Dinosaur Back Plant Cactus
Dinosaur Back Plant Cactus
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Selenicereus Anthonyanus, also called Ric Rac Cactus, is a rare crested blue succulent from the Myrtillocactus genus native to the highlands of central and northern Mexico. This cactus belongs to the Cactaceae family and naturally grows in dry, rocky terrain with bright sun and well-draining soil.
It earns its common name from its crested form, with wavy, fan-shaped pads in blue-green hues that deepen under bright light. The ribbed, sculptural surface has a ridged texture that resembles something prehistoric, and the clustering, tree-like growth habit means each specimen is completely unique. Selenicereus Anthonyanus can spread impressively wide over time, making it a true showpiece for any collector.
When mature, it produces small creamy-white to pale greenish blooms along its ridges, typically in spring, though flowering depends heavily on a seasonal drop in nighttime temperatures. It also develops small edible fruits known as garambullo, which have a long history of use in Mexican culinary and medicinal traditions.
You can leave it up to ten days without water. Move it outside in summer in Zones 9 through 11, but protect it from heavy rain to keep the roots safe. A heavy pot is essential to keep this wide-spreading cactus stable and upright as it develops a deep root system. It is pet friendly, though the spines mean it should be placed away from small children and off the floor entirely.
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Dinosaur Back Plant Cactus grows well in bright indirect light, partial sun, or full sun and benefits from regular rotation for even, balanced growth.
Water it every 10 to 14 days in summer, then cut back to once a month or less in winter.
Selenicereus Anthonyanus does best in a fast-draining cactus mix blended with perlite or coarse sand for maximum drainage.
It prefers temperatures between 65 and 95°F and should be protected from frost below 25°F.
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Selenicereus Anthonyanus is a slow to moderate grower that benefits from diluted cactus fertilizer applied once monthly during the active growing season.
It is hardy in USDA Zones 9 through 11, tolerating brief dips to around 25°F before frost damage becomes a risk. It grows outdoors year-round across California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Mississippi. Coastal areas of Oregon, parts of New Mexico, and protected microclimates in Arkansas and North Carolina can also support this rare crested cactus through milder winters.
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Q: How often should I water Dinosaur Back Plant Cactus?
A: Every 10 to 14 days during warm months, then once monthly in winter. Let the soil dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
Q: Is it safe around cats and dogs?
A: Dinosaur Back Plant Cactus is pet friendly, though the spines can cause physical irritation, so keep it on a high shelf or away from small children.
Q: Does Selenicereus Anthonyanus need special lighting?
A: Intense direct south-facing summer sun can scorch the pads. Rotate it regularly for even growth and position it where it receives bright indirect to full sun.
Q: How much space does this plant eventually need?
A: Selenicereus Anthonyanus grows in an upright, clustering, tree-like form and can spread quite wide as it matures, though growth is slow to moderate so a single specimen stays compact for many years.
Q: Can Ric Rac Cactus be propagated?
A: Separate offsets that emerge at the base and allow the cut end to callous for several days before potting. This cactus can be slow to produce offsets, so patience is needed.
Q: Will this plant survive outdoors year-round?
A: Ric Rac Cactus survives outdoors in Zones 9 to 11 and appreciates a summer move to a bright, sheltered spot. Bring it indoors before nighttime temperatures drop near freezing.
