The ric rac cactus is a popular houseplant as it has no spikes or thorns, is pretty to look at, and is not toxic to cats and dogs. This makes it an appealing option for someone looking to enhance the visual aesthetic of their home. Even though the ric rac belongs to the cactus family, it is different in some of its requirements.
The basic requirements are much like other plants- light, water, temperature and humidity, quality of the soil, and the fertilizer used to grow the plant. Did you know that the vast majority of issues that the plant can experience can be detected through the leaves and the roots? One common problem that ric rac cactus owners may face is root rot, which occurs when the plant is overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.
Keep reading to understand these problems and how to catch them.
Ric rac cactus requirements
When it comes to sunlight, a steady source of indirect sunlight is the best. Direct sunlight can be beneficial, but constant exposure will result in the formation of dark patches across the surface of the leaves.
Watering is quite similar to most other houseplants. Do it when the top two inches of the soil become dry. It is important to note that if the soil is well-draining, you would be better off watering more frequently. Use water that is at room temperature and not cold as that can irritate the roots of the plant.
Humidity is important as this plant is a tropical one. Place it wherever it can be exposed to the most humidity within your home. A healthy temperature range is considered to be between 59°F to 78°F. Even though the plant can survive temperatures as low as 50°F, it is not recommended.
Ric rac Cactus Problems
If you are able to cater to the factors mentioned above, it should be easy to manage the plant. Any changes in the quality of the tree branches or the color of the leaves can be attributed to a lapse in one of these areas.
We will now discuss some of these problems, how they may have occurred, and also consider whether or not just fixing the lapse will fix the problem itself.
1. Bugs
Among the other problems, this is one of the most important. They will appear on the stem in the form of foamy white deposits.
You can wipe them off using a piece of cloth gently and then administer alcohol using the same method as you did when wiping off the bug. Applying fertilizer regularly will help you avoid this issue altogether.
2. Yellow leaves
This indicates a problem associated with watering. It can either be related to the timing or the amount of water that is being delivered to the plant. Setting a proper watering schedule is required for proper health. Another important factor is to consider the type of soil you are using.
A well-drained soil tends to give way to water relatively easily and vice versa. Such things will also have to be kept in sight when making decisions about the water schedule and quantity.
3. Leaves turning brown
If the leaves are turning brown, it means that there has been excessive watering or exposure to sunlight. Try reducing one of them or both to make further observations. Doing so will help you to understand the basic requirements of the plant to a greater extent.
4. Skinny growth
If the plant is seen to be growing in a relatively skinny manner compared to how it has grown in the past, it is a sign of insufficient sunlight and the plant may react by extending the branches in order to be able to find some measure of sunlight to be able to fulfill its requirements.
5. Wrinkles
When wrinkles begin to appear on the surface of the plant, it means that the plant is not getting enough moisture through water and is therefore drying up. When surfaces dry up from within, they begin to wrinkle.
See a related post: Dying Zebra Cactus?
Conclusion
Ric rac cactus can be an easy plant to manage if you are aware of the basic benchmarks that are indicators of good health and growth.
You have been equipped with the knowledge regarding various ric rac cactus problems, their symptoms, and what you can do to be able to deal with them. You can also use this knowledge in a more preventive sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ric rac cactus pests tolerant?
They are pest tolerant but can become vulnerable in certain circumstances. To keep the plant strong, make sure that you fertilize the plant in spring and summer for the plant to be better equipped to deal with this problem.
Variances in optimal temperature ranges and water reduction can also create similar problems and will have to be dealt with differently.
What does a ric rac cactus look like?
The most attractive parts of this plant are the stems with their zig-zag shapes. They are also attributed to looking like fishbone and this is why the plant is also called a fishbone cactus.
How do you care for a Ric rac cactus?
The plant is easy to care for. In humid climates, it can survive outside the house. You should just keep an eye out for the symptoms mentioned above as their presence could be a cause for concern. The plant cannot survive cold climates and will definitely die in the snow.
What is the best light for a ric rac cactus?
The best option is to keep it indoors. The plant is seen to be at its best in indirect sunlight with spans of direct sunlight throughout the day. Many people leave it hanging by a window; this provides a combination of both direct and indirect sunlight at different times of the day and promotes good health.
How do you get a ric rac cactus to bloom?
An increase in sunlight or fertilizer will get the job done. Give the plant time and you will find the bloom you are looking for. It is more about knowing when the time is right.
Hey, I’m Lisa and I’ve been an avid gardener for over 30 years. I love writing, talking and living in the garden! Feel free to connect with me on my socials below
