How to Propagate a Ric Rac Cactus

With its zig-zag-shaped stems and easy-care nature, we will learn How to Propagate a Ric Rac Cactus (also known as the fishbone cactus) has become a popular houseplant. One of the great things about this cascading succulent is that it’s easy to propagate, allowing you to multiply your plant collection for free!

What is a Ric Rac Cactus?

The ric rac cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger) is a trailing epiphytic cactus native to the jungles of Central America. It’s known for its flattened, segmented green stems that grow in a zig-zag pattern. When mature, it produces gorgeous, fragrant white flowers that bloom at night.

Benefits of Propagating a Ric Rac Cactus

Propagating a ric rac cactus has many benefits:

• Free plants – You can increase your plant collection at no cost by growing new plants from cuttings of your existing ric rac cactus. This allows you to get more plants without having to buy them.
• Contain growth – Ric rac cactus can grow long and take over indoor space. Propagating trimmed offshoots and cuttings helps keep the mother plant a more contained size and shape.
• Share with friends – The ric rac cactus babies you propagate make great gifts for fellow gardening friends and plant lovers. Sharing cuttings is an easy way to spread the joy of this unique cactus.
• Preserve genetics – Propagating maintains the genetic lineages of a parent plant you love. The babies will be clones and grow to look just like the parent.
• Prevent overcrowding – Pruning overcrowded stems and propagating them prevents the ric rac cactus from becoming too dense and congested over time.
• Create new decorative arrangements – The long, zig-zag shaped cuttings root readily and can be used to create attractive displays in pots, hanging baskets, and vertical gardens.
• Enjoy the satisfaction – Propagating your own plants is rewarding and fun. It’s exciting to watch your cuttings develop roots and grow into full new plants.

Methods for Propagating a Ric Rac Cactus

There are a few different methods you can use to propagate a ric rac cactus:

Propagation by Cuttings

• Take 5-6 inch cuttings from the stems of a mature, healthy ric rac cactus plant. Select segments that are firm and do not have flowers or fruits on them.
• Use a clean, sharp knife or pair of scissors to detach the stem segments. Make a straight cut rather than tearing.
• Allow the cut ends to dry out and callous over for a few days before planting. This helps prevent rotting.
• Once calloused, the cuttings can be rooted in either water or directly in soil. Rooting in water lets you observe the root growth.
• Place the cuttings in small containers filled with a well-draining potting mix made for cacti and succulents if rooting in soil.
• Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Allow the cuttings to establish a good root system over 4-6 weeks.
• Once the cutting has developed roots about 1-2 inches long, it can be transplanted into a regular potting mix in a container.
• Propagating by cuttings is relatively fast and easy. And it allows you to multiply your ric rac cactus without having to buy new plants!

Propagation in Water

1. Select a healthy parent plant and use sterilized shears or a knife to take 5-6 inch stem cuttings.
2. Trim the bottom of the cutting at an angle using a clean blade. This provides more surface area for roots to emerge.
3. Remove any flowers, buds or fruit from the cutting. Also trim off any damaged parts.
4. Allow the cut end to callous over for 2-3 days before rooting in water.
5. Fill a small glass or jar with room-temperature water. Add a drop of mild dish soap (optional).
6. Place the cutting in the water so the cut end is submerged but leaves remain above the waterline.
7. Put the container in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. Some options are a south or west-facing windowsill or under a grow light.
8. Maintain water level in the jar and change the water every 5-7 days to prevent rotting.
9. Roots will begin emerging from the cut end in approximately 3-6 weeks. Look for 1-2 inches of healthy white roots.
10. Once well rooted, transplant the young ric rac cactus into a container filled with fast draining cactus/succulent soil.
11. Allow it to establish for 2 weeks before resuming normal watering. Provide plenty of light for your new plant!

Propagation in Soil

1. Take 5-6 inch stem cuttings from a healthy mother plant using a clean, sharp knife or shears.
2. Trim off any flowers, buds, or fruits. Make a angled cut at the bottom of the cutting.
3. Allow the cut end to callous over for 2-3 days before planting.
4. Fill small pots with a well-draining cactus/succulent soil mix. Commercial mixes or your own blend work.
5. Plant the cuttings in the soil, angled end down. Push them down gently until the soil covers the cut portion.
6. Water lightly until the soil is just moist but not sopping wet.
7. Place the pots in a warm area with bright, indirect light. Cover with plastic to maintain humidity.
8. Check soil moisture every 2-3 days. Water just enough to keep the soil mildly moist but not soaked.
9. New roots will begin growing in 4-6 weeks. Wait until the roots are 1-2 inches long before transplanting.
10. Transplant into a container with fresh cactus/succulent mix. Allow it to establish for 2 weeks before regular watering.
11. Provide plenty of indirect sunlight for your newly propagated ric rac cactus to encourage growth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating a Ric Rac Cactus

Follow these simple steps for propagating ric rac cactus cuttings:

Choose a Healthy Mother Plant and Get Cuttings

Select a vigorous, established ric rac cactus plant. Use sharp, sterilized shears or a knife to take 5-6 inch stem cuttings. Choose segments that are firm and don’t have flowers or fruit.

Prepare the Cutting

Use a clean knife or shears to cut the segment from the mother plant. Trim off any flowers or fruit and trim the bottom of the cutting at an angle. This increases the surface area for roots to emerge.

Root in Water or Soil

Place the cutting in a glass of water or into a small pot filled with well-draining cactus/succulent soil. Set it in a warm area with bright, indirect light.

Transplant the New Plant

Once the cutting has developed a robust root system about 1-2 inches long, transplant it into a pot with soil. Water lightly and place in bright light.

Care for Your New Ric Rac Cactus

Let the transplanted cutting establish for about 2 weeks before resuming normal watering. Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during spring and summer. Provide plenty of light to encourage growth.

Tips for Successful Propagation

Follow these tips to ensure your ric rac cactus cuttings root successfully:

Use a Sharp, Clean Blade

Using a dull blade that crushes stems will make cuttings susceptible to rot. Always sterilize shears in rubbing alcohol between cuts.

Allow Cuttings to Callous

Let cut ends dry and callous over for a few days before planting. This prevents stem rot from too much moisture.

Maintain Humidity and Bright Light

Rooting the cuttings in a propagation box or bag keeps humidity high. Provide bright, indirect light to encourage new growth.

Avoid Overwatering

Water just enough to keep the soil lightly moist. Soaking it will lead to rot before roots form.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common propagation problems and how to fix them:

Cuttings Not Rooting

Increase humidity, bright light exposure, and soil moisture. Change water frequently if rooting in water. Consider using rooting hormone.

Cutting Rot

Allow cut ends to fully callous before planting. Use sterile tools. Water less. Improve drainage in rooting medium.

Leggy Growth

Give the cutting more light exposure. Once rooted, transplant into a brighter location or use a grow light.

Conclusion

With a bit of patience and proper care, propagating a ric rac cactus from stem cuttings is easy and rewarding. In a few short weeks, you’ll have cute baby ric rac plants to add to your collection or share. Enjoy watching your new plants flourish!