New growth on a Fishbone Cactus can sometimes appear straggly and thin, especially when it is not receiving enough light. When the cactus is kept in less than ideal light conditions, the new stems that emerge may be weak and elongated, lacking the fullness and robustness of healthy growth. The stems may appear pale and elongated, with fewer leaves or smaller leaf segments compared to a well-lit specimen.
In my personal experience, I have seen Fishbone Cacti kept in low light conditions develop thin and elongated growth. The stems can become leggy and may start to flop over due to lack of support. The overall appearance of the plant becomes less compact and bushy, and the growth can look rather sparse and weak.
One way to address this issue is by improving the lighting conditions for the Fishbone Cactus. These cacti are native to tropical rainforests where they are accustomed to shaded and indirect light. However, they still require a moderate amount of bright, filtered light to thrive. Placing the cactus near a window with indirect sunlight or using artificial grow lights can help provide the necessary light intensity for healthy growth.
Trimming back the thin and straggly growth is another effective method to encourage the development of new stems. When pruning, it is best to make clean cuts just above a leaf node or joint. This will promote branching and encourage the growth of new stems from that point. In my experience, after trimming back the thin growth, the cactus often responds by producing two new stems from where I made the cut. This helps to create a fuller and more compact appearance.
It is important to note that Fishbone Cacti are slow-growing plants, so it may take some time to see the results of improved lighting and pruning. However, with patience and proper care, the cactus will gradually develop healthier and more robust growth.
The new growth on a Fishbone Cactus kept in less than ideal light conditions may appear straggly and thin. To address this issue, it is recommended to improve the lighting and trim back the thin growth. With proper care and patience, the cactus will eventually develop fuller and more compact growth, resembling its natural jungle-dwelling habitat.
