Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Ric Rac Cactus Plant Care
Selenicereus anthonyanus (Alexander) D.R.Hunt
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Selenicereus anthonyanus is a cactus species native to southern Mexico. It is grown as an ornamental because of its nocturnal flowers and unusual, leaf-like stems.
Every 14–21 days
Bright indirect to partial sun
60–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Ric Rac Cactus?
Water Ric Rac Cactus every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to partial sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Ric Rac Cactus Native To?
What Is the Ric Rac Cactus?
Ric Rac Cactus (Selenicereus anthonyanus) belongs to the Cactaceae family within the Selenicereus genus. Ric Rac Cactus is native to southern Mexico. Ric Rac Cactus is also known as Fishbone Cactus, Chain Cactus.
Ric Rac Cactus displays a vining, climbing cactus growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Ric Rac Cactus produces large, fragrant white blooms that open at night.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ric Rac Cactus?
Selenicereus anthonyanus requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Ric Rac Cactus Need?
Ric Rac Cactus thrives in bright indirect to partial sun. Avoid placing Ric Rac Cactus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to partial sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ric Rac Cactus Prefer?
Selenicereus anthonyanus grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Ric Rac Cactus prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ric Rac Cactus?
Sandy, well-draining cactus mix with perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Ric Rac Cactus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ric Rac Cactus?
Feed Ric Rac Cactus every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Ric Rac Cactus?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Ric Rac Cactus?
Ric Rac Cactus can be propagated through stem cuttings, grafting.
Is the Ric Rac Cactus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ric Rac Cactus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Ric Rac Cactus?
Ric Rac Cactus is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Ric Rac Cactus Need?
Ric Rac Cactus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Ric Rac Cactus is native to southern Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Ric Rac Cactus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Ric Rac Cactus is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Selenicereus genus — compare its care with other Selenicereus species on PlantoScan.
Selenicereus is part of the Cactaceae plant family — browse all Cactaceae genera and species.
Ric Rac Cactus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Selenicereus anthonyanus (Alexander) D.R.Hunt, family Cactaceae (first published in in Bradleya 7: 93. 1989.) — World Flora Online record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ric Rac Cactus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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