Nobody told you a cactus could do this. Instead of a spiky desert column, the ric rac cactus sends out flat, wavy stems that fold and zigzag like a ribbon someone pleated by hand. Put it in a hanging basket by a bright window and the stems arch, drop and drape, and the whole plant starts to look like a living garland.
It is also one of the friendliest plants we ship: forgiving, easy to share through cuttings, and surprisingly easy to style. Here is where it comes from, how to keep it happy, how to make more of it, and why it makes such a good gift.
Where the Ric Rac Cactus Comes From
The ric rac cactus is native to Mexico, where it grows high in the mountain forests on the Pacific side as an epiphyte, meaning it perches on tree branches instead of rooting in the ground. Its stems arch and trail through the canopy, catching dappled light and moisture from passing mist. That is the clue to almost everything about its care: this is a forest cactus, not a desert one.
The name trail is a little tangled. Botanists now place this plant in the genus Disocactus (Disocactus anguliger), though it is still often sold under its older name, Epiphyllum. You will also see it called fishbone cactus, zigzag cactus and, in some shops, ric rac or rick rack cactus. We list it as Epiphyllum ‘Ric Rac’ so it is easy to find.
One sidebar to save you confusion: a larger plant called Selenicereus anthonyanus, often named orchid cactus, is also sold as fishbone cactus. It is a different species. The table below shows how to tell them apart.
| Name you see | What it usually is | How to tell |
|---|---|---|
| Ric rac cactus | Disocactus anguliger (sold as Epiphyllum) | Narrower stems with shallow, wavy edges |
| Fishbone or zigzag cactus | Usually the same ric rac plant | Check the stem shape, not the label |
| Orchid cactus | Selenicereus anthonyanus | Wider stems, deeper notches, larger overall |
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Ric Rac Cactus Care in One Honest Page
Ric rac cactus care comes down to bright indirect light, an airy mix and restraint with the watering can. Treat it like a houseplant that happens to be a cactus, not like a desert succulent.
Light. Bright, indirect light keeps the stems firm and green. An east window is ideal, and a few feet back from a south or west window also works. Direct afternoon sun can scorch the flat stems.
Water. Water when the top half of the mix feels dry, then water thoroughly and let the pot drain. In winter, check weekly and expect to water less often. Never let the pot sit in standing water, since soggy roots are the most common way this plant declines. If you want a refresher on matching water to the season, our winter watering cheat sheet sorts plants by how they drink.
Mix and pot. Use a chunky, airy blend such as orchid bark with a little potting mix, in a pot with drainage holes. Forest cacti want air around their roots.
Temperature. Keep it above about 50°F and it will be comfortable in the 60s and 70s that most homes sit in. Keep it away from cold drafts and heating vents.
Food and humidity. A light feeding every other month in the growing season is plenty. Average home humidity is fine, and a little extra does not hurt.
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How to Propagate a Ric Rac Cactus
You can propagate a ric rac cactus from stem cuttings, and it is one of the easiest plants to share. Spring and summer give the fastest results, though a bright room indoors works the rest of the year.
- Use clean scissors or a knife to take a 4 to 5 inch section from a healthy tip.
- Set the cutting on a dry surface for a few days until the cut end forms a dry callus.
- Bury only the callused end in a loose, airy mix, such as coir and perlite.
- Water sparingly, keep it in bright indirect light, and wait. Roots usually form within a few weeks.
That is how one plant becomes three gifts. Root a few cuttings in small pots and you have something personal to hand to friends, neighbors and teachers. The cuttings are also forgiving to beginners, so it is a fun first propagation project. If you like that idea, our staghorn fern is another statement epiphyte that makes new pups over time, and we wrote about how to grow it like living wall art.
How to Style a Ric Rac Cactus at Home
A ric rac cactus looks best where its stems can fall. Think of the zigzag as a built-in garland and give it room to spill.
- Hanging basket by a bright window. The classic. A macramé hanger or simple ceramic planter lets the stems drop in layers.
- High shelf spill. Set a pot on the top of a bookshelf and let the stems cascade down the spines of your books.
- Corner of a desk or console. A small plant gives a cozy, sculptural accent without taking over.
- Layered with trailers. Pair it with other plants from our trailing and hanging plants. The wavy green stems read especially well next to the tiny round leaves of String of Turtles.
Choose a warm terracotta, a matte white ceramic or a natural woven basket and the green does the rest. For fuss-free companions, browse our easy-care plants.
Why a Ric Rac Cactus Makes a Great Gift
A ric rac cactus is a gift that looks sculptural on day one and keeps growing. It suits housewarmings, hosts, new-plant-parent starter kits and anyone who loves a conversation piece. Pair it with a pretty hanger and you have a thoughtful, personal present. Because it propagates easily, it also gives the recipient something to pass along later. For more ideas, browse our plant gift collection.
Mature plants are known for large, fragrant flowers that open at night. We never promise blooms, especially on a young plant, but it is a lovely surprise if your plant gets there.
Is the Ric Rac Cactus Pet Safe?
The ric rac cactus is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, and its stems are spineless. Even non-toxic plants can cause an upset stomach if a pet chews on them, so hang it where curious cats and puppies cannot shred it. If your pet eats a large amount or seems unwell, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. We do not call any plant certified pet safe, and every pet is different.
Why This Plant Is So Easy to Love
A plant that spent its early life on a tree branch in a Mexican cloud forest now drapes from your window. The stems look like a ribbon someone folded, and every new one is a small surprise. It tolerates a busy schedule, it makes more of itself, and it turns an ordinary shelf into a conversation starter. That is why we love it.
Our greenhouse-direct plants ship alive and ready to settle in, and our 30-Day Guarantee has terms worth reading in the refund policy, including a winter shipping protection option. Ready to bring one home? Shop the ric rac cactus, browse all our live plants, or take the plant quiz to see which plant fits your space.
Giving back, one tree at a time
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Ric Rac Cactus FAQ
Is a ric rac cactus safe for cats and dogs?
Ric rac cactus is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, and its stems have no spines. Chewing can still upset a stomach, so keep it where pets cannot shred it, and call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center if your pet eats a lot.
Why is my ric rac cactus wrinkled or limp?
Wrinkled stems usually mean the plant is thirsty, so check the mix first. If the mix is dry, water thoroughly and let it drain. If the mix is wet and the stems are still soft, suspect root rot from too much water or a pot with no drainage.
How much light does a ric rac cactus need?
Bright, indirect light is the sweet spot. A spot near an east or north window, or a few feet back from a south or west window, works well. Direct afternoon sun can scorch the stems, and a dim corner leads to weak, stretched growth.
How often should I water a ric rac cactus?
Water by the mix, not the calendar. When the top half of the mix feels dry, water until it drains, then empty the saucer. In winter that may stretch to every few weeks, so check weekly and never let the pot sit in water.
What is the difference between a ric rac cactus and an orchid cactus?
They are different plants. Ric rac, also called fishbone or zigzag cactus, has narrower stems with shallow, wavy edges. The larger Selenicereus anthonyanus is also sold as fishbone cactus, with wider, deeply notched stems and a bigger reach.
Can I grow a ric rac cactus from a cutting?
Yes. Take a 4 to 5 inch tip, let the cut end callus for a few days, then set only that end into a loose, airy mix. Keep it barely damp in bright indirect light. Roots usually form within weeks, and spring and summer are the easiest seasons.
