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Bunny ears cactus

Opuntia microdasys

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Bunny ears cactus · Opuntia microdasys

Flat pads like bunny ears dotted with tiny tufts of fine bristles.

Care and placement

Needs lots of sun (about 6 hours), a fast-draining cactus mix and infrequent watering with full drying; 18–29 °C (65–85 °F); protect from frost; wear gloves because of the tiny barbed bristles.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 50 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 60 cm

Things to consider

ASPCA lists Opuntia as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses, but the tiny barbed glochids detach easily and embed in skin and mucous membranes, causing itching and burning. Wear thick gloves when repotting; keep away from children and pets.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Use a very free-draining cactus mix (add perlite or coarse sand) in a pot with drainage holes. Handle with thick gloves or folded newspaper; repot every 2–3 years.

  2. Light

    Lots of sun: about 6 hours of direct sun daily, tolerating partial shade; indoors, use the sunniest window.

  3. Watering

    Water thoroughly but rarely, letting it dry completely (about every 2–3 weeks when warm, 4–6 weeks when cool). Prone to root rot; shriveling pad tips can point to overwatering.

  4. Feeding

    Diluted cactus fertilizer every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; stop in autumn and winter.

  5. Pruning

    Only remove damaged or rotting pads at the joint, wearing gloves and using a clean knife.

  6. Propagation

    Pad cuttings: with gloves, twist or cut a pad at the joint using a clean knife, let it callus for at least a week (the most important step), plant upright in free-draining mix and water very little until rooted (2–6 weeks when warm). Seeds work but are slower.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Spider mites, scale and mealybugs: wipe pads with alcohol-soaked cotton. Root rot when overwatered, especially in cool months; shrivelled pad tips suggest too much water.

  8. For plentiful, healthy leaves

    For more new pads and flowers: lots of sun, sparing water, sharp drainage, light low-nitrogen feeding and a cool, dry winter rest. Mature plants bear yellow flowers, seldom seen indoors.