Cactaceae
Ric Rac Cactus Care Guide
Selenicereus anthonyanus
Give it bright, indirect light, water when the top of the soil dries out, and keep humidity elevated. Use a fast-draining, bark-based mix and avoid letting it sit in soggy soil.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
10° - 24°C
50% - 60%
Categories
What is Ric Rac Cactus?
Ric Rac Cactus (Selenicereus anthonyanus) is a easy-care plant from the Cactaceae family. The ric rac cactus (Selenicereus anthonyanus) is an epiphytic jungle cactus native to the tropical forests of Chiapas, Mexico. Its flattened, deeply lobed stems zigzag like a fish skeleton -- earning it the nickname "fishbone cactus" -- making it a striking trailing or climbing houseplant. Unlike de...
Ric Rac Cactus grows up to 1.5m, spread of 60cm, watering every 7 days, 10°C â 24°C, 50â60% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Ric Rac Cactus tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Ric Rac Cactus is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Ric Rac Cactus?
TLDR: Ric Rac Cactus needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 10-24°C with 50-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Ric Rac Cactus?
Water thoroughly when the top 2-5cm of soil is dry, roughly once a week in warm weather and less often in winter; never let the pot sit in standing water.
How Much Light Does Ric Rac Cactus Need?
Place in bright, indirect light such as a few feet from an east or north-facing window; avoid harsh midday sun, which can scorch the flat stems.
What Is the Best Soil for Ric Rac Cactus?
Pot in a chunky, fast-draining mix of orchid bark, perlite and potting soil to mimic its epiphytic, rainforest habitat.
What Pot Should You Use for Ric Rac Cactus?
A hanging basket or shallow pot with generous drainage holes works best, since this cactus grows as a trailing epiphyte.
Care Schedule
Misting
Every 3 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Ric Rac Cactus and Where Does It Come From?
The ric rac cactus (Selenicereus anthonyanus) is an epiphytic jungle cactus native to the tropical forests of Chiapas, Mexico. Its flattened, deeply lobed stems zigzag like a fish skeleton -- earning it the nickname "fishbone cactus" -- making it a striking trailing or climbing houseplant. Unlike desert cacti, it thrives in humid, shaded conditions and produces large, fragrant flowers that open for a single night.
How to Propagate Ric Rac Cactus?
Stem cutting
Avoid overwatering the cutting before roots develop, as it is prone to rot.
- 1 Cut a healthy stem segment 10-15cm long using clean, sharp scissors.
- 2 Let the cutting callus over in a dry, shaded spot for 2-3 days.
- 3 Insert the callused end into a well-draining cactus mix.
- 4 Keep the soil lightly moist and place in bright, indirect light until roots form.
Materials needed:
Air layering
Keep the moss consistently moist but not soggy throughout the process.
- 1 Wrap moist sphagnum moss around a node on a healthy stem.
- 2 Cover the moss with plastic wrap to retain moisture.
- 3 Wait until roots are visible through the moss.
- 4 Cut the rooted segment below the new roots and pot it separately.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Ric Rac Cactus Grow?
TLDR: Ric Rac Cactus can reach up to 1.5m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
1.5m
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Ric Rac Cactus?
TLDR: Ric Rac Cactus is susceptible to 9 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Overwatering
Overwatering occurs when plants receive too much water, depriving roots of oxygen and causing root rot. This environmental stress is one of the most common causes of houseplant death, as waterlogged soil prevents roots from breathing and functioning properly.
Underwatering
Underwatering or drought stress is a physiological disorder that occurs when the amount of water a plant loses through transpiration exceeds the amount its roots can absorb from the soil. This leads to cellular dehydration and various visible symptoms that can compromise plant health and productivity.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Meaning & Symbolism
With its zigzag stems and rare, single-night blooms, the ric rac cactus is often seen as a symbol of resilience and fleeting beauty.
Fun Facts
Its flowers can open for just one night and are intensely fragrant.
Despite being a cactus, it grows naturally as an epiphyte in tree canopies, not in desert sand.
Its zigzag-shaped stems, which give it its name, also earned it the nickname "fishbone cactus," since they resemble a fish skeleton.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my ric rac cactus?
Does the ric rac cactus need direct sunlight?
Why won't my ric rac cactus bloom?
Is the ric rac cactus toxic to pets?
What is the best soil for a ric rac cactus?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | â |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | â |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | â |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | â |
