Ric Rac Cactus
Epiphyllum anguliger — The Zigzag Jungle Cactus
Light
Medium to bright indirect — mimics its natural habitat in tropical forest understory. Direct sun scorches the flat stems; too little light produces thin, weak growth.
Water
Needs more moisture than desert cacti — it is a jungle epiphyte. Stems wrinkle and go limp when thirsty; stems turn mushy and yellow when overwatered.
Humidity
Tolerates dry office air well. No misting needed.
Temperature
15–27°C (60–80°F). Keep well above freezing in winter.
Difficulty
Moderate
Sizes
Tabletop · Mid-floor · Floor specimen
Ric Rac Cactus, formally Epiphyllum anguliger, has flat, zigzag-shaped stems that trail 30–60 cm from the pot — despite the name, it's a jungle epiphyte, not a desert cactus. Mature plants can produce fragrant white flowers in autumn, though it rarely flowers indoors.
In the Office
Unlike a desert cactus, this one needs more moisture and mimics a tropical forest understory, so it does best in medium to bright indirect light rather than harsh direct sun, which scorches the flat stems. It tolerates typical dry office air without misting, making it lower-maintenance than most tropical plants on this list, despite the name suggesting otherwise. Its stems also snap easily if bumped, so it needs a spot out of reach of passing foot traffic.
Why Choose This Plant
Benefits for Your Office
- Distinctive zigzag stems give it a sculptural look unlike a typical cactus or trailing plant
- Tolerates dry office air well, needing no misting despite being a jungle plant
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs, suited to pet-friendly offices
- Cuttings callous over and root in soil within a few weeks, making replacements simple
Where to Place It
Office Placement Ideas
- 1
Shelves or hanging spots out of reach of foot traffic — the flat stems snap easily if bumped
- 2
Medium to bright indirect light, mimicking the dappled light of its native forest understory
- 3
Away from harsh direct sun, particularly midday light, which scorches the flat stems
How to Care for It
Care Tips for Office Environments
- Trim leggy or damaged stems at a joint; the cuttings callous over and root in soil within a few weeks
- No regular pruning is needed beyond shaping — let it grow to its natural zigzag form
- Use a well-draining epiphyte or cactus mix; soggy soil causes root rot faster than with a true desert cactus
- Check the zigzag crevices closely for mealybugs on maintenance visits — they're easy to miss there
Want Ric Rac Cactus in your office?
Our team will recommend the right variety and size for your space, deliver and install it, and keep it thriving with ongoing care.