How to Grow and Care for Ricrac Plant

The Ricrac Plant, with its distinct, alternating lobes along flat stems, offers a unique visual appeal for indoor gardeners. Officially named Disocactus anguliger, it is also known as the Zig Zag or Fishbone Cactus because of its foliage. This epiphytic cactus originates from the jungle environments of Mexico. Unlike desert cacti, it grows on other plants and trees, which shapes its care requirements. Its cascading stems make it well-suited for hanging baskets where its form can be appreciated.

Ricrac Plant Care

Light

As an understory plant, the Ricrac Plant thrives in moderate to bright, indirect sunlight, similar to the dappled light of a rainforest canopy. It should be protected from harsh, direct sun, which can cause the green stems to develop a reddish tinge, indicating stress. An ideal indoor location is near a south-facing window for gentle morning sun or set back from a west-facing window.

Soil

Being an epiphyte, the Ricrac Plant requires a soil mixture that is airy and drains exceptionally well. A dense, standard potting soil will retain too much moisture and can lead to root rot. A suitable blend can be created by combining:

• One part commercial cactus and succulent mix
• One part perlite
• One part peat moss
• One part orchid bark

Water

This jungle cactus prefers more consistent moisture than its desert relatives. Water the plant thoroughly once the top two to three inches of the soil have dried out. When watering, continue until water flows from the drainage holes, but do not let the pot sit in excess water. Use water that has been left to sit for 24 hours, which allows chemicals like chlorine to dissipate.

Temperature and Humidity

The Ricrac Plant prefers temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be protected from extreme temperature fluctuations and brought indoors if temperatures are expected to drop below 50°F. Average household humidity of at least 40% is adequate, but the plant benefits from higher humidity levels that replicate its native jungle environment. Placing it in a naturally humid room like a kitchen or bathroom can be beneficial.

Fertilizer

During its active growing season in the spring and summer, the Ricrac Plant benefits from regular feeding. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength can be applied monthly. Alternatively, a specialized cactus fertilizer can be used once a year in the spring. After the first couple of years, switching to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus may help encourage the plant to produce blooms.

Encouraging Blooms

To get a Ricrac Plant to flower, it needs a winter rest period with cooler temperatures. This involves keeping the plant in a location where temperatures are consistently between 52°F and 57°F during the winter and early spring. During this cooler period, watering should be reduced to allow the plant to rest. Some growers find that applying a high-potassium fertilizer during the summer can also promote blooming.

The large flowers are white or pale yellow and highly fragrant. These blooms are nocturnal, opening in the evening and lasting through the night. A young plant may take a couple of years to mature enough to flower.

Propagating the Ricrac Plant

The Ricrac Plant is propagated using stem cuttings. Use a clean, sharp blade to cut a section of stem that is at least a few inches long. After taking the cutting, let it sit in a cool, dry place for several days. This allows the cut end to form a callus, which helps prevent it from rotting when planted.

Prepare a small pot with a well-draining soil mix and lightly moisten it. Insert the callused end of the cutting into the soil. Place the pot in a location with bright, indirect light and keep the soil lightly moist until new growth appears, signaling that roots have established.

Common Problems

Stem discoloration is a common issue. Yellow, mushy stems are a strong indication of overwatering and potential root rot; allow the soil to dry out completely and adjust your watering schedule. Conversely, wrinkled or shriveling stems signal that the plant is not receiving enough water, which can be corrected by watering in small amounts over a few days.

Mealybugs can be a frequent pest. These small, white, cottony insects can be removed by dabbing them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Brown spots on the leaves suggest a fungal issue, caused by water sitting on the foliage in a highly humid environment. Trimming off the affected areas can prevent the fungus from spreading.