Opuntia microdasys

Bunny Ears Cactus is native to northern Mexico and desert regions stretching into Arizona. This plant will grow 2-3 feet tall and spread 4-6 feet as a mature plant. It needs full sun in the summer months and should be grown in a pot with cactus potting soil to prevent root rot. In the winter months, it requires cooler temperatures of 50-65 degrees F, very little water and partial sun conditions. It may bloom if these conditions are met or it may die if they are not.

It is made up of stem-like pads with numerous yellow glochids that look cottony but contain numerous thin spines. Handle with gloves!. The pads are produced in pairs giving it the bunny ear look. Propagation is done by breaking off one of the pads in spring and rooting in well-drained soil. It rarely blooms with yellow cup-shaped flowers.

This plant is not frost tolerant and must be brought indoors in cooler climate areas. Grow in a container with well-drained potting soil made for cacti or succulents in a pot with many drainage holes.