Learn how to grow and care for rickrack cactus (fishbone cactus) indoors. Expert tips on light, watering, soil, humidity, and propagation from DH Garden Centre in Vancouver.
Indoor plant lovers are always searching for something a little different. Something architectural. Something that sparks conversation the moment someone walks into the room. The rickrack cactus, also known as fishbone cactus or zigzag cactus, fits that description perfectly.
At DH Garden Centre, one of the most common reactions we see when customers spot this plant is surprise followed by curiosity. It does not look like a cactus. It does not behave like a cactus. And if you care for it like a desert cactus, you will quickly run into problems.
This guide is designed to clear up the confusion and give you a reliable, experience-based approach to growing rickrack cactus successfully indoors in Vancouver and similar climates.
What Is a Rickrack Cactus?
The rickrack cactus is commonly sold under the botanical name Epiphyllum anguliger, though you may also see it listed as Disocactus anguliger. Taxonomy debates aside, what matters most is understanding how it grows in nature.
Unlike desert cacti, this plant is:
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Epiphytic
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Native to tropical forests in Mexico
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Adapted to filtered light, humidity, and organic debris
In the wild, rickrack cactus grows in the crotches of trees, where leaf litter and moisture collect. That single fact explains almost every care requirement this plant has.
Why Rickrack Cactus Is Not a Typical Cactus
Many houseplant issues start with assumptions. When people hear “cactus,” they assume:
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Full sun
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Infrequent watering
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Bone-dry soil
That approach works for desert species. It does not work for rickrack cactus.
This plant behaves much more like a tropical succulent or an epiphytic orchid cousin than a traditional cactus. Treating it correctly means adjusting how you think about light, water, and soil.
Rickrack Cactus Light Requirements
Best Light Indoors
Rickrack cactus prefers bright, indirect light.
Ideal indoor placement includes:
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A few feet back from a south-facing window
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Near an east-facing window with gentle morning light
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Bright rooms without harsh direct sun
Direct afternoon sun will scorch the flat stems, leaving pale or brown burn marks that do not recover.
Outdoor Summer Placement
If you move your plant outdoors in late spring or summer:
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Morning sun is acceptable
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Afternoon shade is essential
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Covered patios or under tree canopies work best
At DH Garden Centre, we strongly recommend acclimating slowly when moving plants outdoors.
Watering Rickrack Cactus Correctly
Watering is where most people go wrong.
Rickrack cactus prefers even moisture, not drought and not soggy soil.
How to Tell When to Water
Check the soil with your finger:
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Cool, slightly damp soil = wait
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Dry top inch with coolness below = water lightly
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Bone dry and warm = water thoroughly
In Vancouver’s indoor climate, most rickrack cactus plants need watering every 7–14 days, depending on pot size and light exposure.
Seasonal Adjustments
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Spring and summer: slightly more frequent watering
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Fall and winter: allow more drying between waterings
Always ensure excess water drains freely. Standing water will cause root rot.
Soil Mix for Rickrack Cactus
This plant needs a soil mix that holds moisture without becoming compacted.
At DH Garden Centre, we recommend:
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50% high-quality organic potting mix
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50% cactus or succulent mix
This blend provides:
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Moisture retention
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Excellent drainage
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Airflow around roots
Avoid heavy garden soil or pure cactus mix unless you are comfortable adjusting watering frequency.
Best Pots for Rickrack Cactus
Container choice affects watering more than most people realize.
Good options include:
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Ceramic or concrete pots (retain moisture evenly)
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Hanging baskets with drainage
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Glazed containers
Terracotta dries faster and may require more frequent watering. Plastic retains moisture longer.
Always choose pots with drainage holes.
Temperature and Humidity Needs
Rickrack cactus thrives in temperatures that match most homes:
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Ideal range: 60–80°F (16–27°C)
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Sweet spot: around 70°F (21°C)
Humidity is helpful but not critical.
Tips to improve humidity naturally:
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Group plants together
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Avoid placing near heating vents or fireplaces
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Use pebble trays if your home is very dry
A humidifier is optional, not mandatory.
Fertilizing Rickrack Cactus
Rickrack cactus benefits from light, consistent feeding.
Fertilizer Schedule
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Use a balanced cactus or houseplant fertilizer
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Apply once per month during spring and summer
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Skip fertilizing in winter
Encouraging Blooms
If your plant begins forming buds (usually in fall):
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Increase light slightly
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Switch to a fertilizer with higher phosphorus (middle number)
Blooms are rare indoors but possible on mature plants.
Pruning Rickrack Cactus: Keep It Full, Not Wild
One of the biggest advantages of growing a rickrack cactus indoors is how forgiving it is when it comes to pruning. In fact, light pruning is one of the best ways to keep the plant full, balanced, and visually striking rather than long and unruly.
When to prune rickrack cactus
The best time to prune is during:
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Late spring
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Summer
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Early fall
This is when the plant is actively growing and can recover quickly.
Avoid heavy pruning in winter, when growth naturally slows.
How to prune correctly
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Identify a healthy stem segment
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Make a clean cut between two “zigzag” joints
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Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners
Each cut encourages the plant to branch, which leads to a fuller, more dramatic shape over time.
If your fishbone cactus is growing too long for its space, pruning is not a setback – it’s a design tool.
Fishbone Rickrack Propagation: One Plant Becomes Many
Propagation is one of the most rewarding parts of fishbone cactus care. This plant roots easily, even for beginners.
Step-by-step propagation
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Take a healthy stem cutting, 4–6 inches long
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Let the cutting dry for 24–48 hours so the cut end can callus
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Plant the cutting about 1–2 inches deep in a fast-draining mix
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Keep the soil lightly moist, not wet
Roots usually begin forming within 2–3 weeks.
Pro tip from DH Garden Centre
Fishbone cactus cuttings root faster in warm temperatures with bright, indirect light. Avoid full sun until roots are established.
This makes fishbone cactus an excellent plant to share, trade, or expand your own indoor jungle.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Even though rickrack cactus is low-maintenance, a few issues can show up if conditions are off.
Yellowing or soft stems
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage
Fix:
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Let soil dry more between waterings
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Repot into a lighter, airier mix
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Check that the pot has drainage holes
Wrinkled or limp stems
Cause: Underwatering or very dry air
Fix:
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Increase watering slightly
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Check humidity levels
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Group plants together to create a microclimate
No growth, no blooms
Cause: Not enough light or nutrients
Fix:
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Move to a brighter location
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Fertilize monthly during spring and summer
Insects and Disease: What to Watch For
Fishbone cactus is generally pest-resistant, but like many houseplants, it can occasionally attract:
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Mealybugs
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Scale insects
How to treat pests
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Inspect plants during watering
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Remove pests early using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol
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Isolate affected plants if needed
Early detection is key. A quick check once a week prevents a minor issue from becoming a major one.
Why Fishbone Cactus Is Perfect for Vancouver Homes
For indoor growers in Vancouver BC, fishbone cactus checks all the right boxes:
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Thrives in moderate indoor light
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Enjoys higher humidity common in coastal climates
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Handles temperature fluctuations well
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Does not require intense sun
It’s especially well-suited for:
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Apartments
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Condos
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Homes with filtered light
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Hanging baskets or wide, shallow planters
At DH Garden Centre, we often recommend fishbone cactus to customers who want something unique without high maintenance.
Fishbone Cactus vs Traditional Cactus: Why Care Is Different
Unlike desert cacti, fishbone cactus is:
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Epiphytic
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Native to tropical forests
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Adapted to humidity and airflow
That’s why treating it like a typical cactus (too much sun, too little water) often leads to stress.
Think of it more like:
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A succulent with jungle roots
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Similar to staghorn ferns or air plants in behavior
Understanding this difference is the key to long-term success.
FAQ: Fishbone Cactus Care
Q: Does fishbone cactus need direct sunlight?
No. Bright, indirect light is ideal. Too much direct sun can scorch the stems.
Q: How often should I water fishbone cactus?
Typically every 7–14 days, depending on light, pot size, and season. Always allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly.
Q: Can fishbone cactus bloom indoors?
Yes, but blooms are rare indoors and usually appear on mature plants in fall. Increased light and proper feeding help.
Q: Is fishbone cactus safe for pets?
It is considered non-toxic, but pets should not chew on the stems.
Q: Can I grow fishbone cactus outdoors in Vancouver?
Only in summer, and only in shade or filtered light. Bring indoors before temperatures drop.
Find Fishbone Cactus at DH Garden Centre
If you’re looking for a statement plant that’s easy to care for and visually unforgettable, fishbone cactus is a standout choice.
Visit DH Garden Centre, your trusted garden centre in Vancouver, to:
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Find healthy fishbone cactus plants
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Get the right soil mix and containers
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Receive expert advice tailored to your home
Our team is always happy to help you choose plants that thrive in Vancouver’s unique indoor conditions.
