Opuntia microdasys (Bunny ear)

Botanical & Common Names
- Botanical name: Opuntia microdasys
- Common names: Bunny Ears / Angel Wings

Background & Origin
Opuntia microdasys is a distinctive cactus species native to Mexico, where it grows in arid desert regions under intense sun. Belonging to the wider Opuntia genus, it forms flat, pad-like segments that resemble bunny ears — giving rise to its common name, Bunny Ear Cactus. Rather than long spines, it is covered in clusters of tiny hooked barbs called glochids, an adaptation that helps protect it from grazing animals in the wild. Compact and characterful, it typically grows to around one foot tall, forming sculptural clumps over time.

Care Level
- Care level: Easy
- Suitable for beginners: Yes!

What It Loves
- Bright warm spot
- Letting the compost dry out

What It Dislikes
- Overwatering or sitting in soggy soil
- Dark spots will cause legginess

Best Rooms for This Plant
- Bedroom
- Living room
- Office
- Conservatory

Growth Potential
- Typical height indoors: 40 - 60 cm in height
- Typical spread: Up to 60- 90cm wide
- Growth rate: Slow growing
- Pruning required: No

Is This Plant Right for You?
This plant is a great choice if you:
- Love unusual, sculptural cacti
- Want bold, architectural greenery
- Enjoy textured stems

Light
- Best light: Bright warm spot with some direct sunlight
- Avoid: dark shady spot

Watering
- Frequency: Water when soil is completely dry,
- Seasonal note: Reduce watering in winter when growth slows to almost none.

Humidity
- Prefers: No humidity
- Extra humidity helpful?: These plants are native to arid conditions and do not require humidity.

Feeding
- Feed with: A balanced houseplant fertiliser
- Frequency: Once or twice during growing season during spring and summer. No feeding is needed during autumn and winter.

Toxicity
- Pet safe: Yes
- Notes: Keep out of reach of pets and small children to avoid damage. Opuntia have tiny, hair-like glochids that when brushed or eaten can cause irritation to the skin

Repotting
- How often: Once a year
- Signs it’s needed: Roots growing out of the drainage holes, slower growth, or soil drying very quickly. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid overwatering.