Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Cactaceae
Botanical Name
HATIORA salicornioides
Plant Common Name
Dancing Bones Cactus, Drunkard's Dream
General Description
Hatiora salicornioides is a shrubby, epiphytic (tree-dwelling) cactus with spineless, upright to arching, pencil-thin stems. The stem segments resemble tiny bottles, hence the common name "drunkard's dream." This popular houseplant is native to tropical forests of southeastern Brazil, where it grows in the angles of tree branches and on rock ledges.
The leafless, freely branching, olive-green stems of this cactus are divided into many segments. The stems ascend and then arch, giving the plant a mop-like appearance. Clusters of tiny, bell-shaped, gold to orange flowers appear at the branch tips from late winter to early spring. Small, round, white fruits follow the flowers.
In regions with mild, frost-free winters and hot rainy summers, plant this cactus in a coarse, humus-rich soil in a partly shaded tree crotch or rock crevice. In colder climates, grow it in a porous, highly organic, non-alkaline potting medium (such as a bark mix) in filtered or partial sunlight. From late spring to fall, water and fertilize freely, but water more sparingly in winter. It's an excellent plant for hanging moss baskets or large clay pots.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 9
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m
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Width
2'-6' / 0.6m - 1.8m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Late Winter
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Native To
Brazil
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Arching/Fountain-shaped
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
