Rare Low Maintenance Cactus
Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light)
Below Average Watering Needs
Mature Height 24 inches
Pet Safe

Ric Rac Cactus, also known by the common names Fishbone Cactus or Orchid Cactus, is not a true cactus. This epiphytic rainforest plant has modified leaves, like a cactus, which require high humidity levels and low light in their native Mexico homes. Ric Rac Cactus is mainly grown for the long, zig-zag leaves, but when this plant is mature and under the right conditions, it will bloom with one of the showiest flowers of any houseplant.

Best Locations For Growing Ric Rac Cactus

Ric Rac Cactus likes to stretch out and hang in a bright, warm room with high humidity. A humidifier is not necessary, although a daily mist with water will keep the air humidity around this cactus high. Fine hairs on the leaves can be irritating, making this plant not a great choice for a child’s room.

Ric Rac Cactus Sunlight Requirements

This rainforest epiphyte grows as an understory plant in the wild with dappled sun and semi-shade. In the home, Ric Rac Cactus grows best in indirect bright and medium light. Leaves will grow thinner and slower if the light levels are too low. Letting Ric Rac Cactus live outdoors during the summer may help the plant bloom. Always give the plant a shady location with either dappled sun or early morning sun.

Ric Rac Cactus Care

Ric Rac Cactus thrives in temperatures between 68-80 degrees F. Bring your plant inside before nighttime temperatures dip bellow 50 F. Use an indoor potting mix and add perlite and fine orchid bark to make the soil rich and free draining. The roots may begin to grow out of the drainage holes to let you know it is time for a pot 1-2 sizes bigger. Leaving the plants rootbound for a season may encourage flowering. Repotting will be needed every 2-3 years.

Watering Ric Rac Cactus

Watering this cactus is very different from a true desert cactus. Ric Rac Cactus will require regular watering, like other tropical houseplants. The top 2-3 inches of soil should be left to dry out in between waterings. Watering may be required much less during the winter when the plant enters a semi-dormant rest period. Always use room temperature water. Cold water will shock the roots. Water with either rainwater or tap water that has been left to sit for 24 hours. This will dissipate any chlorine or other chemicals used in treating municipal water.

Feeding Ric Rac Cactus

Fertilize this plant once in the spring as it comes out of winter dormancy. A liquid fertilizer formulated for cactus or succulents will assist with good root formation and green foliage. Feeding Ric Rac Cactus with a liquid Orchid fertilizer once a month during the summer may help it to form flower buds in the late summer or early fall.

Ric Rac Cactus Information

Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light

Care Requirements: Easy

Watering Requirements: Below Average - Let the soil dry completely, then, water deeply.

Pet Friendly: Yes

Kid Friendly: Yes

Air Purifier: High

Habit: Upright

Growth Rate: Fast

Mature Height: 24 inches

Mature Spread: 2 inches

Flowering: Yes

Flower Color(s): Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, White, Yellow

Flower Shade/Description: Pink, Red, White, Yellow, Orange, or Purple

Fragrant:

Foliage Type:

Foliage Color(s): Green

Foliage Description: Dark Green

Temperature: 60° - 65°F (16° - 18°C)

Humidity: Average (40% - 60%)

Common Name: Ric Rac Cactus

Other Name(s): Zig Zag, Fishbone

Scientific Name: Cryptocereus anthonyanus

Plant Type: House Plant

SKU:: Epiphyllum_Ric.Rac.Cactus-HP

Container Sizes

Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

For more detailed information, please click here.

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping

Standard Colors: 2-3 business days

Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice

Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations

Plant Shipping

Time of Order:

Summer Shipping

If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.

We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location

Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.

It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.

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Ric Rac Cactus