LightBunny Ears Cactus needs bright direct light at 250 to 1000…
WaterLet the potting mix dry completely before watering Bunny…
ToxicityCheck toxicity
Mature sizeIt eventually grows 1 to 2 ft / 30 to…
Bunny Ears Cactus grows upright from flattened pads that cluster in ear-like pairs. Older specimens can develop a branching, tree-like outline and may produce funnel-shaped flowers. The pads carry many fine glochids rather than harmless fuzz, so careful handling is essential. This cactus suits sunny rooms and growers who prefer infrequent watering. Keep it away from busy walkways, children, and animals that might brush against it.
Care data checked 25 September 2026 · Dany · A-Z Plants
Light requirements
Bunny Ears Cactus needs bright direct light at 250 to 1000 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD. Provide 6+ hours of direct sunlight each day.
Placement: keep it within 2 ft / 60 cm of a south or southwest-facing window, with a clear view of the sky.
Measurement: use a PAR meter or PAR meter app to check photosynthetically active radiation.
Too much light: a plant moved suddenly from shade may scorch, so increase exposure in stages.
Too little light: pads become weak or stretched. Grow lights can provide support when winter daylight hours are shorter.
Watering
Let the potting mix dry completely before watering Bunny Ears Cactus. Check several depths with a knitting needle or chopstick, since a dry surface can hide moisture below. Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
Water deeply until liquid exits the drainage holes. Let all excess drain before replacing the pot in a saucer or decorative planter.
Keep water off the pads, and use a container with drainage holes.
Water considerably less during winter, when growth is not active. Never maintain a fixed schedule if the soil remains damp.
Wet soil can quickly cause root rot. Prolonged severe drought may wrinkle pads, but brief dryness is normal for this cactus.
Soil
Use a specialty organic potting mix formulated for cacti. It must drain rapidly and dry fully between waterings. Dense soil holds too much moisture around the roots, even when the surface looks dry.
DIY recipe: blend 2 parts coir, 2 parts coarse sand, and 1 part pumice.
Always choose a pot with drainage holes.
Feeding
Apply an organic fertilizer formulated for cacti every 2 to 4 weeks from March to October. Feed Bunny Ears Cactus only during active growth and do not exceed the stated dose. Avoid fertilizing dry roots or continuing routine applications through the slower winter period.
Bunny Ears Cactus prefers 60 to 80°F / 16 to 27°C. Keep it protected from cold, damp conditions and sudden drafts. Humidity should remain between 10 and 35%. High humidity combined with wet soil increases the risk of rot and damaged pads.
What to expect
Bunny Ears Cactus reaches maturity in about 3 to 5 years. It eventually grows 1 to 2 ft / 30 to 60 cm tall. Its spread is about 12 to 18 in / 30 to 45 cm. New pads gradually create an upright, branching clump.
Varieties & cultivars
Opuntia microdasys ‘Albata’: White or pale yellow spines contrast with green to pale yellow pads.
Opuntia microdasys ‘Aurea’: Bright yellow pads and spines inspire the names Golden Bunny Ears and Golden Polka Dot cactus.
Opuntia microdasys ‘Domino’: Distinct yellow blotches mark the flattened pads.
Opuntia microdasys ‘Monstrose’: Pads grow in unusual wavy and twisted shapes, creating an irregular outline.
Opuntia microdasys ‘Albata’: This listed form is also described as having white spines on pale yellow pads.
Bunny Ears Cactus: questions
Is Bunny Ears Cactus toxic to cats and dogs?
Bunny Ears Cactus is not specifically listed by the ASPCA, so it cannot be called pet safe from that database. Its fine glochids are physical hazards to people and pets. They can…
How much light does Bunny Ears Cactus need?
Bunny Ears Cactus needs bright direct light at 250 to 1000 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD. Provide 6+ hours of direct sunlight each day. - Placement: keep it within 2 ft / 60 cm of a south or southwest-facing window, with a clear view of the sky. - Measurement: use a PAR meter or PAR meter app to check…
How often should I water Bunny Ears Cactus?
Let the potting mix dry completely before watering Bunny Ears Cactus. Check several depths with a knitting needle or chopstick, since a dry surface can hide moisture below. Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water. - Water deeply until liquid exits the drainage…
How big does Bunny Ears Cactus get?
Mature size indoors: It eventually grows 1 to 2 ft / 30 to….
