Bunny ears cactus care: watering, light and repotting
Also called opuntia, prickly pear, polka-dot cactus · Opuntia microdasys · Cactaceae family
45 d in winter
How often to water the bunny ears cactus?
Allow about 14 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 45 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Its tiny barbed bristles stick into skin at the slightest touch: handle it with folded newspaper.
What light does it need?
The bunny ears cactus loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 3 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from May to July, feeding every 45 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 1–2 ft (30–60 cm).
Safe for cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Common problems
Wrinkling pads
Cause: Thirst. What to do: Water thoroughly, then let it dry out.
Pads soft at the base
Cause: Too much water. What to do: Let it dry out; root a healthy pad if needed.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the bunny ears cactus?
About every 2 weeks in spring and summer, and every 45 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the bunny ears cactus?
The bunny ears cactus loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Should you mist the bunny ears cactus?
There's no need: indoor air suits it. Wetting its leaves for no reason can even encourage disease.
When should you repot the bunny ears cactus?
Every 3 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the bunny ears cactus safe?
The bunny ears cactus is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. A pet that eats a lot of it may still vomit, so it's best not to let it nibble.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the bunny ears cactus forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.