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Opuntia Microdasys
Meet the Opuntia Microdasys, also known as the Bunny Ear Cactus. With its flat, paddle-shaped stems resembling adorable bunny ears, it’s a fun and super easy to care for addition to your collection. Just a heads-up though, those little dots are tiny spines, so this one is definitely more “look, don’t touch”.
Opuntia Microdasys loves bright light, so a sunny windowsill is ideal. The more light it gets, the happier it tends to be. If it’s not getting enough light, you might notice slower growth or the paddles stretching slightly.
This cactus is very drought tolerant and prefers its soil to dry out completely between waterings. I recommend watering only when the soil is fully dry. When you do water, give it a good soak and make sure all excess water can drain away. Like most cacti, it really doesn’t like sitting in soggy soil.
Humidity isn’t something you need to worry about here. Normal household humidity is absolutely fine as this plant is happy in dry air.
Opuntia Microdasys prefers to be slightly pot-bound, so it shouldn’t need repotting often. If and when it does, use a free-draining cactus or succulent mix.
Extra Care Tips
If your Bunny Ear Cactus isn’t looking its best, it’s usually down to light or watering.
Soft or mushy paddles are a sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry out completely and reduce how often you water.
Wrinkling or shrivelling usually means it’s been dry for a long time. Give it a thorough water and it should plump back up.
This cactus can be easily propagated from paddles. If one snaps off, let the cut end dry and callous over for a few days before placing it into dry soil. Always handle with care as those tiny spines are surprisingly sharp and hard to remove!
