Opuntia Microdasys (Prickly Pear), Bunny Ear Cactus

Bunny Ear Cactus

Opuntia microdasys, also known as the bunny ear cactus or polka dot cactus, is a species of cactus that is native to central and northern Mexico. It is a popular ornamental plant, known for its unique appearance and easy care requirements.

The plant is named for its small, spiny pads that resemble the ears of a bunny. The pads are green and covered in clusters of white, hair-like spines. The plant produces small, yellow flowers in the spring and summer months.

Opuntia microdasys is relatively easy to care for and is well-suited to a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. It should be watered deeply, but allowed to dry out between watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

The bunny ear cactus is susceptible to pests, such as mealybugs and aphids. It can also be damaged by extreme temperature fluctuations.

In addition to being grown as an ornamental plant, Opuntia microdasys has been used in traditional medicine and as a food source. Its pads and fruit are edible and can be used in a variety of dishes.

 

Appearance:

• The plant is named for its small, spiny pads that resemble the ears of a bunny.
• The pads are green and covered in clusters of white, hair-like spines.
• The plant produces small, yellow flowers in the spring and summer months.

Care:

• Opuntia microdasys is relatively easy to care for and is well-suited to a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.
• It prefers bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil.
• It should be watered deeply, but allowed to dry out between watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

Pests and Care:

• The bunny ear cactus is susceptible to pests, such as mealybugs and aphids.
• It can also be damaged by extreme temperature fluctuations.

Uses:

• In addition to being grown as an ornamental plant, Opuntia microdasys has been used in traditional medicine and as a food source.
• Its pads and fruit are edible and can be used in a variety of dishes.

Description for Opuntia Microdasys, Bunny Ear Cactus

The opuntia microdasys or bunny ears cactus forms a dense shrub, about 40-60 cm tall, with pad-like stems 6-15cm long and 4-12cm wide.
It has no spines, but rather numerous white or yellow glochids (hair-like prickles) that are 2-3mm long and found in dense clusters.
The flowers emerge from the top edges of the pads in April and May.
The yellow flowers appear only rarely.

Common Names: Bunny ears, Angel`s wings, Prickly pear cactus, golden-bristle cactus, polka-dot cactus.

Planting and care

Re-pot when the plant performs clump and goes beyond the pot size. It should be done before or after the rainy season and in the spring season.

Re-pot with the following proportions: 3 parts of potting soil, 1 part of grit (pumice), 1 part of the horticultural-grade sand, 1/2 part of the compost, etc.

Caring for Opuntia Microdasys (Prickly pear cactus)

 

• • Avoid overwatering as the roots may get rot.

 

• • Water the plant in the morning, between 8 to 10 am.

 

• • Avoid keeping in suffocated areas or in the darkroom.

Typical uses of Opuntia Microdasys

Special features: Survivals and growers of the summer.

ornamental use: Opuntia Microdasys also used as ornamental plants.

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