Opuntia microdasys aka Bunny Ears Prickly Pear
Taxonomy
Opuntia microdasys, also known as angel's-wings, bunny ears cactus, bunny cactus, or polka-dot cactus, is a species of flowering plant in the cactus family Cactaceae. It is native and endemic to central and northern Mexico. This unique and popular houseplant is loved for its easy care and unusual appearance. With its bushy growth reaching up to 60cm tall, it features branched stems composed of flattened 'pads' that can grow up to 15cm long. These pads have prominent areoles with short white glochids. During the summer, Opuntia microdasys produces pale yellow flowers with a golden hue, adding to its charm. The fruits of this cactus are purple and measure around 4.5cm. The plant forms dense thickets and figures, making it a fascinating addition to Mexican landscapes. Its stems have an oval, flattened shape, and it grows as a medium-sized bush, reaching heights of up to 50cm. The stems gradually become woody with age, developing a light brown crust. The plant's dense skin provides protection to its juicy flesh. Overall, Opuntia microdasys is a visually appealing and resilient cactus variety that captivates with its white-spotted, cute appearance and ability to bloom.
Common names
Bunny Ears Prickly Pear, Golden Bristle, Golden Bristle CactusHow to care for Bunny Ears Prickly Pear
Difficulty
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Bunny Ears Prickly Pear due to its easy-going nature.
Water
Bunny Ears Prickly Pear does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
To keep your Bunny Ears Prickly Pear healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.
Lighting
Bunny Ears Prickly Pear thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Golden Bristle Cactus.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it's common for Bunny Ears Prickly Pear to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Humidity
Bunny Ears Prickly Pear enjoys dry environments, but misting the plant or providing extra humidity can create an environment for harmful fungi to thrive on the leaves.
Fertilizer
The Bunny Ears Prickly Pear is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.
Region of origin
Bunny Ears Prickly Pear’s native range is the Americas.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Opuntia Genus
Opuntia humifusa Creeping Prickly Pear
Opuntia pubescens
Opuntia engelmannii Engelmann's Prickly Pear
Opuntia streptacantha Gracemere Pear
Opuntia decumbens
Opuntia aciculata Chenille Prickly Pear
Opuntia Prickly Pear
Opuntia polyacantha erinacea Snow Prickly Pear
Opuntia aurantiaca Tiger Pear
