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How to Grow Ric Rac Cactus

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Ric Rac Cactus

Selenicereus anthonyanus

succulent

The Ric Rac Cactus is a unique, spineless succulent with distinctive flat, zigzagging stems that resemble a rickrack trim pattern. It produces fragrant, night-blooming white flowers and is prized as an ornamental houseplant. This epiphytic cactus is relatively easy to care for and adapts well to indoor growing conditions.

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Example Ric Rac Cactus timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Ric Rac Cactus

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Ric Rac Cactus

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ric Rac Cactus dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Bright, indirect light; tolerates partial shade; 4-6 hours of bright light daily
💧
Water: Water when soil is completely dry, typically every 2-3 weeks. Reduce watering in winter. Avoid overwatering, which causes root rot.
📏
Spacing: 12 inches
📅
Days to maturity: N/A (ornamental; flowering begins at 2-3 years)
🌱
Planting depth: Plant with base just at soil level; do not bury

Soil

Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Perlite Coarse sand Orchid bark

Growing Zones

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Zones 10-11; best grown indoors in cooler climates

10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Propagation

2-4 weeks

Stem cuttings are rooted in moist, well-draining soil or water

Take 4-6 inch cuttings, allow to callus for 1-2 days before planting. Keep soil lightly moist until roots develop (2-4 weeks).

2

Vegetative Growth

Several months to 1-2 years

Young plant develops multiple stems with the characteristic zigzag pattern

Provide bright, indirect light and infrequent watering. Support stems with a trellis or stake if desired.

3

Maturation

1-2 years

Plant reaches established size with robust stems and dense foliage

Maintain consistent bright indirect light and allow dormancy in winter (cooler temperatures, minimal watering) to encourage flowering.

4

Flowering

Spring to summer, several weeks of successive blooms

Large, fragrant white flowers bloom at night, typically in late spring to summer

Flowers last one night only but are replaced by new buds. Ensure winter dormancy (50-60°F) to trigger blooming.

5

Fruiting

4-8 weeks after flowering

Small, red berry-like fruits develop after pollination

Hand-pollinate flowers if grown indoors for better fruit set. Remove fruits if plant vigor is a concern.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Other epiphytic cacti Orchids Bromeliads Pothos Hoya

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring frequent watering High-humidity loving plants in enclosed spaces

Common Pests

  • Spray with isopropyl alcohol diluted 1:1 with water; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe

  • Remove manually with a soft brush; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap

  • Increase humidity slightly; spray with neem oil or horticultural miticide; improve air circulation

  • Repot in fresh, dry soil immediately; reduce watering; ensure excellent drainage

Uses

🏠

Indoor Houseplant & Ornamental Display

Household

The distinctive zigzagging stems provide striking visual interest as a hanging or climbing houseplant, and the night-blooming flowers add an exotic, fragrant touch to any home. [source]

🎨

Hanging Baskets & Vertical Gardens

Craft

Ric Rac Cactus is ideal for hanging baskets, trellises, and vertical garden displays where its cascading or vining stems can trail naturally. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

The large, fragrant night-blooming flowers attract nocturnal pollinators such as moths and bats, making it valuable in gardens that support night-active wildlife. [source]

💊

Traditional Medicinal Uses

Medicinal

In some traditional medicine systems, cactus genus plants are used for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, though the Ric Rac Cactus is primarily ornamental. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

This is an ornamental plant, not typically harvested. Enjoy the fragrant night-blooming flowers by observing them in the evening. Cut flowers last only one night; remove spent blooms to maintain plant appearance.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 The Ric Rac Cactus is an epiphytic cactus, meaning it naturally grows on trees in tropical rainforests rather than in desert soil, making it more adaptable to moisture than typical desert cacti.
  • 🌱 Its flowers bloom exclusively at night and release a strong, sweet fragrance that attracts nocturnal pollinators; each flower lasts only a single night.
  • 🌱 The plant's unusual zigzagging stems earned it the common name 'Ric Rac' after the decorative trim fabric pattern, and despite lacking spines, it is still a true cactus.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Partial Shade pH Pollination Trellis
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