Bunny Ears Cactus / Polka Dot Cactus
Opuntia microdasys
description
Bunny Ears Cactus is a pad-forming cactus dotted with clusters of fine irritating glochids.
benefits
- Low—water tolerant
- Сan handle lower humidity level
- Drought-tolerant — forgives missed waterings
- Low maintenance
- Suitable for containers
How to care for Bunny Ears Cactus
sunlight
Native to sunny, dry areas of northern Mexico, Bunny Ears Cactus grows best in the brightest spot you can offer indoors.
Full sun
Place it in a south- or west-facing window for several hours of direct sun daily. A little less sun is tolerated, but growth may become thin, stretched, or sparse. Introduce stronger sun gradually over 1-2 weeks, especially after winter, to prevent scorching.
watering
Let the potting mix dry out completely before watering. Bunny Ears Cactus stores water in its pads, so it is far safer slightly dry than regularly damp.
Spring and summer
In bright, warm conditions, water thoroughly about every 2-4 weeks, only when the mix is dry throughout the root ball. Let excess drain away completely. It may need water sooner in a small terracotta pot and later in lower light or a larger pot.
Autumn and winter
As growth slows, water roughly every 4-8 weeks, and less if the plant is cool or dim. Check that the pot feels very light and the mix is fully dry before watering.
humidity
Humidity
Native to dry regions of Mexico, Bunny Ears Cactus is happiest in ordinary indoor air. It tolerates about 20-50% relative humidity, so most homes need no adjustment.
Very hot, persistently dry air can contribute to slightly wrinkled or shriveled pads, but check the potting mix first: this is usually a watering issue rather than a humidity problem.
temperature
Preferred range
Winter minimum
Native to dry regions of Mexico, Bunny Ears Cactus likes warm, sunny rooms. It tolerates summer heat well once acclimated, but cool conditions are safest when the soil is completely dry.
nutrition
March - August
Feed about every 4-6 weeks while new pads are forming, using a cactus fertilizer diluted to half strength. Choose one with modest nitrogen to avoid soft, stretched growth. Stop feeding in autumn and winter, or whenever growth has paused.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen supports new pads, but too much produces weak growth that is more prone to rot. A diluted cactus fertilizer provides enough.
Potassium
Potassium supports sturdy growth and flowering on mature plants. A balanced cactus fertilizer supplies it without overfeeding.
soil
Gritty, fast-draining soil
Bunny Ears Cactus needs airy soil that dries quickly, since its shallow roots rot in dense, wet compost. Use a cactus mix loosened with pumice, perlite, or coarse grit, with at least one-third mineral material.
pH 6,0 - 7,5
This is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, a range most cactus mixes naturally suit. Choose a mineral-rich cactus mix and avoid strongly acidic amendments such as lots of peat.