Ric Rac Cactus: 7 Essential Tips For Thriving Fishbone Cactus
Show off this tropical cactus’s striking zigzag foliage with care-focused techniques.
Gardening 101: Ric Rac Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger)
The Ric Rac Cactus, also known as Fishbone Cactus, Zigzag Cactus or Epiphyllum anguliger, is an intriguing tropical cactus loved for its deeply lobed, architectural stems and ease of care. With its bold, zigzag shape and tropical origins, it stands out among houseplants, thriving on neglect yet delivering striking foliage and the occasional stunning, fragrant, night-blooming flower.
Table of Contents
- What Is Ric Rac Cactus?
- Ric Rac Cactus At-A-Glance
- Origins and Botanical Background
- Design and Use Ideas
- How to Grow Ric Rac Cactus
- Ric Rac Cactus Care Guide
- Troubleshooting & Tips
- Propagation Techniques
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is Ric Rac Cactus?
The Ric Rac Cactus is an epiphytic rainforest cactus, prized for its wavy, leaf-like stems that resemble both fishbones and the decorative trim used in sewing known as âric-rac.â Despite its common name, this plant is not a typical spiny cactus but a lush, tropical species found clinging to trees in the humid forests of southern Mexico.
- Botanical Name: Epiphyllum anguliger
- Other Names: Fishbone cactus, Zigzag cactus, Ric Rac orchid cactus
- Family: Cactaceae (cactus family)
- Distinctive Features: Deeply lobed, flat stems; trailing or cascading growth; occasional fragrant, night-blooming flowers
- Type: Epiphytic perennial (grows on trees, not in soil in the wild)
Ric Rac Cactus At-a-Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Light Needs | Bright, indirect light |
| Watering | Allow top 1-2″ soil to dry between waterings |
| Humidity | Moderate to high |
| Temperature | Above 50°F (10°C); best 60â80°F (16â27°C) |
| Pet Safe? | Non-toxic to pets |
| Bloom | Large, fragrant, night-blooming flowers (rare indoors) |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings |
Origins and Botanical Background
Epiphyllum anguliger is native to the humid tropical forests of southern Mexico, where it grows as an epiphyte, anchoring itself on tree branches. In its wild environment, it receives filtered sunlight, regular rainfall, and ample humidity. Unlike desert cacti, the Ric Rac Cactus rarely touches the ground and relies on the humid air and organic debris for nutrients. This adaptation makes it dramatically different from its spiny, arid relatives in the cactus family, placing it more in line with plants like the Christmas Cactus and Orchid Cactus.
Design and Use Ideas
The Ric Rac Cactus’s flowing, zigzag stems are its main decorative asset, and the plant excels in a variety of locations and displays:
- Ideal for hanging baskets where its stems can cascade elegantly
- Perfect on shelves or high ledges for a dramatic, trailing effect
- Adds sculptural, architectural interest to modern interiors and minimal spaces
- Looks stunning in groupings with other tropical or epiphytic houseplants
- Safe for homes with pets and children due to its non-toxic nature
Combine Ric Rac Cactus with pots of different heights, trailing pothos, or orchids for a rainforest-inspired indoor garden. Its playful silhouette adds energy to every collection.
How to Grow Ric Rac Cactus
Growing Ric Rac Cactus successfully begins with providing the plant what it receives in nature: filtered sunlight, light and airy soil, and consistent but moderate moisture.
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Lighting
- Bright, indirect light is ideal; direct sun (especially afternoon rays) will scorch the stems
- Prefers east or north-facing windows, or several feet from a bright south or west window
Soil
- Requires a well-draining, chunky, airy soil mix
- Ideal mix: one part cactus soil, one part orchid bark, one part perlite or coarse sand
- Good drainage is vital to prevent root rot
Watering
- Water when the top 1â2 inches of soil are dry
- Reduce watering in winter when growth slows
- Never let the pot sit in standing water; empty saucers after watering
Humidity
- Appreciates moderate to high humidity, but grows well in normal household levels
- To boost humidity, group with other plants or use a pebble tray
Temperature
- Thrives in temps between 60â80°F (16â27°C)
- Protect from temperatures below 50°F (10°C)
- Not frost-tolerantâmove indoors if grown outside seasonally
Fertilizing
- Feed with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 4â6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
- Too much fertilizer can reduce flowering and cause weak growth
Growth & Repotting
- Ric Rac Cactus grows rapidly in ideal conditions, with stems reaching up to 2â3 feet (60â90 cm)
- Often content to stay a bit rootbound; only repot every 1â2 years or when growth slows dramatically
- Repot in early spring, moving up just one pot size with fresh, airy soil
Flowering
- Mature plants can develop large, creamy white or pale yellow, night-blooming flowers, typically in late summer to fall
- Blooms are infrequent indoors but spectacular if achievedâintensely fragrant and open at night
- Induce flowering by providing cool, dry resting period in winter
Ric Rac Cactus Care Guide
Follow these best practices for a healthy, fast-growing plant with vibrant, sculptural foliage:
- Place in bright, filtered light and protect from direct midday sun
- Keep soil lightly moist, allowing for moderate drying between waterings
- Use a hanging pot or elevated shelf to showcase its cascading habit
- Prune stems to encourage branching or control length; use sharp, sterile scissors
- Watch for signs of stress: wrinkled stems (needs water), translucent or mushy spots (overwatered)
- Wipe stems occasionally to remove dust and pests
Ric Rac Cactus Care Table
| Need | Recommended Practice |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect |
| Soil | Chunky, free-draining, rich in organic matter |
| Water | When top inch is dry; reduce in winter |
| Fertilizer | Dilute liquid feed in active growth months |
| Pruning | Trim stems to shape or propagate |
| Humidity | Mediumâhigh, but tolerant |
| Repotting | Every 1â2 years or if rootbound |
Troubleshooting & Tips
- Wrinkled, dry stems: Usually a sign the plant is thirsty.
- Yellowing or limp stems: Often caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
- No flowers: Common indoorsâneeds maturity, a cool dry rest in winter, and plenty of indirect light.
- Brown, corky stems at base: A normal sign of aging, especially on oldest stems.
- Check for pests such as mealybugs or spider mites if growth seems stunted; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Propagation Techniques
Ric Rac Cactus is easily propagated with stem cuttingsâa great way to share plants with friends or expand your collection.
- Choose a healthy stem: Use clean scissors to cut a segment 4â8 inches long.
- Let it callus: Set the cutting aside for 1â3 days to dry at the cut end.
- Rooting: Place the callused end in barely moist, airy potting mix or perlite. Keep warm, with bright, indirect light, and maintain light humidity.
- Transplant: Roots develop within a few weeks; then replant into regular soil mix and water lightly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Ric Rac Cactus safe for pets?
Yes, it’s considered non-toxic and pet-friendlyâideal for homes with cats and dogs.
Does Ric Rac Cactus grow flowers indoors?
Occasionally, mature plants grown in bright conditions may reward you with stunning, fragrant, night-blooming flowers, but blooms are rare for most indoor growers.
Should I mist my Ric Rac Cactus?
Misting can slightly improve humidity but is not essential. The plant tolerates average indoor humidity but will look lusher with higher humidity.
How often do I repot Ric Rac Cactus?
Repot every 1â2 years or when roots outgrow the container. Use a well-draining, airy potting mix.
What should I do if I see brown, woody stems at the base?
This is a normal part of the plant maturing and is not a cause for concern, as long as the remainder of the stem looks healthy.
Where is the best place to buy Ric Rac Cactus?
Check with local nurseries, specialized houseplant shops, or reputable online plant retailers, especially during warmer months to avoid cold damage in transit.
References
- https://succulentsbox.com/blogs/blog/blog-how-to-care-for-ric-rac-cactus-fire
- https://www.bybrittanygoldwyn.com/ric-rac-cactus-care/
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/epiphyllum-anguliger-fishbone-cactus-grow-care-guide
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD93TsyoWbk
- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/gardening-101-ric-rac-cactus-gardenista–42010209014746750/
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