Bunny Ear Cactus
Bunny Ear Cactus or angel wings are popularly known for their ease of care with an original appearance. They have thick pads which are adorned with glochids which represents the fur of rabbits. These glochids have a unique ear like pairs for which they are known as bunny ear cactus. A dry and low humidity atmosphere with plenty of exposure to sunlight is known to be the perfect conditions for growing this plant. In their natural habitat they are found to be growing in desert regions which suits their growing conditions the best.
They are known to be one of the easiest plants to be grown at homes and garden areas. In its natural habitat bunny ear cactus grows up to 3ft tall and spreads up to 5ft. At homes this is a slow growing plant that will most likely reach 2ft in length and have about the same spread. It is also known to be an excellent container plant. Here is another very interesting fact about this plant. Unlike most other cactus species bunny ear cactus grows short whitish brown prickles which is also known as glochids instead of spines.
TruKisan’s Healthy Plant Guide
Sunlight
Expose the plant to morning sunlight for 3 to 6 hours. Make sure to protect the plant from direct harsh sunlight as it may damage its foliage.
Manure Application
During the main growing season feed the plant with organic manure once a month. Loosen the topsoil so it can uptake nutrients and moisture easily.
Re-potting
When a plant outgrows from its current pot, re-pot the plant late evening and keep it in a shady area for 2 to 3 days. Then you can move the plant to its suitable climatic condition.
Watering
Water when topsoil i.e., 1-3 inches, feels dry to touch. Water thoroughly during the summer season and moderately in the winter and rainy seasons.
Soil
Make sure to well drain the soil and ensure that it is fertile rich in organic content.
Temperature & Harvest
Maintain the temperature between 16 to 30 degrees Celsius. You can harvest its leaves when they grow well and look fleshy.
Plant Protection
Get rid of the dead, infected, or damaged plant parts and dispose of them away from the planting area.
Plant Safety
Keep it away from small children, pets, extremely cold and hot areas. Avoid over-watering the plant especially when the pot does not have any drainage holes.
General Info
| Common Name | Bunny Ear Cactus, Opuntia microdasys, Angel`s wings, golden-bristle cactus, polka-dot cactus |
| Maximum Reachable Height | Up to 3ft. |
| Bloom Time | April to May |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to grow |
| Sunlight | Direct sunlight or partial sunlight at least 4 to 6 hours per day. |
| Soil | Excess organic content is not recommended. Regular soil is best suited. |
| Temperature | 22 to 35 degree Celsius. |
| Fertilizer | Not needed. Peat based compost should not be used. |
Initial Plant Care After Unboxing
- Try to keep the plant in a location with sufficient sunlight.
- Water is to be given to soil only and not the leaves.
- Avoid overwatering.
- Water the plant during the morning hours between 8 to 10 am.
- Avoid keeping in suffocated areas or in areas with less sunlight.
- While, re-potting try not to disturb the roots.
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