Drunkard's Dream Hatiora salicornioides
ABOUT
Commonly known as the Drunkard's Dream or Bottle Cactus, this intriguing plant boasts a unique and distinctive appearance. It is a succulent with a bushy and spreading nature, characterized by its segmented, jointed stems that resemble a string of intricately interlocked bottles or bamboo. These stems are typically bright green, and may possess a swollen, bulbous look that contributes to its common name, as they can appear similar to bottles lined up in a row. The surface of the stems displays small bumps and notches rather than conventional leaves, which is common in the cactus family to which this plant belongs. Throughout the growing season, the stem tips can turn a reddish hue when exposed to high levels of sunlight, adding to its decorative appeal. Flowers on the plant are small and appear at the stem tips, looking like little red or yellow lanterns, which further enhance its visual interest. The bloom of the flowers offers a contrast to the green of the stems and occurs typically in the spring, adding a splash of color to the overall greenery. Overall, the Drunkard's Dream plant carries an exotic and whimsical aesthetic that can be quite eye-catching. Its resemblance to a tangled mass of miniature bottles makes it a popular choice for ornamental displays, and it thrives in conditions that mimic its natural habitat. As a low-maintenance plant, it is favored by many enthusiasts for both its unconventional look and its adaptability as a houseplant.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Drunkard's Dream, Bottle Cactus, Dancing Bones, Spice Cactus, Drunken Cactus
Common names
Rhipsalis salicornioides, Hariota bambusoides, Hariota salicornioides, Rhipsalis bambusoides, Cactus salicornioides
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as Drunkard's Dream (Hatiora salicornioides) is not considered toxic to humans. Therefore, there are typically no symptoms associated with ingesting this plant, and it is generally regarded as safe around humans. However, it is always advisable to avoid consuming any part of ornamental plants as a precaution.
To pets
The Drunkard's Dream (Hatiora salicornioides) is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. This means that if a pet ingests parts of this plant, there are usually no toxic effects, and they are unlikely to experience symptoms of poisoning. Nonetheless, pet owners should try to prevent pets from eating plants, as gastrointestinal upset can sometimes occur from ingesting plant material that is not part of their regular diet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Cactus
Hardiness zones
11
Native area
Brazil
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: Offers unique aesthetic value with its bottle-shaped stems and lush green appearance, adding visual interest to indoor spaces.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, making it ideal for people with busy lifestyles or those new to plant care.
- Drought Tolerant: Can survive periods of neglect due to its succulent nature, storing water within its stems.
- Small Space Friendly: Its compact size makes it suitable for small apartments, offices, or areas with limited space.
- Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs, which makes it safe to keep around pets.
- Mood Enhancer: Provides a calming presence and can contribute to reducing stress by adding a touch of nature to an indoor environment.
- Creative Uses: Versatile in use for terrariums, hanging baskets, or as part of a miniature garden composition.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hatiora salicornioides, commonly known as the Dancing Bones Cactus, can be used as a whimsical living addition to miniature gardens due to its unique, jointed appearance that resembles small, dancing figures.
- These cacti can be incorporated into jewelry or wearable art by creating tiny live plant pendants, taking advantage of their small size and sculptural form.
- The Dancing Bones Cactus may serve as an educational tool in botany classes, illustrating the diversity of Cactaceae growth forms and adaptation to drought.
- They can work as natural ornaments on driftwood or bark pieces in terrariums, adding a touch of desert beauty to enclosed ecosystems.
- Their intriguing shape and structure make them suitable as subjects for botanical illustration or photography, helping artists to explore plant forms.
- They can be used during festive seasons, particularly Halloween, as green 'skeletons' to add to the theme without using synthetic decorations.
- Because of its unique appearance, the Dancing Bones Cactus can inspire design elements in areas like fashion, where structure and texture are important.
- Can be used in crafting, for example by incorporating dried parts of the plant into homemade paper, creating textured and natural designs.
- Indirectly, they can contribute to the ambient sound in a quiet room as their small branches may gently tap against each other or the pot they are in when stirred by a breeze.
- For stop-motion animation or stage design in theater production, small specimens of Dancing Bones Cactus can be used to create or enhance a desert setting or alien landscape.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Drunkard's Dream is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Drunkard's Dream is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience and Adaptability: As a member of the cactus family, the Drunken Dream is often seen as a symbol of resilience and adaptability because of its ability to thrive in challenging environments, adjusting its water storage and retention capabilities.
- Renewal and Recovery: The Drunken Dream has the ability to bounce back and recover from periods of neglect or adverse conditions. This symbolizes the capacity for renewal and the promise of new growth in life.
- Unique Beauty: With its uncommon appearance resembling bottle-like segments, the Drunken Dream symbolizes the beauty in unconventionality and encourages embracing one's unique qualities.
- Healing: In some cultures, cacti, including the Drunken Dream, represent healing and protection due to their medicinal properties and tough, protective exteriors.
- Balancing Intensity with Playfulness: The plant's whimsical structure combined with its robust nature suggests finding a balance between intensity and playfulness in one's life.
WaterThe Drunkard's Dream should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Water it thoroughly until excess water drains out of the pot's bottom, which should be approximately every 1 to 2 weeks depending on the humidity and temperature of your environment. During its active growing season in spring and summer, it may need more frequent watering, about 8 to 16 ounces every week. In the fall and winter, reduce watering to every 2 to 3 weeks, making sure the plant doesn't sit in overly moist soil to prevent root rot.
LightThe Drunkard's Dream thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it near a window that receives plenty of natural light but is shielded from direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate branches. An east-facing or north-facing window is often a good spot for the Drunkard's Dream, as it provides the gentle light it enjoys.
TemperatureThe Drunkard's Dream prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F, which makes it well-suited for typical indoor conditions. It can survive short periods of temperatures as low as 50°F, but should not be exposed to temperatures below this as it could be damaging. Keep the plant away from drafts and drastic temperature changes to maintain its health and growth.
PruningPrune the Drunkard's Dream to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Pruning is best done in the spring before the new growth starts. Trim back leggy stems and remove any yellow or dead branches with clean, sharp scissors. Pruning every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season can help keep the plant looking its best.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Drunkard's Dream prefers a well-draining soil mix consisting of cactus potting mix, perlite, and peat moss, in equal parts, to emulate its natural habitat. A suitable pH level for this plant would be slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingDrunkard's Dream should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. It's best to repot in the spring or early summer when the plant is emerging from dormancy.
Humidity & MistingDrunkard's Dream thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 70%. Maintaining these levels can help mimic the humidity found in its natural tropical habitats.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Drunkard's Dream in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Grow Drunkard's Dream in dappled shade outdoors.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleHatiora salicornioides, commonly known as the "Dancing Bones" cactus, originates as a small seed that germinates in well-draining soil with warm temperatures and indirect light. After sprouting, it enters a juvenile stage where the stem segments begin to elongate and take on their characteristic bottle-shaped appearance. In its vegetative growth phase, the plant focuses energy on producing more stem segments and branching, becoming bushier over time. During its reproductive phase, typically in the spring, it produces small, yellow or orange flowers at the tips of its segments. After pollination, these flowers may develop into tiny, inedible berries containing seeds. Over many years, the Dancing Bones cactus can reach maturity and sustain a cycle of growth and reproduction, with individual plants potentially living for several decades under proper care.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Drunkard's Dream, or Hatiora salicornioides, is through stem cuttings. The best time to propagate this plant is during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate using stem cuttings, take a healthy stem that is about 2 to 3 inches long (5 to 7.5 centimeters) and allow the cut end to callous over for a few days. Once the end has formed a callous, insert the cut end into a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, and within a few weeks, the cutting should start to root. Provide bright, indirect sunlight and avoid any extreme temperatures to encourage successful rooting and growth.
