Repotting guide

When & how to repot Selenicereus anthonyanus (Selenicereus anthonyanus)

Also called Rick Rack Cactus, Fishbone Orchid Cactus.

More about selenicereus anthonyanus

About Selenicereus anthonyanus

Selenicereus anthonyanus · also called Rick Rack Cactus, Fishbone Orchid Cactus · houseplant

An easy, fast-growing epiphytic cactus from southern Mexico, instantly recognised by flat, deeply zigzagged stems that resemble a fishbone or rickrack ribbon. Grown mainly as a trailing foliage plant, it occasionally rewards mature, well-rested specimens with large, fragrant nocturnal flowers that last a single night. It is happiest cascading from a hanging basket.

Mature size: Stems trail to around 0.6-1.2 m, occasionally longer, spreading 30-60 cm wide.

Watch for — Limp or wrinkled stems: Underwatering or root issues cause shrivelling; rot from overwatering causes soft, yellowing segments. Check the roots and adjust watering and drainage accordingly.

How to tell selenicereus anthonyanus needs repotting

Repotting on a calendar is less reliable than reading the plant. For selenicereus anthonyanus, watch for these signs:

Roots growing out of the drainage holes, or the rootball lifting the plant proud of the rim.
Soil that has shrunk away from the pot sides and no longer holds water.
The pot is unstable because the plant has grown top-heavy.
Old, compacted, broken-down mix that stays wet too long — for a succulent that is a rot risk, so refresh it even if the pot size is fine.

For the underlying biology of a pot-bound root system and why it stalls a plant, see our guide to spotting and fixing a root-bound plant.

How often to repot selenicereus anthonyanus

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix. Selenicereus anthonyanus's growth habit — trailing and scrambling epiphyte with flat, succulent, deeply lobed zigzag stems that cascade or climb via aerial roots; ideal in a hanging basket. — sets the pace. An easy, fast-growing epiphytic cactus from southern Mexico, instantly recognised by flat, deeply zigzagged stems that resemble a fishbone or rickrack ribbon. Grown mainly as a trailing foliage plant, it occasionally rewards mature, well-rested specimens with large, fragrant nocturnal flowers that last a single night. It is happiest cascading from a hanging basket.

What size pot to step selenicereus anthonyanus up to

Use a pot only one size up — or even the same pot with fresh gritty mix if the roots have room. Selenicereus anthonyanus stores water and rots in a large pot of slow-drying soil. A tight terracotta pot that dries fast is far safer than a generous plastic one. Never up-pot a succulent by several sizes.

Not sure of the exact diameter? Our pot size calculator takes the current pot and root spread and tells you the right next size — it deliberately recommends a single step up, never a big jump.

The best time of year to repot selenicereus anthonyanus

Spring or summer, while selenicereus anthonyanus is in active growth and warm, is best — roots recover fastest then, and the plant is not sitting in cool damp soil. Avoid repotting a succulent in winter dormancy.

Step-by-step: repotting selenicereus anthonyanus

Repot dry. Do not water selenicereus anthonyanus for several days first. Working with dry roots and dry mix dramatically lowers the rot risk for a succulent.
Pick a snug, fast-draining pot. Choose terracotta one size up at most, with a drainage hole. Have gritty light, airy epiphytic mix ready.
Tip it out and clean the roots. Slide the plant out, crumble off the old soil, and trim any black, mushy or dead roots with clean snips.
Pot into dry mix. Set selenicereus anthonyanus at its original depth in dry gritty mix, firming gently. Do not bury the stem deeper than it was.
Wait a week before watering. Leave it completely dry and out of harsh sun for about 7 days so any damaged roots callus. Only then water lightly.

Aftercare

Keep selenicereus anthonyanus completely dry and out of fierce sun for about a week so any nicked roots callus before they meet moisture; watering a freshly repotted succulent is the classic way to rot it. Then resume the normal lean, dry rhythm. Do not fertilise for about 3 weeks — fresh mix already carries nutrients and feeding freshly disturbed roots scorches them.

The right soil mix for selenicereus anthonyanus

Selenicereus anthonyanus wants light, airy epiphytic mix. A blend of cactus compost, orchid bark and perlite, or a standard potting mix lightened with bark and perlite. As an epiphyte it needs free drainage with some moisture and humus retention. Always use fresh mix when you repot — reusing old, broken-down soil reintroduces the compaction and poor drainage you are repotting to fix.

Repotting selenicereus anthonyanus — frequently asked questions

How often should you repot selenicereus anthonyanus?

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix for selenicereus anthonyanus. Repot selenicereus anthonyanus every 2–3 years into a snug pot of light, airy epiphytic mix, ideally in spring or summer. Let it sit in dry soil and do not water for about a week afterwards so any nicked roots can callus. Over-potting and watering straight away is what rots succulents.

What size pot does selenicereus anthonyanus need?

When is the best time of year to repot selenicereus anthonyanus?

Should you water selenicereus anthonyanus after repotting?

No — not straight away. Repot selenicereus anthonyanus into dry mix and wait about a week before the first watering so any damaged roots callus over. Watering a freshly repotted succulent is the single most common way to rot one.

Should you fertilise selenicereus anthonyanus after repotting?

Not immediately. Wait about 3 weeks after repotting selenicereus anthonyanus. Fresh mix already contains nutrients, and feeding freshly cut or disturbed roots burns them. Resume your normal feeding routine once you see new growth.