Epiphyllum 'Ric Rac' Cactus
Product details
| Management number | 250425966 | Release Date | 2026/09/17 | List Price | US$8.30 | Model Number | 250425966 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | |||||||||
- Description
- Epiphyllum 'Ric Rac' Cactus Care Guide
- FAQ/Common Issues
-
![]()
Epiphyllum 'Ric Rac', also called Ric Rac Cactus, is a rare epiphytic cactus native to the tropical forests of Mexico and Central America. Unlike desert cacti, this plant evolved to grow anchored to tree branches in humid, shaded canopies rather than on the ground. Collectors worldwide seek it out for its unusual form and conversation-starting presence.
The most recognizable feature is the deeply scalloped, zigzag edges that ripple along each flat, leaf-like stem segment. The stems are glossy green and can grow several feet long in a trailing habit, draping over pot edges or hanging baskets with ease. There are no true leaves on this plant; those wavy, flat stems handle all the photosynthesis, making it structurally unlike anything else on your shelf.
'Ric Rac' produces creamy white to pale yellow flowers that typically open at night and release a sweet, subtle fragrance. Blooms appear in spring through early summer and require a cool night temperature drop in autumn and winter to trigger bud formation. The plant does produce pollen, so households with allergy-sensitive members should account for that during the blooming period.
Hang it near a kitchen window where ambient moisture helps it grow well, and rotate the pot regularly so every side receives even light. Move it outside in summer for a growth boost, just keep it sheltered from heavy rain and away from air-conditioning or heater vents that dry the air too quickly. The stems and fruit have a long history of edible and medicinal use in its native range, and the plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Propagating 'Ric Rac' from stem cuttings is straightforward; let the cut end callous for a day or two, then place it in lightly moist cactus soil and it roots readily.
-
Epiphyllum 'Ric Rac' Cactus grows well in bright indirect light or partial sun and scorches easily in south-facing windows with intense direct rays.
Water it thoroughly every 10-14 days during the warm growing season and reduce to every 3-4 weeks in winter.
'Ric Rac' does best in fast-draining cactus soil mixed with perlite and a little orchid bark for excellent aeration.
It prefers temperatures between 60-85°F and should never be exposed to frost or temperatures below 40°F.
![]()
'Ric Rac' is a moderate-to-fast grower in warm months and benefits from balanced liquid fertilizer applied monthly during spring and summer.
It is hardy in USDA zones 10-11. It grows outdoors in much of southern Florida, coastal and southern California, and the warmest pockets of Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii. It can also succeed in the mildest microclimates of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, though most gardeners in cooler states grow it as an indoor or patio plant brought inside before temperatures drop.
-
Q: Is Epiphyllum 'Ric Rac' Cactus safe for homes with cats or dogs?
A: The plant is non-toxic and safe for cats and dogs.
Q: Why aren't my flowers blooming?
A: Epiphyllum 'Ric Rac' Cactus needs cooler night temperatures of about 50-55°F in autumn and winter to set buds; if the plant stays too warm year-round, flowering won't occur.
Q: How long can 'Ric Rac' grow in a hanging basket?
A: Trailing stems can reach 3-6 feet or more with good care and regular feeding during the warm growing season.
Q: Can I grow this plant under office lights?
A: 'Ric Rac' adapts well to quality LED grow lights or bright office LEDs in windowless spaces, as long as you rotate it regularly for even growth.
Q: How do I propagate Ric Rac Cactus at home?
A: Take a healthy stem cutting, let the cut end callous for one or two days, then insert it into lightly moist cactus soil where it roots readily.
Q: What does overwatering look like?
A: Soft, translucent, or mushy stems and a foul smell from the soil are the main signs of overwatering in Ric Rac Cactus.
Bestseller ranking
House Plants
Correction of product information
If you notice any omissions or errors in the product information on this page, please use the correction request form below.
Correction Request Form