The Ric Rac Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger, also known as Fishbone Cactus or Zigzag Cactus) is a showstopping epiphytic cactus with deeply lobed, wavy stems that cascade beautifully from hanging baskets. Unlike desert cacti, it comes from the forest floor of Mexico and requires more humidity and indirect light than its spiny cousins. Bonus: it produces stunning fragrant blooms — and it’s pet friendly!
☀️ Light
As a forest cactus, the Ric Rac prefers bright indirect light rather than harsh direct sun.
- ✅ Best: Bright indirect light (east or north-facing window)
- ⚠️ Tolerable: Medium indirect light (slower growth)
- ❌ Avoid: Harsh direct afternoon sun, which can bleach and damage the stems
A few hours of gentle morning sun is fine and can encourage blooming.
💧 Watering
The Ric Rac Cactus needs more water than desert cacti but still hates soggy soil.
- Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry — typically every 1–2 weeks in spring/summer
- Reduce watering in fall and winter, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings
- Always use a pot with drainage holes — never let it sit in standing water
💦 Humidity
Being a forest cactus, the Ric Rac appreciates moderate to high humidity (50%+). Average household humidity is usually sufficient, but it will thrive with a pebble tray, humidifier, or occasional misting — especially in dry winter months.
🌡️ Temperature
Keep in temperatures between 60–85°F (15–29°C). Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F. Interestingly, a brief cool period in autumn (around 50–55°F) can help trigger blooming.
🪴 Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining mix with organic matter — a blend of cactus mix and orchid bark or perlite works well. Unlike desert cacti, it benefits from some moisture retention. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the root ball; it blooms best when slightly root-bound.
🌱 Fertilizing
Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer or a bloom-boosting fertilizer (higher phosphorus) to encourage flowering. Do not fertilize in fall and winter.
🌸 Getting It to Bloom
The Ric Rac Cactus produces large, fragrant, night-blooming flowers — but it needs the right conditions:
- Keep slightly root-bound
- Give it a cool, dry rest period in autumn (reduce watering, cooler temps)
- Provide bright indirect light year-round
- Be patient — mature plants bloom more readily than young ones
⚠️ Common Issues
- Mushy or rotting stems — overwatering or poor drainage; reduce watering immediately
- Shriveling stems — underwatering or too much direct sun
- Pale, washed-out color — too much direct sun; move to brighter indirect light
- No blooms — needs a cool dry rest period in autumn and to be slightly root-bound
💡 Pro Tips
- Grows beautifully in a hanging basket where the stems can cascade freely
- Stems can reach 2–3 feet long — give it room to trail
- Easily propagated from stem cuttings — let the cut end callous for a day before planting
🐾 Pet Safety
✅ Great news — the Ric Rac Cactus is non-toxic to cats and dogs and has no sharp spines, making it one of the safest cacti for pet-friendly homes!
🌿 Variety Care Specifics
- Ric Rac Cactus / Fishbone Cactus (Epiphyllum ‘Ric Rac’) — follows the general guide above. A single species; no major care variations between specimens.