Care and Propagation Information
General Care for Opuntia microdasys albata “Bunny Ears”
Opuntia microdasys albata “Bunny Ears” is easy to care for and grows well indoors. Use caution when handling – although it is not covered in spines, the aureoles can still poke, so keep away from children and pets.
Watering
Opuntia microdasys albata “Bunny Ears” tends to need a bit less water than other succulents. It's best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Where to Plant
“Bunny Ears” is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 20° F (-6.7° C), it's best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun.
If growing outdoors, be sure to plant somewhere it has plenty of room – it can get as large as 6 feet (1.8 m) wide! Plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. If planting indoors, place in a room that gets a lot of sunlight, such as near a southern-facing window (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere).
How to Propagate Opuntia microdasys albata “Bunny Ears”
Opuntia microdasys albata “Bunny Ears” can be propagated by cuttings. “Bunny Ears” will produce small offsets as it branches out. Cut these from the main plant using a sharp, sterile knife.
Lay the Opuntia pads on top of well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil is dry. It may take several weeks for the cactus pads to grow roots. Once the roots begin to grow, plant your “Bunny Ears” and water as you would a full-sized succulent.
Read more here about handling Opuntia safely
