Flat, zig-zag stems that look just like the skeleton of a fish – the Fishbone Cactus is a wonderfully sculptural plant that arches and trails as it grows. In autumn, mature plants may produce huge, fragrant, creamy-white flowers that open at night.

Also known as: Fishbone Cactus, Zig-Zag Cactus, Ric Rac Cactus, Orchid Cactus

Origins & folklore: This isn't a desert cactus at all. It comes from the humid cloud forests of southern Mexico, where it grows high in the trees as an epiphyte, rooting into moss and bark rather than soil. The name Epiphyllum comes from the Greek epi ('upon') and phyllon ('leaf'), because its flowers seem to grow straight out of its flat, leaf-like stems.

Its flowers open at night and are pollinated by moths, filling the air with a sweet scent before fading by morning – a lovely bit of night-time magic if you're lucky enough to catch one.

Size: Delivered in a 12cm plastic nursery pot.

Care guide
•    Light: Bright, indirect light. A little gentle morning sun is fine, but strong midday sun can scorch or redden the stems.
•    Watering: Water thoroughly when the top half of the compost is dry, roughly every 1–2 weeks in summer and less often in winter. It likes more water than a desert cactus, but never soggy compost.
•    Humidity & temperature: Enjoys moderate humidity; an occasional misting helps. Happiest between 15–27°C. A cooler, drier rest in winter (around 12–15°C) encourages flowers.
•    Feeding: A cactus or tomato feed once a month in spring and summer.
•    Good to know: Grow it in a chunky, free-draining mix, such as peat-free cactus compost with added orchid bark. Broken stems root easily – just let them dry for a day, then pot them up.

Toxicity: Non-toxic. Considered safe for people, cats and dogs.