Opuntia microdasys

Bunny Ears Cactus, Polka Dot Cactus

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A small branching cactus with oval pads covered in yellow glochids. A popular ornamental known for its soft but irritating spines. Native to Mexican deserts.
yard Succulents plants wb_sunny Sun pets Not pet-safe
info Pot sizes shown are estimations. Real dimensions may vary depending on the merchant.
Merchant Pot Size Availability Price
Amazon.com 1-2 in In Stock $6.99 Buy
Amazon.com 1-2 in Out of Stock $10.99 Buy
Merchant Pot Size Availability Price
Amazon.com 3-4 in In Stock $13.99 Buy
Amazon.com 3-4 in Out of Stock $15.99 Buy
Amazon.com 3-4 in In Stock $16.68 Buy
Amazon.com 3-4 in In Stock $21.99 Buy
Amazon.com 3-4 in Out of Stock $24.99 Buy
info

Plant Details

Common Name Bunny Ears Cactus, Polka Dot Cactus
Family Cactaceae
Genus Opuntia
Species Microdasys
Origin Mexico
Blooming Yellow flowers on mature pads in late spring to early summer.
Leaf Color Grey-green to blue-green
Sunlight Sun
Category Succulents plants
Pet Friendly close No
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Care & Maintenance

terrain
Soil

Well-draining cactus mix, sandy or gritty substrate with high mineral content and low organic matter.

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Watering

Allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter dormancy. Avoid wetting pads directly to prevent rot.

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Sunlight & Care

Requires full sun for optimal growth and flowering. Tolerates bright indirect light indoors but may elongate without sufficient intensity.

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Fertilization

Apply balanced cactus fertilizer monthly during growing season (spring/summer). Cease fertilization in autumn and winter.

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Pruning

Remove damaged pads carefully using thick gloves and tongs; glochids are difficult to remove from skin.

Pest Control Mealybug Scale Insect Spider Mite

These are the insects and pathogens that commonly interact with this plant, including pests, parasites, and organisms typically associated with its care.

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Seasonal Periods

local_florist Flowering Period 3 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
eco Leaf Persistence 12 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
thermostat

Growing Parameters

thermostat
Temperature
50° – 100°
Fahrenheit
Ideal ambient air temperature range for healthy growth
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Humidity
20% – 40%
% relative
Optimal relative air humidity the plant thrives in
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Light (LUX)
1500 – 60000
Lux
Ambient illuminance level at the plant's surface
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Light (PAR)
200 – 2400
mmol/m²/s
Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensity
water
Soil Moisture
5% – 25%
% volumetric
Water content in the growing medium
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Soil EC
300 – 1800
mS/cm
Electrical conductivity (nutrient concentration in soil water)
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Common Problems

Something wrong with your Opuntia microdasys? Select a symptom to diagnose and fix the issue.

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