-About Opuntia microdasys albata "Bunny Ears" (4inch)-
Opuntia microdasys albata, commonly known as "Bunny Ears," is a unique cactus species belonging to the Opuntia family. It is a popular ornamental plant appreciated for its distinctive, flattened, pad-like stems resembling bunny ears and soft white spines covering its greenish-yellow pads. The plant grows up to 1-2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide, with a sprawling growth habit that leads it perfect for use as ground cover or in hanging baskets. It does not typically produce flowers; instead, the pads grow and stack atop one another, giving the plant a unique architectural form. When grown in optimal conditions, Bunny Ears can thrive and make a stunning addition to any collection of cacti and succulents.
-How to care for Opuntia microdasys albata "BunnyEars" (4inch)-
Sun/Location: Opuntia microdasys albata "Bunny Ears" thrives in abundant and scattered light. Protecting this cactus from intense and direct sunlight is essential, leading to pad scorching and damaging the plant that becomes stressed and may develop unsightly brown patches on its pads. Therefore, place Bunny Ears in a location where it can receive ample sunlight without being exposed to the sun's harshest rays. If grown indoors, place it near a bright, south-facing window or supplement it with artificial lights to provide the ideal lighting conditions for this unique and charming cactus.
Soil/Pot: Like most succulents, Opuntia microdasys albata "Bunny Ears" need dry, sandy, well-drained soil with a pH between acidic and neutral. You can buy prepackaged cactus soil mixes or make your potting soil that mimics the cactus' natural habitat by blending cactus or succulent potting soil to sand, and perlite at a 1:1:1 ratio. Additionally, the pot used to plant Bunny Ears should have drainage holes to ensure excess water can escape, preventing root rot and other issues.
Watering: Opuntia microdasys albata "Bunny Ears" is resilient to endure poor conditions. It is drought tolerant, requiring infrequent and sparing watering to sustain growth. The soak-and-dry method is generally applied when the potting soil is bone dry. Water more often correspondingly during the growing seasons in spring and autumn while lessening the watering in summer and winter to prevent root rot and bacteria and fungal diseases. Opuntia microdasys albata "Bunny Ears" is sensitive to water and is prone to root rot if exposed to too much moisture.
Humidity: Opuntia microdasys albata "Bunny Ears" is a resilient cactus that can tolerate low to moderate humidity levels ranging from 10% to 50%. However, avoiding excess moisture on the plant's surface is crucial, so it's best to provide good air circulation and avoid misting the plant.
-More information-
Primary color: Green White
Secondary color: Green, White
Cold hardiness: Zone 9b-11b(From 25F to 50F)
Product format: 4" pot
Suitability: Balcony, Window, Rock Garden, Container
Propagation: Leaf, Cutting
Special characteristics: Easy to propagate, Low maintenance