Introducing the one and only Dancing Bones cactus, also known as Hatiora salicornioides (formerly known as Rhipsalis salicornioides)! It is named for its thin, segmented flexible stems that resemble bones and give it a "dancing" appearance when it moves in the breeze.
This funky cactus is like no other, with its bushy deep green appearance and cylindrical stems that seem to sway to their own melodious beat. It is also known as spice cactus, drunkard's dream, and bottle cactus. These epiphytic cactus stems can grow up to an impressive 2 feet long along the trunk of the tree and are composed of charming smaller segments that measure up to 1.2 inches each. These segments have an enchanting shape that resembles either a club or even a whimsical bottle!
The dancing bone flowers have a bell-like shape and have small yellow-orange flowers that bloom from late winter to early spring adding a touch of vibrant color to this already captivating dancer on our cactus stage. Plus, the dancing bones plant is a friendly cactus for both pets and humans.
It is easy to propagate this bottle cactus through cuttings. Springtime is best to take the cuts. Because of its distinctive foliage and flower show, the Spice cactus plant is a fantastic option for enhancing the charm of a window or a cactus garden. So, put on your dancing shoes because Hatiora salicornioides is here to steal the show!
Watering Needs
The Hatiora salicornioides is a less drought-tolerant plant that requires moderate watering. In fact, it's best to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. When you do water this bushy plant, make sure to give it a good soak, but be sure to let the excess water drain away. Overwatering can be harmful to other plants around the plant, so it's important to be careful not to give it too much water.
In general, the dancing bone cactus are tropical cacti that prefers to be kept on the dry side during winter when it is dormant, so it's important not to overwater it. If you're not sure when to water it, you can use a moisture meter to check the soil. This will help you determine when it's time to water the cactus.
Light Requirements
The Hatiora salicornioides plant likes indirect light. It can handle some direct sunlight for 6 hours, but it's best to avoid exposing it to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. If you're growing a dancing bone cactus indoors, be sure to place it a few feet away from the south-facing window that gets plenty of light but avoid placing it in direct sunlight.
As opposed to their terrestrial counterparts, they are more sensitive to sunlight, so keep them out of the direct midday sun. The best sun is late in the day. If the dancing bone cactus doesn’t receive enough light, its stems may grow leggy, and yellow to orange flowers will become paler, so make your cactus happy and give it plenty of light.
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
The Hatiora salicornioides prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. A good mix for these dancing bones is one part peat moss, one part perlite, and one-part coarse sand. This will provide them with the right amount of drainage and acidity. Planet Desert specializes in cacti and has that includes an organic substrate with mycorrhizae to help with the growth of a healthy root system to help your dancing bone cactus thrive.
As for fertilizer, the dancing bones cactus don't require much. In fact, it's best to avoid fertilizing it during the winter months to prevent mold growth. If you do decide to fertilize it, use a cactus fertilizer with an equal mix of NPK (5-10-5). Fertilize the dancing bone once a year during the growing season, which is typically in the spring.
Hardiness Zone & More
The dancing bones cactus is a unique decorative houseplant native to eastern Brazil and is not frost-tolerant. If you live in an area with cold winters, it's best to keep the dancing bones cactus indoors during the winter months. It prefers temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit in USDA zone 10-11. It can tolerate higher temperatures, but it's important to avoid exposing it to temperatures below 50 F.
As for humidity, the dancing bone cactus prefers moderate humidity levels. It can handle some dryness, but it's best to avoid your cactus family exposing it to extremely dry conditions. If you live in an area with low humidity, you can place a tray of water near your cactus to help increase the humidity levels.
With the help of Hatiora salicornioides - a dancing bone cactus, you'll start to spend less time maintaining your garden and more time taking in its beauty!
