Ric Rac Cactus Care

The ric rac cactus, also known as the fishbone cactus or zig zag cactus, is a popular houseplant known for its unique, segmented growth pattern. With the right care, this low-maintenance succulent can thrive indoors. Here is everything you need to know about growing healthy ric rac cactus plants.

What is a Ric Rac Cactus?

The ric rac cactus is a type of epiphyllum cactus and is native to the jungles of South America. Its scientific name is Epiphyllum anguliger. Some other common names for this plant include orchid cactus, fishbone cactus, zig zag cactus, and rik rak cactus. It is an epiphytic cactus, meaning it grows on trees or rocks rather than in soil.

Ric Rac Cactus Appearance

The most striking feature of the ric rac cactus is its zig-zag shaped stems.

Stems and Growth Pattern

The stems are comprised of flattened segments that grow in a zig-zag pattern, resembling a fishbone. New stem segments emerge from the sides of existing segments. As the plant matures, long chains of oval-shaped segments trail downward, sometimes reaching several feet in length.

Leaves

True to the cactus family, ric rac cactus does not have any leaves. The green, flattened stems carry out photosynthesis and act as the foliage of the plant. They are smooth and leathery in texture.

Flowers

If growing conditions are optimal, ric rac cactus will produce colorful flowers in the late spring or summer. The blooms are tubular-shaped and may be red, pink, orange, yellow or white. They open up at night and last for only one evening.

Caring for ric rac cactus is relatively simple since they adapt well to indoor environments. Here are the key aspects of ric rac cactus care:

Light Requirements

The ric rac cactus needs plenty of bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. As a tropical jungle cactus, it evolved to grow under the canopy of trees where it receives dappled sunlight filtering through.

Direct hot sunlight can scorch the flattened stems of this cactus and cause discoloration or burning. That’s why it does best in an east or west-facing window where the sunlight is less intense.

South-facing windows can work as well, provided the light is diffused through sheer curtains or some other filtering system. Otherwise, the direct midday sun in a south-facing exposure may be too strong.

In terms of hours of light per day, aim for at least 4 hours of bright indirect sun. More is better to encourage healthy growth and flowering. If you don’t have an ideal window location, you can supplement natural sunlight with grow lights. Use full spectrum fluorescent or LED grow lights for 12-14 hours per day.

Light is crucial for the ric rac cactus because it powers photosynthesis. Without enough light, growth will be stunted and leggy. Insufficient light also inhibits flower production.

Monitor your plant’s growth habits and move it to a sunnier location if you notice weak, spindly growth. The segments should be full, robust, and vivid green when getting appropriate sunlight. Rotating the pot weekly can help prevent one-sided growth leaning toward the light source.

Watering

Ric rac cactus should only be watered after the soil has completely dried out. Test with your finger or use a skewer to check the soil moisture in the center and bottom of the pot.
While actively growing in spring and summer, it may need water every 2-3 weeks. In fall and winter during dormancy, this extends to 4-5 weeks between waterings.
When watering, thoroughly drench the soil until water drains freely from the drainage holes at the bottom. This ensures it penetrates the entire root zone.
Allow any excess water to drain completely from the drainage tray afterwards. Never allow the pot to sit in standing water, as ric rac cactus is prone to root rot if overwatered.
The plant will show visible signs of needing water by slightly wrinkling, puckering and deflating. The segments will look shriveled and limp rather than plump.
Watering in the morning allows excess moisture on the stems to dry over the day, preventing disease issues.
In their native jungle habitat, rainfall provides moisture. Indoors, careful watering by hand when the soil dries maintains the needed hydration.
Take care not to overwater, as soggy soil leads to fungal and bacterial rots. Err on the side of underwatering which is safer than overwatering.

Soil

Ric rac cactus needs a very well-draining soil. Regular potting mix will retain too much moisture leading to rot and root disease.
The ideal soil has ingredients like coarse sand, perlite, pumice, or small gravel mixed in. These add air pockets and allow water to drain quickly.
A specialty cactus and succulent soil mix is recommended. You can find these pre-mixed potting soils at most gardening stores.
You can also create your own cactus mix using equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, perlite, and orchid bark or charcoal.
Make sure any bagged soil does not contain moisture-retaining peat or coco coir. Read ingredients to ensure it is very porous and fast-draining.
Adding extra perlite or gravel to a cactus mix will further enhance drainage and aeration if the plant will be in high humidity.
Soil should dry out within 5-7 days after watering. If it remains wet longer, the soil is too dense and heavy.
Re-potting annually in fresh soil will prevent salts and fertilizer residues from building up over time.
Shallow pots work better than deep pots, as roots receive ample air circulation in a shallow soil base.

Temperature and Humidity

Temperature – Ric rac cactus prefers average room temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). It does not tolerate frost or freezing.
Cooler temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can slow growth and inhibit flowering. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 90°F (32°C) can cause scorching.
Keep it away from cold drafts from windows or doors which can damage the flattened stems. Stable temperatures are best.
During the winter when not actively growing, temperatures at the cooler end of the range around 65°F are tolerable.
Humidity – High humidity is not essential for ric rac cactus, but moderate humidity 40-60% can benefit the plant.
They grow naturally as epiphytes in tropical jungle environments with natural humidity. But also tolerate the lower humidity found indoors.
Use a humidifier nearby or place the pot on a pebble tray with water to boost moisture levels.
Misting the leaves once or twice a week will also increase humidity temporarily. Allow the leaves to dry within a few hours to prevent disease.
Ensure the soil drains well and do not overwater, as excess moisture can lead to rot in humid conditions.

Fertilizer

Ric rac cactus should be fertilized during the active growing season in spring and summer. Fertilizing is not necessary in fall and winter when the plant is dormant.
Use a balanced, water-soluble cactus or succulent fertilizer. Look for a formula designed specifically for cacti and succulents.
Dilute the fertilizer concentration to half or quarter strength. Full strength fertilizer can burn the roots of this sensitive plant.
Fertilize monthly or biweekly while actively growing. Do not fertilize if the plant is stressed or recently repotted.
When watering with fertilizer, do it thoroughly to wash the fertilizer salts down into the soil. This prevents salt buildup.
Excess fertilizer can cause leaf tip burn, especially with full strength applications.
Alternate fertilizing with regular clear waterings to flush out any accumulated salts.
In winter, you can fertilize very lightly once a month if desired. But fertilizer is not crucial during resting periods.
Natural organic fertilizers like compost tea, worm castings, or bat guano can also provide nutrition without risk of burn.

Pruning

Pruning is not strictly necessary for ric rac cactus, but can be done to control size and shape.
Use a clean, sterilized pair of pruning shears or scissors to make cuts. Sterilize tools with isopropyl alcohol between cuts to prevent disease transmission.
Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased segments first whenever you notice them.
Healthy segments can be trimmed back to just above a junction or joint if the plant is becoming too large or leggy.
Take care not to damage any healthy parts you want to keep. Make cuts cleanly without crushing stems.
The plant will not regrow from a cut segment, but new segments may branch off existing joints.
Allow cut surfaces to dry and callous over for a few days before watering to prevent infection and rot.
Pruning segments makes them ideal for propagation! Just let cuts callous over then root in dry soil.
Prune in late winter or early spring as growth resumes. Avoid pruning after September to prevent new growth susceptible to cold damage.
Never prune more than 1/3 of the plant at one time to avoid stressing it excessively.

Propagation

Here is a step-by-step guide to propagating ric rac cactus from cuttings:

Supplies Needed:

Clean, sharp scissors or knife
Cutting of an existing stem segment
Container with dry cactus/succulent soil mix

Step 1) Use sterile scissors or knife to cut off a stem segment around 3-5 inches long. Cut just above a joint or areole where new growth emerges.

Step 2) Allow the cut end to dry out and callous over for 2-4 days. Place cutting on a dry surface out of direct sun during this time.

Step 3) Prepare a small container with cactus/succulent potting mix. Make sure the soil drains well.

Step 4) Stick the dried, calloused end of the segment 2-3 inches deep into the soil. Press soil gently around the stem.

Step 5) Do not water the cutting right away. Keep the soil dry for 1-2 weeks to allow new roots to initiate.

Step 6) After 1-2 weeks, begin watering sparingly just to moisten the soil. Avoid saturating it.

Step 7) New growth will begin emerging in 2-3 weeks as the segment takes root.

Step 8) Gradually increase watering as the cutting establishes over 2-3 months. Fertilize lightly once new growth is vigorous.

Step 9) Transplant into a larger container once the cutting is well-rooted and actively growing.

Repotting

Repot during the spring every 2-3 years or when the roots have filled the current container.
Choose a pot only 1-2 inches larger than the current size. Avoid overpotting in too large a container.
Use a pot with drainage holes and a cactus/succulent soil mix.
Water the plant well 1-2 days before repotting to hydrate it.
Carefully remove from current pot and loosen the root ball. Trim any dead or circled roots.
Place some soil in the bottom of the new pot. Set the plant in and fill around it with more soil.
Make sure the base of the plant sits just a bit above the soil line, not buried too deep.
Firm the soil gently around the roots but do not pack it tightly. Leave some looseness.
Water sparingly after repotting, just to settle the soil. Avoid fertilizing for a few weeks.
Stake larger plants for support if needed while they reestablish roots.
Repotting can stress the plant, so allow it to recover in shaded light before resuming full sun exposure.
Monitor for signs of transplant shock like drooping. Hold off repotting if the plant is already stressed.

Pest and Disease Control

Mealybugs and scale insects are common ric rac cactus pests. Check crevices in stems for small white bugs.
Treat mealybugs and scale with insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays. Repeat applications may be needed.
Spider mites can infest and cause stippling damage. Knock them off with a strong spray of water or use miticides.
Ensure good air circulation and avoid overcrowding to limit pests.
Overwatering leads to fungal issues like root, stem, or base rot. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
If rot occurs, prune off affected parts and repot in fresh, dry soil. Discard diseased plants to prevent spreading.
Prevent bacterial and fungal problems by sterilizing shears before pruning and allowing cut surfaces to callous over.
Avoid water on leaves and maintain moderate indoor humidity between 40-60% maximum.
Repot annually in fresh soil and clean pots to prevent disease carryover.
Remove fallen leaves and debris to eliminate hiding places for pests.

Tips for Growing Ric Rac Cactus

Provide very bright, indirect light for at least 4 hours per day. Supplement with grow lights if needed.
Allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. Never let it sit in moisture.
Use sharp, sterile scissors to prune off dead or damaged segments. Make clean cuts.
Mist the stems and leaves periodically to boost humidity around the plant.
Inspect closely for small pests like mealybugs that can hide in stem crevices.
Avoid frequent repotting which can disrupt the roots. Repot only when severely rootbound.
Rotate the pot periodically to encourage even, upright growth, not just leaning toward light.
Pinch off flower buds the first year to promote vegetative growth if plant is still small.
Propagate new plants easily from cut sections of stems. Just wait for callusing and root!
Keep it away from cold drafts and heating vents that may dry the air excessively.
Let the soil dry out completely between thorough waterings for the healthiest growth.
Wipe leaves periodically with a damp cloth to keep dust free and optimize light absorption.

Common Problems with Ric Rac Cactus

Wrinkled, deflated stems indicate underwatering.
Overwatering causes soft rot and fungal issues.
Lack of flowers may be from insufficient sunlight.
Mealybugs, scale and mites suck nutrients from the plant.
Damaged segments from improper pruning will not heal.

FAQs

What type of cactus is a ric rac cactus?

The ric rac cactus is an epiphyllum cactus, part of a genus of tropical cacti that grow as epiphytes on trees and rocks. Their common name comes from their distinctive zig-zag stems.

Why is my ric rac cactus not flowering?

Lack of sunlight is the most common reason for a ric rac cactus not flowering. Provide very bright, indirect light for several hours per day to encourage blooming. Mature, well-established plants flower more readily than younger specimens.

How often should you water a ric rac cactus?

Ric rac cactus should be watered only after the soil has completely dried out, which may be every 2-3 weeks. The plant will signal its need for water by deflating and wrinkling slightly. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

What is the best soil for a ric rac cactus?

Use a potting mix made especially for cacti and succulents, containing ingredients like perlite, sand and grit for excellent drainage. You can also incorporate extra perlite or small pebbles to enhance aeration and prevent soil compaction.

Why are segments of my ric rac cactus turning brown?

If whole segments are turning brown and shriveling up, it is likely due to underwatering. Brown, shriveled tips can occur from sunburn if exposed to excessive direct sunlight. Damaged segments will need to be pruned off.