What are the characteristics of the Dancing Bones cactus? A complete guide to this plant
Common names of Dancing Bones cactus
Dancing Bones cactus is commonly known as Luohuawu and Xianrenbian.
Habits of Dancing Bones cactus
Dancing Bones cactus is a succulent in the cactus family, genus Hatiora, and spring and autumn are its growing seasons.
Dancing Bones cactus is native to southeastern Brazil, growing in warm, humid, semi-shaded environments, requiring a certain amount of air humidity, with an ideal temperature of18~23℃。
Not cold-hardy, tolerant of semi-shade, afraid of waterlogging. It does not need much water; water once a week, and in summer provide timely ventilation and shade to avoid direct strong sunlight.
Common propagation methods for Dancing Bones cactus: cuttings and grafting.
Care tips for Dancing Bones cactus
Repotting: repot once every two years; when repotting, cut back overly long or dense branches. Usually choose a12~15cm pot, or a15~20cm pot for hanging baskets, with3~5plant(s) per pot.
Watering: water once a week in spring and autumn to keep the soil moist. Provide appropriate shade in summer, and keep the soil moderately moist in winter; the specific number of waterings depends on the room temperature.
Fertilizing: fertilize once a month, using a low-nitrogen fertilizer or a succulent-specific fertilizer.
Light: ensure sufficient light during the flowering period, and move the plant as little as possible to avoid broken stems and dropped flowers.
Pests and diseases: common pests and diseases include anthracnose and red spider mites. Once diseased plants are found, promptly remove the diseased leaves and spray with a fungicide.
Propagation methods for Dancing Bones cactus
Cuttings: in early summer, select healthy, plump stem segments, cut off1~2segments and let them dry in a shady place, then insert them into a sand bed; they will root after2weeks.
Grafting: in late spring or autumn, graft using the cleft grafting method; they will heal and take within15days.
Suggested planting combinations: Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' (rainbow bush), Sedum lineare.