- Low Maintenance, Flowering
- Bright Direct Light
- Mature Height 1 - 3 Feet
- Water Needs - Dry Out Completely Between Waterings. Typically Every 2-4 Weeks.
Opuntia microdasys, commonly known as Bunny or Bunny Ear Cactus, gets its name from the paddle-like stems that grow in pairs resembling bunny ears. Its fine, hair-like spines, produced in large clumps all over the stems, give the plant a fuzzy appearance as it matures. While outdoor plants are more likely to flower, container-planted and house-grown cacti may bloom occasionally if kept in warm, bright conditions. This cactus tends to spread out rather than grow vertically and can be easily propagated by stem cuttings (the modified paddles) throughout the year.
Best Locations For Growing Bunny Ear Cactus
Bunny Ear Cactus is large enough to be used as a floor plant in rooms with bright light. Although the cactus itself is not poisonous, its ultra-fine spines (smaller than a human hair) can cause serious skin irritation. Keep pets and children away from the plant and place it away from high-traffic areas such as hallways and entryways. Younger, immature plants are ideal for tabletop decor or display on shelves.
Bunny Ear Cactus Sunlight Requirements
A south-facing room is ideal for growing Bunny Ear Cactus, as it thrives in constant warmth and bright, direct light. If natural light is insufficient, use a grow light and timer set to 12-16 hours. Rotate the pot regularly to prevent the plant from leaning or stretching to one side.
Bunny Ear Cactus Care
Grow this cactus in a potting mix enriched with sharp sand, grit, or perlite for excellent drainage. Terra cotta or unglazed ceramic pots are ideal as they allow the potting mix to dry quickly between waterings. Bunny Ear Cactus is hardy in USDA zones 9a-11b and can tolerate drought, making it suitable for xeric gardens in non-freezing locations. It is more likely to bloom regularly in a garden setting than in a container. Always use gloves when handling this cactus, as its spines can be very irritating.
Watering Bunny Ear Cactus
Opuntia Cactus is highly drought-tolerant and can be left for weeks without care. For container-grown plants, water every 1-2 weeks during the spring and summer. In winter, reduce watering to once a month. Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings, and empty any saucers or cache pots immediately after watering. Typical house humidity levels are sufficient, as this plant does not require high atmospheric moisture.
Feeding Bunny Ear Cactus
Fertilize Bunny Ear Cactus with a cactus-specific formula, ideally with an NPK ratio of 5-10-5, which may encourage blooming. Do not fertilize during the fall or winter.
Bunny Ear Cactus Information
| Light Exposure: Bright Direct Light |
| Mature Height: 1 - 3 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 2 - 3 Feet |
| Habit: Clumping, Mounded |
| Flower Color(s): None |
| Foliage Color(s): Green, Red |
| Watering: Dry Out Completely Between Waterings. Typically Every 2-4 Weeks. |
| Features: Low Maintenance, Flowering |
| Common Name: Bunny Ear Cactus |
| Other Name(s): Bunny Ear Cactus, Angel's Wings, Polka-Dot Cactus, Bunny Cactus |
| Scientific Name: Opuntia microdasys |
- SKU:
- SUCC_CACTUS_MICODASY
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations