If you're a fan of unusual houseplants, Ric Rac Cactus 'Fire' is sure to catch your eye. Scientifically known as Epiphyllum anguliger, this plant is often called the Zigzag Cactus, Fishbone Cactus, or Ric Rac Cactus thanks to its deeply lobed, flattened stems that grow in a wavy, jagged pattern—much like the rickrack trim used in sewing.
Native to the humid forests of southern Mexico, Epiphyllum anguliger is not a desert cactus. Instead, it is an epiphyte—a plant that naturally grows on trees, absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air and rain. In cultivation, this means it prefers loose, airy potting mixes, high humidity, and indirect light. Its growth habit is sprawling, with long, flat stems that can grow up to 3 feet (about 90 cm) and arch gracefully over time. As the plant matures, it can develop into a lush, fountain-like specimen with dozens of flowing stems.
Ric Rac Cactus ‘Fire’ is also known for producing large, fragrant, night-blooming flowers—typically creamy white or pale yellow—which appear in late summer or fall. Though blooms may be infrequent indoors, the distinctive foliage alone makes this cactus highly decorative.
What makes Ric Rac Cactus an excellent houseplant is its combination of bold shape, ease of care, and tolerance for typical indoor conditions. Unlike many tropical plants, it doesn’t require constant attention or precise watering schedules. It thrives in indirect light, handles occasional neglect well, and adds an exotic, architectural element to modern interiors. Plus, its non-toxic nature makes it a safer choice for homes with pets or children.
Whether placed on a high shelf, in a hanging planter, or on a bright windowsill, Ric Rac Cactus ‘Fire’ offers a playful blend of structure, color, and personality—perfect for beginners and collectors alike.
Can Ric Rac Cactus Grow Outdoors?
Ric Rac Cactus ‘Fire’ can thrive outdoors in the right conditions, especially in regions with mild, frost-free climates. It grows well year-round in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11, including areas like Southern California, coastal Texas, and parts of Florida, where temperatures stay above freezing.
This plant prefers temperatures between 60 and 80°F and does not tolerate frost. Short drops to around 40°F may be survivable, but prolonged cold can cause serious damage. Outdoors, Ric Rac Cactus ‘Fire’ needs bright, indirect light or dappled shade. A few hours of morning sun are fine, but strong afternoon sun can scorch the stems. Since it comes from tropical forests, it appreciates moderate to high humidity but can adjust to drier air if needed.
In colder zones, Ric Rac Cactus ‘Fire’ should be grown in containers so it can be moved indoors when temperatures drop. It performs beautifully outside during spring and summer, especially in hanging baskets or elevated pots where its zigzag stems can cascade freely. When given proper protection and filtered light, this striking cactus becomes a dramatic and easy-care addition to shaded patios, porches, or sheltered garden beds.
General Care
Lighting
Ric Rac Cactus ‘Fire’ loves bright, indirect light. Indoors, it does best near an east or west window where it gets a few hours of soft sunlight. A south window works too—just use a sheer curtain so it doesn’t burn. If your space doesn’t get much light, a grow light can keep it from getting stretched or pale. When it's happy, you might even see a reddish tint on the edges of the stems.
In low-light rooms, it can survive, but it’ll grow slower and lose color. If the stems start looking long and pale, that’s a sign it needs more light. Try a hanging basket or shelf near a window to give it a boost.
Outdoors, it prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. Too much strong sun, especially in hot weather, can cause burns. A spot with dappled light—like under a tree or on a covered patio—is perfect. If moving it outside, give it time to adjust slowly.
Water
Ric Rac Cactus ‘Fire’ has different watering needs than desert cacti. As a tropical epiphyte, it prefers lightly moist, well-draining soil—similar to the humid canopy of a rainforest.
In the growing season (spring to early fall), water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry. This is usually every 7 to 10 days indoors, depending on light, heat, and humidity. Water thoroughly and let excess drain - never let the plant sit in water.
In winter, reduce watering to every 2 to 3 weeks. Let the soil dry more between waterings, but avoid letting it stay completely dry for too long, or stems may shrivel. Outdoors, it may need water more often in heat or wind. Still, only water when the top layer feels dry and make sure the pot drains well. It enjoys humidity but usually doesn’t need misting. If your space is very dry, a humidity tray or small humidifier can help.
Overwatering is the most common issue. Signs include soft, yellowing stems or dark roots. Let the soil dry out between waterings to avoid problems.
Soil and Fertilizer
Ric Rac Cactus ‘Fire’ needs a light, fast-draining soil mix to mimic the airy, organic conditions of its native rainforest habitat. Standard cactus or succulent soil alone tends to be too sandy and dry. For best results, use a blend that retains some moisture but still drains freely. A good mix includes equal parts of high-quality cactus potting mix, orchid bark or fine pine bark, and perlite or pumice. This combination allows the roots to breathe while preventing soggy conditions that can lead to rot.
Avoid compact or moisture-retaining soils like standard houseplant potting mix or peat-heavy blends. If you’re using commercial cactus soil, improve its texture by adding extra orchid bark or perlite for better aeration. A pH level between 5.5 and 6.5 is ideal—slightly acidic to neutral.
As for feeding, Ric Rac Cactus ‘Fire’ benefits from regular but light fertilization during the growing season, from spring through early fall. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Feed once a month while the plant is actively growing. Alternatively, you can use a fertilizer formulated for epiphytic cacti or orchids, which may include micronutrients suited to this plant’s needs. Do not fertilize during the winter months when growth slows down. Over-fertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen formulas, can lead to soft, weak growth and fewer blooms.
Temperature and Humidity
Ric Rac Cactus ‘Fire’ prefers warm, stable temperatures that reflect its tropical forest origins. Ideal indoor temperatures range between 65°F and 80°F. It can tolerate short periods of heat up to the mid-90s, especially if humidity is adequate, but it must be protected from cold. Temperatures below 50°F can cause stress, and anything near 40°F or lower may lead to permanent damage or death, especially if the plant is exposed for long periods. Avoid placing it near drafty windows, cold basements, or outdoor areas in cool weather unless you're in USDA zone 10 or higher.
Image by Succulents Box
Humidity is another key factor in keeping Ric Rac Cactus ‘Fire’ healthy. Unlike desert cacti, it naturally grows in humid environments and prefers moderate to high humidity levels—ideally 50% or above. While it can adapt to lower household humidity, especially with proper watering, very dry air (under 30%) may cause the stems to wrinkle or turn brown at the edges over time.
To boost humidity, you can group it with other plants, place a tray of water and pebbles beneath the pot, or use a small humidifier nearby. Bathrooms with bright filtered light or kitchens often provide naturally higher humidity and can be ideal spots.
Toxicity
Ric Rac Cactus ‘Fire’ (Epiphyllum anguliger) is non-toxic to both humans and pets, including cats and dogs. This makes it an excellent choice for households with curious children or animals, offering peace of mind along with its striking appearance.
While the plant is considered safe, it's still best to discourage chewing or nibbling, as ingesting large amounts of any non-food plant material can cause mild stomach upset in pets or people. The plant's zigzag stems are not particularly appealing to most animals, but they should be placed out of reach if you have especially playful pets.
Extra Care
Potting and Repotting
Because Ric Rac Cactus ‘Fire’ is an epiphyte, it does best in containers that allow airflow and prevent excess moisture. Choose a shallow pot with drainage holes, ideally made of terracotta or unglazed ceramic, which helps moisture evaporate more easily than plastic.
Use a loose, chunky mix—a blend of cactus soil, orchid bark, and perlite works well. This mimics the airy conditions it’s used to and helps prevent root rot.
Repot every 2 to 3 years, or when the plant is rootbound or the soil stops draining well. Signs include roots growing out of the pot, slower growth, or soggy soil that won’t dry out.
The best time to repot is spring or early summer. Gently remove the plant, shake off old soil, trim any damaged roots, and place it in fresh mix. Wait 3 to 5 days before watering to let roots settle and avoid rot.
Go up just one pot size when repotting—about 1 to 2 inches wider. The plant prefers slightly snug roots and can struggle in oversized pots with too much soil.
Pruning
Pruning Ric Rac Cactus encourages healthy growth and prevent overcrowding. As a fast-growing epiphyte with long, cascading stems, it can become unruly or leggy over time, especially if it's reaching for more light. Occasional pruning helps control its size, improve airflow, and keep the plant looking tidy and vibrant.
The best time to prune is in spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to trim stems just above a segment joint. This encourages the plant to branch out and produce new stems from the cut point. You can remove dead, yellowing, damaged, or misshapen segments at any time of year.
If the plant becomes too dense or starts to shade itself, thinning out a few inner stems will allow more light and air to reach the center, which reduces the risk of fungal issues. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at once, as excessive pruning can stress the plant and slow recovery.
Propagation
Ric Rac Cactus ‘Fire’ is easy to propagate. The most common method is stem cutting. To propagate, choose a healthy, mature stem and cut a segment about 4 to 6 inches long using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Make the cut just above a joint or lobe. Allow the cutting to dry and callus in a shaded spot for 3 to 5 days. This step is essential—planting a fresh cutting before the wound heals can lead to rot.
Once the end is callused, place the cutting upright in a well-draining mix such as cactus soil blended with orchid bark and perlite. You can either plant it directly in soil or let it root in water first, although soil propagation is typically preferred for this plant. Insert the cutting about 1 to 2 inches deep, just enough to support it upright.
Image by Succulents Box
Keep the soil lightly moist but not wet, and place the cutting in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can stress the new cutting. In warm, humid conditions, roots usually begin to develop within 2 to 4 weeks. Once established, new growth will appear at the tips or joints of the stem. Propagation is best done in spring or early summer, when the plant is naturally entering its active growth phase.
Blooming
Ric Rac Cactus has exotic, fragrant blooms. When mature and well cared for, it produces large, creamy white or pale yellow flowers that open at night—typically lasting just one evening, although some may remain open into the next morning.
Blooms usually appear in late summer to early fall, though timing can vary depending on the plant’s environment. The flowers are broad and star-shaped, often 6 to 8 inches across, with long outer petals and a soft, sweet scent that attracts nighttime pollinators in its native habitat.
However, blooming indoors can be unpredictable. Ric Rac Cactus ‘Fire’ needs to reach a certain level of maturity—usually 2 to 3 years old—and requires the right conditions to trigger flowering. Bright indirect light, a steady day-night temperature cycle, and a brief period of cooler nights (around 60°F) can encourage bud formation. Keeping the plant slightly rootbound, reducing watering in late summer, and avoiding fertilization just before flowering season may also help stimulate blooms. Once buds appear, avoid moving or rotating the plant, as disturbance can cause buds to drop before opening. While Ric Rac Cactus ‘Fire’ doesn’t flower often or easily indoors, the reward is worth the wait—its rare, elegant blossoms add a surprising and dramatic element to this already charismatic plant.
Common Problems
While Ric Rac Cactus ‘Fire’ is generally low-maintenance and resilient, it can develop issues if its needs aren’t met. Most problems are related to improper watering, poor lighting, or unsuitable environmental conditions. Here are the most common issues to watch for:
·Yellowing or Mushy Stems:
This is often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Since Ric Rac Cactus ‘Fire’ is an epiphyte, it’s highly sensitive to waterlogged soil. Make sure the pot has drainage holes and the soil is loose and fast-draining. Water only when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry, and reduce watering during the winter.
·Wrinkled or Limp Stems:
This can result from underwatering or extremely dry air. While the plant prefers drying out slightly between waterings, it shouldn't be left completely dry for long periods. Also, very low humidity (under 30%) may cause dehydration. Mist the plant lightly or add a humidity tray nearby if needed.
·Pale or Leggy Growth:
When Ric Rac Cactus ‘Fire’ doesn’t get enough light, its stems may stretch out, become thin, and lose their deep color. This is known as etiolation. Move the plant to a brighter location with filtered sunlight or use a grow light if natural light is limited.
·Brown, Crispy Edges:
Too much direct sun, particularly in the afternoon, can scorch the leaves and cause browning at the edges. This plant prefers bright, indirect light and may need protection from harsh rays, especially in summer.
·Bud Drop:
If the plant forms flower buds but they fall off before opening, this is usually caused by environmental stress, such as sudden changes in light, temperature, or moisture. Avoid moving the plant once buds form, and keep its environment stable.
·Root Rot:
A serious issue caused by persistent overwatering or compacted soil. If roots turn black and soft, remove the plant from its pot, trim off the affected roots, and repot it into fresh, dry, well-aerated mix.
·Pests:
Though generally pest-resistant, Ric Rac Cactus ‘Fire’ can occasionally attract mealybugs, scale, or spider mites. These can be treated with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or by wiping affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol
