Bunny Ear Cactus (white-spined form)

Plant name: Bunny Ear Cactus / Polka Dot Cactus
Botanical name: Opuntia microdasys (white-spined form)

Description

• A clumping cactus with flat, oval pads that look like bunny ears

• Covered in dense white glochids (tiny hair-like spines) instead of long thorns

• Pads grow in pairs and clusters, forming a cute, sculptural shape

• Glochids look soft but can stick painfully to skin—handle carefully

Origin

• Mexico (dry, desert regions)

Care Guide

Light

• Bright light to full sun (4–6+ hours)

• More sun = compact growth and healthy pads

• Low light causes thin, weak pads

Water

• Water only when soil is completely dry

• Summer: every 10–15 days (depending on heat)

• Winter: very little water

• Overwatering = root rot

Soil

• Extremely well-draining cactus mix

• Best mix: cactus soil + coarse sand + pumice/perlite

Pot

• Pot with large drainage holes

• Terracotta preferred

Fertilizer

• Optional: once a month in growing season

• Use diluted cactus fertilizer

Propagation

• Very easy from pad cuttings

• Let pad dry (callus) 3–5 days before planting

Common Problems

• Soft, yellowing pads: overwatering

• Wrinkled pads: underwatering

• Falling pads: low light or rot

• Spines in skin: use tweezers or tape (never bare hands)

Extra Tips (India)

• Keep in full morning sun + good airflow

• Avoid touching—use gloves or newspaper

• Raise pots during monsoon to prevent waterlogging