The Ric Rac cactus, also known as the Fishbone cactus, is a unique succulent with a very interesting shape. It's a sturdy plant that’s easy to care for as long as it has the right environment. If you aren't sure how to grow or take care of a Ric Rac, then you’ve come to the right place.

In this brief article, we will go over everything you need to know about Ric Rac cactus care. This will include how to grow a Ric Rac, how often to water your Ric Rac, how much sunlight a Ric Rac needs, and much more.

What is a Ric Rac Cactus?

The Ric Rac cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger), also known as the fishbone cactus, due to its spiny appearance, is a species of succulent in the genus Epiphyllum. It is a night-blooming cactus native to Mexico, with fragrant white flowers that open at night.

How To Grow Ric Rac Cactus

The Ric Rac is a hardy plant that's fairly resilient and not particularly demanding. Follow the guidelines below, and you shouldn't encounter too much difficulty with this unique and beautiful succulent.

Soil

The first step in growing the Ric Rac cactus is choosing the right soil. You will need a potting mix with good drainage properties, so look for one with perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.

Light

The Ric Rac needs bright but indirect sunlight to thrive indoors. If placed in direct sunlight, they will not flower properly. Place them near a west-facing window where they receive morning sun and afternoon shade. Outdoors, Ric Rac can be grown in partial shade or full sun if temperatures do not exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods of time.

Water

Water your Ric Rac Cactus once every 1-2 weeks during the growing season and less frequently in winter. If you notice that the plant has lost its leaves, it's likely that it has been overwatered. To prevent this from happening again, water less often or only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch or use a moisture meter.

Temperature

During the growing season, provide your Ric Rac cactus with temperatures between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day for best results. In the colder winter months, you can reduce night temperatures to around 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fertilization

Feed every two weeks during spring and summer with a liquid fertilizer diluted according to package directions or use slow-release pellets intended for cacti. These can be found at garden centers or online suppliers. If using either type of fertilizer, be sure it contains micronutrients as well as macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK).

FAQs

Is the Ric Rac cactus easy to grow?

The Ric Rac cactus is one of the easiest of the cacti family to grow, and although it may seem invasive, it is actually easy to control. It's relatively low-maintenance, rarely showing signs of trouble unless overwatered or in extremely low-light environments. It's an ideal plant for beginners as well and can provide many years of enjoyable growth and unique beauty.

Where does the Ric Rac cactus come from?

Not a lot is known about how exactly the Ric Rac cactus came to be. We do know that it is native to the Mexican Deserts and has become popularized in American Interiors over the years. It's well known for its use as a decorative accent piece and its ability to add texture and color to any setting.

Is the Ric Rac Cactus edible?

The cactus does produce edible fruit, but it is not commonly consumed in the U.S. However, it does enjoy popularity in Mexico, where the fruit is among the most popular for making jam (sometimes referred to as "marmelada de melon," or melon jam). The berries also make excellent tarts, especially if you're a fan of gooseberry jam.

Summary

We hope that you've enjoyed our guide on how to care for a Ric Rac Cactus. As you can see, this unique plant is quite easy to care for, making it a solid choice for those interested in growing their own cactus.

The most important things to remember are that you want to give your Ric Rac indirect sunlight and let it dry out before watering again. Other than that, we wish you good luck and happy gardening!