Bunny Ear Cactus
Opuntia microdasys
Cheerful cactus with flat oval pads covered in clusters of soft-looking glochids (tiny barbed spines). New pads emerge in pairs, giving it a bunny-ear silhouette. Very easy to care for on a sunny windowsill.
Best rooms for bunny ear cactus
Light requirements
Thrives on a sunny windowsill with several hours of direct sunlight.
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
How to care for bunny ear cactus
Full sun or the brightest windowsill you have. Water sparingly — roughly every 2-3 weeks in summer, monthly in winter. Use a very free-draining cactus compost. Handle with folded newspaper or tongs to avoid the nearly invisible glochids. Minimum 5°C.
Watering
Let the compost dry out completely between waterings. Roughly every 2–4 weeks.
Propagation
- Remove a pad, let it callus for a few days, then press into dry compost
Toxicity
This plant is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
Common problems
- Etiolation (stretching) in low light
- Root rot from overwatering
- Glochid spines irritating skin
Similar houseplants
Related guides
Air-Purifying Houseplants UK
What the science really says about air-purifying houseplants, plus 10 best low-care UK varieties, pet-safe picks, and how to truly clean indoor air.
Best Hanging Houseplants UK
The best hanging houseplants for UK homes ranked by trail length, light needs, and care. Covers 10 trailing species with room-by-room placement advice.
Best Indoor Plants for UK Homes
The best indoor plants for UK homes ranked by light needs, care difficulty, and pet safety. Includes lux data for every room orientation.