Cactus Opuntia Microdasys

Opuntia microdasys, also known as the bunny ear cactus or angel’s wings, is a small cousin of the more commonly known prickly pear cactus. Though it isn’t known for its culinary uses, it’s a popular houseplant due to its easy care and cute appearance. The pads of this cactus can resemble bunny ears and the glochids look like fur, hence the common name. This plant will grow 2-3 feet tall and spread 4-6 feet as a mature plant.

It is made up of stem-like pads with numerous yellow glochids that look cottony but contain numerous thin spines. Handle with gloves!. The pads are produced in pairs giving it the bunny ear look. Propagation is done by breaking off one of the pads in spring and rooting in well-drained soil. It rarely blooms with yellow cup-shaped flowers.

It needs full sun in the summer months and should be grown in a pot with cactus potting soil to prevent root rot. In the winter months, it requires cooler temperatures of 50-65 degrees F, very little water and partial sun conditions. It may bloom if these conditions are met or it may die if they are not.