much like a green fireworks display! These spectacular succulents may produce small yellow flowers in the spring when provided with plenty of indirect light. Water these houseplants when the soil is almost dry as these succulents do not like to completely dry out like other species of cacti do. Bottle Cactus prefer to be placed in bright indirect light and be sure to avoid placing them in direct sunlight as the direct rays of the sun will burn the leaves.
Light
Your Dancing Bones Cactus requires plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. This indoor plant like lots of light, even during the winter months. The morning or evening hours can also be good for your plant, since there will be less exposure to the sun. This type of plant has the ability to be adaptable to a variety of lighting but giving it the right amount of light that it needs is more beneficial.
Water
The Dancing Bones Cactus is a drought tolerant houseplant, and the soil must be allowed to dry out between watering. Water as soon as the soil is completely dried out, while the plant actively grows during the spring and summer. Your plant can go for extended periods of time without water during winter, when the plant may be dormant. The overall conditions, like temperature and sunlight, will determine how often it requires water! If your plant lives near a sunny window and the temperatures are consistently over 70°F, then you will find that it will require water more frequently than one living in a cooler and darker spot.When you do water, drench the soil and empty the cache pot or saucer of standing water.
Soil
Dancing Bones Cactus need their potting soil to contain more drainage materials compared to soils for most indoor plants), such as wood chips, perlite, coarse sand, or pumice, to allow the water to drain quickly. Most bagged soil-less potting soil made for indoor plants will work fine but remember that you must let the soil dry out completely before watering it again. The pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 is best for your plant. You can add cactus potting soil mix to your potting soil to help the water drain if you feel the roots are staying wet for too long! A great time to do this is when you need to re-pot them into a larger pot.
Temperature
For your Dancing Bones Cactus, warm temperatures are ideal. Generally, anything above 50°F degrees is fine, but the plant will be happier if kept in an area of at least 65°F. Chilly drafts can be a problem, so keep your plant clear of exterior doors and drafty locations.
Humidity
Dry conditions are best for Dancing Bones Cactus houseplants. This plant is not very adaptable when it comes to humidity and prefer to be in areas without increased dampness in the air. Low or average humidity is ideal. Ideally, the range for humidity should be between 50% to 70% in order to help “appear” to the plant as its original environment. Also, be sure to avoid placing your plant in bathrooms, kitchens, or areas prone to increased humidity.
Fertilizer
Dancing Bones Cactus, along with Cactus in general, are not heavy feeders but use a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season to help the plant push out new growth. Stop fertilizing your plant during the winter when the plant is not actively growing.
Growth Rate
The mature height that your Dancing Bones Cactus can reach is around 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm). influential factors to your plant growth can include its growing conditions, light exposure, temperature, humidity, and the care it receives. Ensure you offer your plant the most optimal care for it to grow as tall as it can be!
Pet Friend or Foe
Dancing Bones Cactus are known to be pet friendly. Friend!
Pro Tips
- By getting rid of any dead stems and branches you are promoting a better appearance and helping the overall health of your plan.
- Observe your Dancing Bones Cactus plant regularly to make sure that no adjustments need to be made. And if they do, do so accordingly.
- Always follow the directions on the fertilizer package that you purchase to make sure that your plant receives the right dosage.