Bunny ear cactus care

Opuntia microdasys needs direct sun. Check the soil before you water.

This is general care advice. Check the label of your plant. Keep toxic plants away from pets and children.

Care at a glance

Botanical name: Opuntia microdasys
Other names: Polka-dot cactus, Angel's wings
Light: Direct sun. Put it in a sunny south or west window. It needs several hours of direct sun.
Soil check: Every 14 to 28 days in the growing season. The app learns the real time.
Humidity: Normal room air is fine
Feeding: Feed rarely. Once or twice a year is enough. Do not feed in winter.

How does the soil feel near the bottom of the pot?

Push a wooden skewer or a pencil to the bottom of the pot. Pull it out. Look at it and feel it.

Dry: the skewer is clean and dry, all the way down. Water the plant.
Damp: the skewer has a little dark soil on the lower part. Do not water yet.
Wet: the skewer is dark and wet, with soil that sticks to it. Do not water. Check the drainage.

Do not water on a fixed day. Test the soil first. Read the soil check guide.

Use a cactus mix with extra perlite or grit. The mix must drain fast.

The small dots have fine barbed hairs (glochids). Touch the plant with tongs or thick gloves.
Wrinkled pads mean thirst. Soft, dark pads mean too much water.
Thin, pale pads that lean toward the window mean too little light.
Water less in winter. Cold, wet soil causes rot.

We do not know if this plant is safe for pets. Keep it away from pets and children.