mycompanionplants.com
Bunny Ears Cactus (Opuntia microdasys)
Bunny Ears Cactus Opuntia microdasysPhoto: Stan Shebs · CC BY-SA 3.0

Collector · sculptural

Bunny Ears Cactus

Opuntia microdasys

Also found as Opuntia microdasys (Lehm.) Pfeiff.

Opuntia Microdasys (Opuntia microdasys) is a sculptural companion plant. Its care profile below covers light, water, temperature, humidity, substrate, feeding, seasonal care, propagation, and household placement.

← Back to My Catalog PlaceFind Your Companion PlantView Scenes
Typical placement
The brightest safe windowsill or sunroom, away from traffic and reach
Care
Easy with strong light · Desert cactus
Everyday size
A compact-to-floor architectural specimen depending on age and species.
Collector class
Collector
Seller listings
No verified seller listed

Botanical identity

One canonical record.

Names, aliases, lineage, and care information are organized here under one companion plant record.

Genus
Opuntia
Family
Cactaceae
Genetic status
Species
Propagation forms
Cutting · Rooted cutting · Seedling
Plant form
Representative photograph
Information checked
2026-07-31

Household safety

Conservative household placement

No exact ASPCA cat-and-dog listing is used for this record, so the plant is not presented as pet-safe. Prevent chewing and ingestion.

This ornamental plant is not food. Keep it out of reach and teach children not to taste leaves, flowers, seeds, sap, or potting media.

Read the complete safety guidance

Practical care guide

How to care for Bunny Ears Cactus

Desert cactus guidance translated into an everyday growing plan.

Easy with strong light
Light
Full sun or the brightest available window after acclimation
Water
Water deeply only after the mix dries completely
Temperature
Warm in growth; cool and dry in winter while remaining frost-free (8–35°C)
Humidity
Low humidity and strong airflow (15–50%)
Potting medium
Mineral-rich cactus mix with coarse grit
Drainage
Extremely fast draining
Feeding
Dilute cactus feed monthly during active spring and summer growth
Pruning and grooming
Use tools and gloves around spines; remove dead flowers with tongs
Seasonal rhythm
Provide a cooler, drier winter rest to support healthy form and flowering
Propagation
Offsets, pads, stem cuttings, or seed according to genus
Travel planning
Established plants commonly tolerate three weeks or longer without watering
Common watch-outs
Spider mites · Mealybugs · Scale insects · Fungus gnats when the root zone stays too wet · Root rot from poor drainage · Leaf spotting where foliage remains wet without airflow
Care sourcesRoyal Horticultural Society — Cacti and succulent houseplants

Safety and placement

A clear household plan

Conservative precaution based on the ASPCA database's stated limitation that its list is not all-inclusive. Absence from the list is not treated as proof of safety.

Pets
No exact ASPCA cat-and-dog listing is used for this record, so the plant is not presented as pet-safe. Prevent chewing and ingestion.
Children
This ornamental plant is not food. Keep it out of reach and teach children not to taste leaves, flowers, seeds, sap, or potting media.
Handling
Fine glochids and spines can lodge in skin and eyes
Placement
Choose a stable location beyond the reach of children and animals; collect fallen material promptly.
If exposure happens
If a person chews the plant, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. For animal exposure, call a veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435; urgent breathing, collapse, seizure, or severe swelling requires emergency care.
Safety sourcesASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants databasePoison Control plant safety guide

Plant visual

The companion plant, clearly credited.

Bunny Ears Cactus (Opuntia microdasys)
Bunny Ears Cactus Opuntia microdasysPhoto: Stan Shebs · CC BY-SA 3.0

Primary identification photograph

The source photograph is retained with its original credit and license.

Scenes

See Bunny Ears Cactus in three settings.

Open the image for a larger view. On a phone, swipe sideways to move through each setting.

Bunny Ears Cactus

Bright executive office · Modern living room · Sheltered patio

Use the centered arrows or swipe sideways to move through all three settings.

Verified availability only

No verified seller is listed today.

Vendor, price, stock, pre-order, and waiting-list information appears only after the exact listing and seller terms are confirmed.

Back to My Catalog Place