In my experience with ricordea, stabbing it isn't warranted. The appropriate method is either to attach the ric to a substrate by 1) putting it in a container with holes for low water movement with some rubble and it will attach in a few days (4or5) or 2) use superglue gel and put it on the desired rock. While 2 works, you have to dry off the spot where you are applying the gel (rock and ric) and it stresses them out. If you don't dry them it won't work, usually.
Stick with what Grins told you and it will turn out fine. Ric's can be a little tempermental at first.
But IMO DO NOT STAB IT WITH A TOOTHPICK. If you decide to I would be most interested in a photo of once you "stab it into a rock".
Again, method 1 is preferred (IMHO)