Rick Rack plants — also known as Fishbone Cactus or Zigzag Cactus — are the architectural oddballs of the succulent world, but their distinctive scalloped stems make them a magnet for beginner mistakes, especially overwatering that leads to root rot before the plant even settles in. The key to success lies in the balance between bright indirect light and a fast-draining soil that mimics their native epiphytic environment under Mexican tree canopies.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent hundreds of hours studying nursery-grade plant specs, cross-referencing USDA hardiness zones, and filtering through aggregated customer reports to separate the healthy rooted specimens from the fragile cuttings that disappoint.
Whether you want a trailing basket centerpiece or a desktop conversation starter, this guide breaks down the five best contenders for your space. Finding the best rick rack plant means understanding pot size, rooting depth, and the specific cultivar you are actually receiving.
How To Choose The Best Rick Rack Plant
Rick Rack plants are not a single species — sellers often use “Fishbone Cactus,” “Zigzag Cactus,” and “Ric Rac” interchangeably, but the actual genus can be Epiphyllum, Selenicereus, or even a Stapelia lookalike. Understanding which one you are buying prevents disappointment when the blooms (or lack thereof) arrive.
Pot Size and Rooting Depth
A 4-inch nursery pot is the standard for most Rick Rack listings, but not all arrive fully rooted. Some sellers ship bare-root cuttings that require weeks of stabilization before they can support new growth. Look for listings that explicitly say “fully rooted” and check the customer photos for root ball density.
Stem Shape and Cultivar Authenticity
True Epiphyllum anguliger has flat, deeply lobed stems that resemble a fish skeleton or a zigzag line. Huernia and Stapelia species (often called “Lifesaver” or “Starfish” cactus) have upright, toothed stems and produce star-shaped flowers, not the night-blooming white blooms of the true Rick Rack. Confirm the scientific name before purchasing if flower type matters to you.
Hardiness Zone Compatibility
Most Rick Rack plants thrive indoors year-round, but if you intend to place yours outdoors in summer, match the USDA zone rating to your climate. Epiphyllum anguliger prefers zones 10 and above, while some Huernia varieties tolerate zones 9a. Zone 3-rated plants are rare and often mislabeled — double-check before committing.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BubbleBlooms Huernia Red Dragon | Succulent | Year-round indoor display | 4-inch pot, 1 ft height | Amazon |
| SUCCULENTS BOX Fishbone Cactus | Cactus | Budget-friendly starter | 4-inch pot, fully rooted | Amazon |
| BubbleBlooms Lifesaver Huernia | Succulent | Unique star-shaped blooms | 4-inch pot, 16 oz weight | Amazon |
| Plants With A Purpose Epiphyllum | Cactus | True Rick Rack enthusiast | 4-inch pot, clay soil | Amazon |
| SUCCULENTS BOX 6-inch Fishbone | Cactus | Larger trailing specimen | 6-inch pot, 32 oz weight | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. BubbleBlooms Huernia Red Dragon Stapelia Cactus
The BubbleBlooms Huernia Red Dragon delivers exactly what mid-range Rick Rack buyers want: a healthy, well-rooted plant in a standard 4-inch nursery pot with stems that already spill over the edge, giving it an established look from day one. Customer reports consistently praise the large stem count and the brilliant green coloration without any signs of rot or pest damage upon arrival.
This is technically a Stapelia relative rather than a true Epiphyllum, but its toothed, upright stems still produce that desirable zigzag silhouette. The year-round blooming period means you may see the distinctive star-shaped flowers, and the “Air Purification” feature is a nice marketing add-on for indoor decorators. With a 16-ounce weight, the root ball feels substantial for a 4-inch container.
Packaging includes heat packs during colder months, and the seller maintains a 7-day warranty for peace of mind. The only caveat is that it is not a true Rick Rack (Epiphyllum anguliger), so if you specifically want night-blooming white flowers, this is not the cultivar for you. For a robust, low-maintenance zigzag succulent that looks great on a desk or shelf, this is the most balanced option.
What works
- Large, well-rooted stems arrive healthy and overflowing the pot.
- Seller includes heat packs and responsive customer service.
- Year-round bloom potential with striking star-shaped flowers.
What doesn’t
- Not a true Epiphyllum anguliger — stems are more upright than trailing.
- Some buyers report slow establishment in low-light conditions.
2. SUCCULENTS BOX Live Fishbone Cactus
For budget-conscious buyers who want a genuine Fishbone Cactus without spending premium dollars, the SUCCULENTS BOX offering hits the sweet spot. This 4-inch fully rooted plant is labeled as a Fishbone Cactus, which aligns with the true Epiphyllum anguliger shape, and the care instructions match the standard zigzag cactus protocol: bright indirect light, porous cactus mix, and thorough drying between waterings.
The 0.75-pound weight suggests a modest root system, and customer reports split between “beautiful little plant” and “arrived as individual cuttings with minimal roots.” This inconsistency is typical at this price tier — some units ship as a single rooted clump, others as several unrooted pieces. The USDA hardiness zones 9a-10b make it suitable for outdoor summer placement in warmer climates.
For the entry-level price, this is a solid gamble if you are patient with propagation. The majority of buyers received a healthy plant that established quickly after repotting into a properly draining mix. If you want a guaranteed single specimen with a dense root ball, consider spending a bit more; if you are fine with a few cuttings that need nurturing, this is the best entry point.
What works
- Genuine Fishbone Cactus with deep zigzag leaf structure.
- Budget-friendly price for a fully rooted plant in a 4-inch pot.
- Good for beginners willing to provide standard succulent care.
What doesn’t
- Inconsistent packaging — some units arrive as multiple loose cuttings.
- Root development is minimal on some shipments, requiring patience.
3. BubbleBlooms Lifesaver Huernia Zebrina
The Lifesaver Huernia Zebrina is the most visually exciting option in this lineup if you crave flowers. Unlike the true Rick Rack, which blooms only at night after three years, this Huernia produces year-round star-shaped blooms with a distinctive “lifesaver” ring pattern. The 4-inch pot arrives with multiple stems and often includes 3-4 basal offsets, giving you a fuller plant from the start.
Care is similar to other succulents — bright indirect light, porous soil, and little watering — but the stems are more upright and toothed than the flat, trailing lobes of Epiphyllum. Customers who purchased in 2022 report the plant still thriving two years later with numerous cuttings shared. The 16-ounce pot weight indicates a decent root system, though some buyers noted that only a fraction of the offsets survived after shipping.
This is not a true Rick Rack in the strict botanical sense, but for many shoppers the terms “Zigzag Cactus” and “Fishbone Cactus” are used loosely. If your priority is unique, frequent blooms and a compact size, this Huernia delivers. The 7-day warranty provides a safety net, but the majority of reviews confirm healthy arrival and easy long-term care.
What works
- Year-round star-shaped blooms with vivid patterns.
- Comes with multiple offsets for a fuller pot.
- Heat-packed and well-packaged for cold-weather shipping.
What doesn’t
- Not a true Epiphyllum — upright stems, not trailing zigzag lobes.
- Some offsets may not survive transit, reducing the initial fullness.
4. Plants With A Purpose Epiphyllum ‘Ric Rac’
The “Ric Rac” name is a common shorthand for Rick Rack, making this listing particularly appealing to buyers who know exactly what they want. This is labeled as an Epiphyllum hybrid, which places it in the correct genus for true zigzag cactus enthusiasts. The 4-inch pot and clay soil mix are typical for epiphytic cacti, promising good drainage if the soil is not compacted.
Customer experiences vary dramatically. Some received a healthy rooted plant that bloomed after two years with fragrant jasmine-like flowers — a hallmark of mature Epiphyllum. Others reported receiving a single rooted piece with no zigzag pattern and a disappointingly small pot. The USDA hardiness zone rating of 3 seems suspiciously low for an Epiphyllum, which typically requires warmer zones, so verify your climate expectations.
At a premium price point, this listing is a gamble on genetics and maturity. If you receive a well-rooted specimen with clear zigzag lobes and clay soil, you have a genuine Rick Rack that can produce those rare night-blooms. If you are risk-averse, the mixed reviews suggest you may receive a cutting rather than an established plant, making the higher spend harder to justify.
What works
- Correct Epiphyllum genus for genuine Ric Rac enthusiasts.
- Potential for fragrant night-blooming flowers after maturity.
- Clay soil mix supports epiphytic drainage needs.
What doesn’t
- Inconsistent size — some units arrive as small as a 2-inch pot.
- High price for a plant that may be a single unrooted cutting.
- USDA zone 3 rating seems mismatched for this tropical genus.
5. SUCCULENTS BOX 6-Inch Fishbone Cactus
The 6-inch format from SUCCULENTS BOX is the largest option in this lineup, promising a more mature plant with longer trailing stems that immediately fill a hanging basket or tall pot. The 32-ounce weight suggests a substantial root ball compared to the 4-inch alternatives. The listing specifies Epiphyllum anguliger with deeply lobed secondary stems 20-30 cm long, which matches the true Rick Rack profile.
Customer feedback is split between “healthy plant, gorgeous trailing stems” and “withered bare-root cuttings in sandy medium.” The absence of a pot in some shipments caught buyers off guard — this listing ships bare-root or in a small nursery container, not as a potted display plant. The USDA hardiness zone 10 rating means it needs warm indoor conditions or a protected outdoor spot in frost-free climates.
For the premium price, you are paying for size potential rather than instant gratification. If you receive a healthy rooted specimen, the 6-inch pot gives you a jump start on a mature display. If you receive bare cuttings, the establishment period is longer. This is best for experienced succulent growers who can assess root health upon arrival and have a proper pot and soil ready.
What works
- Largest pot size (6 inches) for immediate visual impact.
- True Epiphyllum anguliger with correct deep zigzag lobes.
- 32-ounce weight indicates potential for a substantial root system.
What doesn’t
- Some shipments arrive as bare-root cuttings with no pot or soil.
- Withered or necrotic specimens reported in some batches.
- High price with no guarantee of a fully established plant.
Hardware & Specs Guide
Pot Size and Root Development
The standard container for Rick Rack plants is a 4-inch nursery pot, but the actual root ball density varies widely. A 32-ounce plant often indicates a more mature specimen with a larger root system, while a 0.75-pound plant in a 4-inch pot may have minimal roots. Always check customer photos for root visibility at the drainage holes — sparse roots mean a longer establishment period before the plant can support new growth or blooms.
Soil Composition and Drainage
Epiphytic cacti like the Rick Rack demand a porous, fast-draining mix. Clay soil (listed for some varieties) can work if it is not compacted, but a standard cactus and succulent mix with added perlite or pumice is safer. The “little to no watering” moisture needs listed for most units reflect the risk of root rot — allow the top two inches of soil to dry completely before the next watering.
FAQ
Is a Rick Rack plant the same as a Fishbone Cactus?
How often should I water my Rick Rack plant indoors?
Why does my Rick Rack plant not have zigzag stems?
Can I grow a Rick Rack plant outdoors in summer?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best rick rack plant winner is the BubbleBlooms Huernia Red Dragon because it arrives healthy, well-rooted, and ready to display with minimal fuss. If you want genuine Epiphyllum zigzag lobes with night-blooming potential, grab the Plants With A Purpose Ric Rac. And for a budget-friendly starter that teaches you the basics of succulent care, nothing beats the SUCCULENTS BOX Fishbone Cactus.