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Plant Profiles / Bunny ears cactus
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Bunny ears cactus
Opuntia microdasys and other cacti · Bunny ears cactus, polka-dot cactus
Sculptural desert plants with endless shapes and textures. Bunny ears cactus has flat pads with soft-looking (but prickly) golden tufts.
Full sunLight
Every 2–4 weeksWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
As much direct sun as possible.
Water
Every 2–4 weeks
DryWet
Water deeply only when the soil is completely dry. Barely water in winter.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Prefers dry air.
Temperature
10–40°C (50–104°F)
CoolWarm
Many cacti handle heat; protect from frost and cold, wet soil.
Growth
Slow
SlowFast
Bunny ears grows 40–60 cm tall.
Soil
Cactus mix
LeanRich
Gritty, fast-draining cactus mix in a terracotta pot.
Fertiliser
Once or twice a year
RarelyOften
Diluted cactus fertiliser in spring and summer.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic, but spines and glochids can injure pets.
About this plant
Desert cacti come from arid regions of the Americas. Opuntia microdasys, from Mexico, grows pads in pairs that look like rabbit ears. Its tufts (glochids) detach easily and irritate skin, so handle with gloves or newspaper.
Best spots
Sunny windowsills, sunny balconies, rooftops and dry, frost-free gardens.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Opuntia microdasys and other cacti |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Origin | Americas (Opuntia microdasys: Mexico) |
| Plant type | Succulent |
| Mature size | 40–60 cm (bunny ears) |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Foliage | Flat pads with golden glochids |
| Flowers | Yellow cup-shaped flowers |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic; prickly |
| Propagation | Pad cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Active growth
Flowering
Water less
Repot
Active growthFloweringWater lessRepot
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Soft, mushy base | Rot from overwatering. Cut away rot and repot in dry mix. |
| Stretching, thin growth | Not enough light. |
| Yellow or brown patches | Sunburn after sudden exposure. |
| White cottony spots | Mealybugs. Dab with alcohol. |
| Shrivelled pads | Very thirsty or root damage. |
Common questions
How do I handle bunny ears safely?
Use thick gloves, tongs or folded newspaper. Remove glochids from skin with tape.
How often should I water?
Only when the soil is fully dry; very little in winter.
Can cacti live indoors?
Yes, on your sunniest windowsill.
Will it flower?
Mature plants may flower in strong sun.
