Opuntia microdasys
Also known as: Bunny ears cactus
Bunny ears: spineless-looking pads dotted with golden glochid tufts. It belongs to the Opuntia genus, comes from Mexico, stays around Pad clumps 30–60 cm, and tolerates USDA 9–11; dry cold to -5 °C. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Opuntia
- Origin: Mexico
- Mature size: Pad clumps 30–60 cm
- Hardiness: USDA 9–11; dry cold to -5 °C
- Toxicity: ⚠️ Glochids detach at a touch and irritate skin badly
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Opuntia
- Origin
- Mexico
- Mature size
- Pad clumps 30–60 cm
- Growth habit
- Bunny-ear pads without true spines but with glochid tufts
- Leaf colour
- Bright green pads with golden (albaspina) or white glochids
- Flower colour
- Yellow flowers on mature pads
- Hardiness
- USDA 9–11; dry cold to -5 °C
- Toxicity
- ⚠️ Glochids detach at a touch and irritate skin badly
- Other names
- Bunny ears cactus
About the Opuntia microdasys
Bunny ears: spineless-looking pads dotted with golden glochid tufts. The glochids detach at a touch and are miserable to remove — handle with folded newspaper, never bare hands.
Care and cultivation
Grow in a fast-draining gritty mix with bright light and morning sun. Water deeply only when bone dry. Remove spent stalks and dried lower leaves; handle leaves by the stem to protect the farina. Light: Bright light with morning sun; colour deepens with light. Water: Soak-and-dry; every 10–14 days in growth. Soil: Fast-draining cactus mix, 50% grit.
Description
Opuntia microdasys is a Opuntia succulent from Mexico. Bunny ears: spineless-looking pads dotted with golden glochid tufts. The glochids detach at a touch and are miserable to remove — handle with folded newspaper, never bare hands.
Identification
Key identification features: Bright green pads with golden (albaspina) or white glochids leaves in a Bunny-ear pads without true spines but with glochid tufts form, reaching Pad clumps 30–60 cm. Also known as Bunny ears cactus. Nickname: 'Bunny ears cactus'. Nickname: 'Bunny ears cactus'.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Opuntia microdasys?
Soak-and-dry; every 10–14 days in growth. Let the soil dry completely between waterings and reduce water in winter.
Is Opuntia microdasys toxic to pets?
⚠️ Glochids detach at a touch and irritate skin badly. Considered safe around pets.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Opuntia microdasys, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.