momiroot

Bunny ears cactus

Opuntia microdasys · Family Cactaceae

Also known as: opuntia microdasys, polka dot cactus, angel's wings

Bunny ears cactus
Photo: Stan Shebs · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Light
Full sun
Watering
Every 14 days
Difficulty
Easy
Pet-safe
No, keep it away from cats and dogs

Care

Where to put it

A sunny south-facing windowsill.

Light

Full sun. Handle with care: the tiny bristles get into skin.

Watering

Water only when the compost is bone dry; barely at all in winter.

About the plant

The bunny ears cactus has flat, rounded pads covered in little dots that look soft. It is compact, grows slowly and is popular in cactus collections. It likes sun and little water.

Origin

Native to the deserts of northern and central Mexico, in open, rocky areas.

What it likes

  • Full sun
  • Sandy, free-draining soil
  • Rare watering

What it dislikes

  • Too much water
  • Low light
  • Being touched without gloves

Did you know?

The plush-looking dots are glochids, tiny spines that come loose and stick to the skin.

Listed in

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