'Ric Rac' Fishbone Cactus

Epiphyllum 'Ric Rac' Fishbone Cactus: The Statement Plant That Blooms Overnight

You’ve probably seen your share of trailing houseplants. Maybe you already have a pothos winding down your bookshelf or a string of hearts cascading from a macrame hanger. But Epiphyllum 'Ric Rac' is different. The leaf shape alone sets it apart from anything else you’ll find. Each stem looks like a jagged green ribbon, or like the bones of a fish—hence the nickname “Fishbone Cactus.” It’s playful but structured. Bold without being too busy. It holds its shape, so even when it's trailing or hanging, it looks intentional. Think of it as the plant equivalent of a statement necklace: striking, but versatile.

And there’s a bonus. This cactus isn’t just about funky foliage. When it's happy—and by happy, I mean it gets the right care and a little patience—it can reward you with huge, fragrant blooms. They’re white to pale pink, often with a faint hint of yellow at the base, and they open at night. Not for long, though—sometimes just for one night. That makes it feel like something of an event when they bloom. You’ll find yourself checking it every evening, wondering, Is tonight the night?

What Makes This Plant Special?

There are plenty of epiphyllums out there, but Ric Rac stands out. First, the stems. Most epiphyllums have flat, broad leaves with subtle serration or lobes. Ric Rac has that dramatic, sawtooth zig zag shape that’s so symmetrical it looks hand-drawn. It grows a bit like a succulent, but it's actually an epiphyte, just like an orchid or a staghorn fern. That means it naturally grows on other plants (usually trees) in its native jungle habitat, rather than in soil.

Because of this, it thrives on a different care routine than your typical desert cactus. It appreciates bright, indirect light and regular watering in the warmer months. You don’t have to fuss over it, but if you give it the right conditions, it’ll thrive and get fuller, longer, and more architectural. Some people even train them onto trellises for an unexpected, upright display.

And the blooms? They’re not a sure thing, but when they arrive, they’re worth the wait. The flowers are large, sometimes up to 6 inches wide. They’re often compared to orchid blooms—delicate, elegant, and a little bit wild. There’s a subtle perfume to them, often described as sweet and slightly citrusy. It’s not overpowering, but it’s noticeable when you’re nearby.

Who’s This Plant Perfect For?

If you love unusual plants that make people ask, “What is that?” this is one to add to your collection. It’s great for plant lovers who enjoy a hands-on approach. You’ll find yourself turning it, staking it, and maybe even propagating it once it gets going. It also suits people who like their plants to earn their space—this one brings more than just green leaves to the room.

If you enjoy nighttime rituals, you’ll appreciate checking in on it in the evenings during bloom season. And if you have a bright bathroom or a filtered light spot in your living room, that’s where Ric Rac will shine.

Pet parents will also appreciate that, according to the ASPCA, epiphyllums are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. (Though it’s always smart to discourage nibbling—especially with those delicate stems.)

What You Can Expect

When it’s young, your Ric Rac might look a little sparse—just a few zig-zaggy stems in a pot. But give it time. As it matures, those stems lengthen and branch out. Eventually, it can trail several feet, becoming a living curtain of greenery. Some people hang them in baskets; others let them sprawl on shelves or over the side of a tall plant stand. You might even see aerial roots form, which is normal for an epiphyte.

In the right conditions, and if it’s mature enough (usually 3+ years), it can flower in late spring or summer. These blooms open after dark and close by morning. Some growers say the secret is a short dry period in late winter to trigger blooming, mimicking the plant’s natural cycle.

How Is It Different From Other Fishbone Cactus Varieties?

There are a few types of fishbone cactus on the market, and not all of them are Epiphyllum anguliger. Some are Disocactus anguliger, and the names are often used interchangeably. The 'Ric Rac' cultivar, however, has been selectively bred to emphasize the more dramatic leaf patterning and reliable blooming under the right conditions.

Where Does It Come From?

This plant’s ancestors hail from the rainforests of Mexico, where they grow high in the trees. Unlike desert cacti, these plants prefer a more humid environment and filtered light—think “dappled sunlight through a jungle canopy.” That makes them perfect for indoors, where direct sun can be hard to come by.

Epiphyllum species were popularized in Europe during the 19th century, collected for their exotic blooms. Ric Rac, with its unusual foliage and moonlight flowers, fits right into that tradition of rare and collectible houseplants.

Plant Details Grid

• Mature Height: 12 to 24 inches (stems can trail up to 6 feet)
• Mature Width: 24 to 36 inches
• Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
• Botanical Name: Epiphyllum anguliger (commonly sold as 'Ric Rac' Cactus)
• Other Common Names: Fishbone Cactus, Zig Zag Cactus, Moon Cactus (not to be confused with the grafted variety), Orchid Cactus

If you’re building a collection that reflects who you are—something bold, a little different, with a story to tell—the Ric Rac Cactus earns its spot. Not every plant blooms at midnight just for you.