Bunny Ear Cactus Guide: How to Grow Bunny Ear Cactus

The bunny ear cactus (Opuntia microdasys) is a member of the Cactaceae family. It is easily identifiable by its segmented pads—which resemble bunny ears and are covered in bristly hairs called glochids. The bunny ear cactus is native to dry areas of northern Mexico and can range in height from 16 to 24 inches at maturity. A cousin to the prickly pear cactus, bunny ear cactus is also known as polka-dot cactus’ and angel’s wings.

The bunny ear cactus is a popular choice among new gardeners for its ease of care. Follow these steps to plant a bunny ear cactus, and be cautious of the spines when handling the plant.

• Place your bunny ear cactus in direct sunlight. Ensure that the cactus receives at least 14 hours of light each day. If full sun is not available in your home, white fluorescent lights are an alternative. In the winter, move your cactus to a space that receives only partial sunlight.
• Regulate the temperature of the growing environment. In order to keep your bunny ear cactus healthy, ensure that the temperature does not dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This cactus plant is intolerant to frost.
• Plant your bunny ear cactus in sandy soil. It is important to use a sandy or loose potting soil mix to help the plant retain moisture and drain excess water. You can use a combination of potting mix with perlite and peat moss.
• Plant your bunny ear cactus in a clay pot. A porous clay pot with drainage holes will allow excess water to drain and help avoid root rot and mealybugs.
• Let the soil completely dry between waterings. Water your bunny ear plant when the top inch of potting soil is dry. Thoroughly soak the potting soil mix, and do not water again until the soil has completely dried out—the bunny ear cactus is sensitive to overwatering. The cactus does not need to be watered in the winter months.
• Repot your bunny ear cactus to encourage growth. Bunny ear cactus should be replanted every year or two as the roots outgrow the pot. Repot the plant just before the plant’s growing season in warmer months.
• Protect your cactus from pests. This succulent is susceptible to pests such as scale insects and mealybugs. If infestation occurs, treat your cactus with a cotton cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol.

The most successful time to propagate a bunny ear cactus is in the summer so the new plants have more time to root before the colder winter months arrive.

1. 1. Remove several mature pads from the mother plant. Use tweezers to avoid getting pricked by the cactus plant’s spines.
2. 2. Allow the cuttings to dry. Let the cuttings dry out and callus over the course of several days.
3. 3. Plant the cuttings. Plant the dried cuttings beneath an inch of cactus potting mix in a clay pot.
4. 4. Find a spot in the sun. Place it in a sunny area and wait several days for the root system to develop.
5. 5. Water the plant regularly. Water the cactus regularly throughout its first year to encourage the growth of roots.

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