Opuntia microdasys

Bunny Ear Cactus

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Cacti & Succulents Bedroom Plants Kitchen Plants Living Room Plants

Unkillable

Sun-lover

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Plant height

40cm

17cm pot

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Nursery Pot
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Opuntia or Bunny Ear Cactus houseplant, is a cute cactus with bunny ear-shaped succulent pads, dotted with sharp spikes. This sun-loving cactus will look perfect on a sun drenched windowsill in the kitchen or a bedroom.

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To see me at my best

In summer put me in a hot, sunny and dry spot. In winter, only water me once or twice and put me in a cool spot in order to activate dormancy.

Plant Care Tips

Keep me in bright direct sunlight, move me somewhere slightly cooler in winter.

Water me regularly in summer when the top few cms of soil is dry. Water only once or twice in winter.

I like low humidity, so no need to mist me or keep me in a humid room.

About Bunny Ear Cactus

History

Opuntia is the widespread genus of the cacti group of plants with over 200 species found ranging in the wild from North to South America. Some Opuntia leaves can be eaten, while others grow edible fruits. It is also used in many places in South America as a hedge.

Cultivation

All Opuntia are distinguished by their flat pad shaped leaves. Opuntia are also the only genus of cacti that bear spines called glochids. Glochids are fine and hairy spines tipped with sharp barbs, so be very careful when handling! Some Opuntia species have both glochids and spines. Within the genus some species can grow up to 20 feet tall, while others are much smaller.

Care

As with most Cacti, Opuntia need warmth and direct sun during spring to autumn, and only watering when the soil has fully dried out. To avoid a condition called etiolation, which is caused by too little sunlight during growing phase, it is best to encourage the plant to go into its dormancy stage by reducing the temperature and light.

Did you know?

As with all cacti, Opuntia species use a photosynthetic process called CAM or crassulacean acid metabolism. All plants with CAM process photosynthesis and thus release oxygen at night. They have evolved to use this process to minimise water evaporation during the heat of the day.

Toxicity

If ingested this plant can be toxic or poisonous so keep away from dogs, cats or other pets and small children.

Also Known As

Angel's wings; Polka Dot Cactus; Golden Bristle Cactus; Prickly Pear