Bunny Ear Cactus Plant – How To Grow Bunny Ears Cactus
Occasionally, the plant will be beleaguered by pests such as mealybugs and scale insects. Combat these with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol.
Bunny Ears Cactus
If you have ever contemplated getting a pet but are limited with time, then we have the perfect solution! Opuntia microdasys or more commonly called the Bunny Ears cactus requires no daily care and will not leave little messes around the house! These cacti have the cutest hairy white buttons over their paddle-like stems and grow to form the most interesting shapes. If you provide them with over 6 hours of bright indirect (or direct) light and water them only when the soil is desert-dry, then your new little pet will entertain you with its whimsical style! Cactaceae are ideal plants for forgetful waters and some of the best indoor plants for beginners.
Light
Plenty of bright indirect sunlight is needed to support Bunny Ears Cactus. These indoor plants like lots of light, even during the winter months. Some varieties of Cactus can handle direct light, but be careful because direct light can be damaging, especially for young plants or new growth. When in doubt, it’s always best to keep Cactus houseplants in bright indirect light. Learn where to put your plants for the best light!
Water
Bunny Ears Cactus are drought-tolerant houseplants, and the soil must be allowed to dry out between watering. Water as soon as the soil is completely dry throughout while the plant actively grows during the spring and summer. Cacti can go for extended periods without water during winter when the plant may become dormant. It is typical for a cactus to go 1-2 months between watering, depending on the size of the plant and the overall conditions, like temperature and sunlight.
When you do water, drench the soil and empty the cache pot or saucer of standing water. Cacti are susceptible to root rot if they receive too much water, and the threshold for over-watering is relatively low. It is often better to under-water than over-water, so if the plant is not showing signs of dehydration and you’re unsure about when to water, there is no harm in waiting a few more days. Learn when and how to water your indoor plants!
Temperature
Warm temperatures, similar to what the Opuntia microdasys would experience in nature, are ideal. Generally, anything above 50 degrees is fine, but the plant will be happier if kept in an area of at least 65 degrees. Chilly drafts can be a problem, so keep a Cactus plant clear of exterior doors and drafty locations.
Humidity
Dry conditions are best for Bunny Ears Cactus. Most cacti are not very adaptable when it comes to humidity and prefer to be in areas without increased dampness in the air. Low or average moisture is ideal. Avoid placing cactus in bathrooms, kitchens, or areas prone to increased humidity.
Fertilizer
Cacti are not heavy feeders but use a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season to help the plant push out new growth. Stop fertilizing cactus houseplants during the winter when the plant is not actively growing.
Growth Rate
The Bunny-Ears Cactus is a slow-growing plant and can grow up to 2 to 3 feet tall over 10 to 20 years.
Pet Friend or Foe
The sharp spines common on this cactus can poke and pierce the skin, so be very careful when handling the plant or if you have pets and small children.
Pro Tips
- As slow-growing houseplants, Cacti typically need to be re-potted every other year. Although most Cacti are alright being root bound, there is typically no rush to re-pot. When it is time to re-pot, wear thick gloves to protect your hands and select a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the existing pot.
- A dormancy or rest period during the winter can help promote new growth and possibly even blooms during the growing season. Give the plant time to rest by cutting back on the water and avoiding placing the plant in areas with hot temperatures during the winter.
- Mature and healthy plants will send out offshoots or pups. These can be removed and propagated. It is best to remove an offshoot when re-potting Bunny Ears Cactus. Using clean shears or a knife, remove the offshoot and let the cut end callous over for a few days before re-potting the new plant in its own pot.
- Not all cacti are pet friendly. We recommend researching the potential toxicity for every plant you bring into your home. The main concern with cacti is the sharp spines that can easily pierce the skin! Always wear gloves when handling these types of indoor plants!
- Find out the do’s and don’ts for your new indoor plants!
Bunny Ear Cactus Plant – How To Grow Bunny Ears Cactus
Cacti are the perfect plant for the novice gardener. They are also the perfect specimen for a neglectful gardener. Bunny ears cactus plant, also called angel’s wings, has ease of care combined with an original appearance. The thick pads of this plant are adorned with fuzzy glochids, or short bristles, that resemble the fur of rabbits and grow in earlike pairs. Even a beginner can learn how to grow bunny ears cactus and enjoy the soft appearance of the plant without a lot of typical houseplant fuss.
Bunny Ears Cactus Information
Bunny ears cactus (Opuntia microdasys) originated in Mexico and is a denizen of arid, desert-like areas. Growing bunny ears cactus is as simple as mimicking its native regional conditions. So if you have a dry, low humidity home and plenty of sunny exposure, bunny ears cactus plant might be the perfect plant for you.
Bunny ears forms a 2 to 3 foot (61-91 cm.) tall plant with a spread of 4 to 5 feet (1- 1.5 m.) in its native habitat. In the home, it is a slow growing plant that will likely reach 2 feet (61 cm.) in height and have about the same width. It makes an excellent container plant with its paired 3 to 6 inch (8-15 cm.) long pads, which start out a rosy red and deepen to bright green.
An interesting bit of bunny ears cactus information is that it does not develop spines. Instead, it grows glochids, which are short whitish brown prickles. These still have the ability to bite, so caution is urged when handling the cactus. If you are lucky, the plant may produce 2 inch (5 cm.) wide creamy yellow flowers in summer, followed by globular purple fruits.
How to Grow Bunny Ears Cactus
As with most succulents, you can start new bunny ears plants with a pad taken from the cactus. Use extreme caution when removing a leaf because the glochids dislodge easily and are very difficult to remove from the skin.
Use thick gloves or newspaper to pick up the pad. Allow the end to callus for a few days, then insert into cactus soil. Use a good cactus mix for growing bunny ears cactus, or make your own with 40 percent potting soil, 40 percent sand, and 20 percent peat moss. The pad usually roots within a few weeks.
Bunny ears cactus requires a well-drained container for indoor use. An unglazed clay pot allows for evaporation of excess moisture, which is a prime killer of these plants. They can also grow outdoors but are only hardy in United States Department of Agriculture zones 9 to 11.
Bunny Ears Cactus Care
These plants are a gardener’s dream for their low maintenance and interesting appearance. Water can be the death of the plant but it does need consistent moisture during the growing season. Water the plant when the top one inch (2.5 cm.) of soil is dry. Allow the water to drain out of the pot and remove any excess from the saucer. During fall and winter, water lightly only every three to four weeks.
Fertilize the plant every other water period during spring and summer with a diluted houseplant food or cactus formula.
Occasionally, the plant will be beleaguered by pests such as mealybugs and scale insects. Combat these with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol.
Bunny ears cactus should be repotted every one to two years. Wait at least a week after repotting to water the plant. Other than these steps, bunny ears cactus care is limited, and the plant should reward you with its abundant pads and interesting features for years.