White Bunny Ears (Opuntia Microdasys var. Albospina)

Description

White Bunny Ears (Opuntia Microdasys var. Albospina) is a fun paddle cactus characterised by flat, round green pads uniformly covered in groups of fine, fluffy snow white glochids. This is where the plant gets its nickname as these white clusters look a lot like soft snow, giving the plant a dotted, Polka-like look with a pair of those circular pads that create the look of the bunnies ear! This cactus variety has no large spikes, however the glochids will snag on the skin so use tongs and thick gloves to touch if you wish to avoid them or admire their quirky looks!

White Bunny Ears This is a clumping cactus that is upright growing with new pads developing from the top of older pads, as it matures forming into a thick clump or bushy habit. The plant will remain compact when younger so is well suited to planting on sunny windowsills, a study or desk and makes a fantastic addition to a desert plant or succulent collection before growing into a much more full shrubby specimen well suited for sunny rockeries and balconies. Mature plants when happy and light rich are capable of producing gold or yellow flowers during summer and the small fruits following with age and consistent care.

A white bunny ears cactus can truly be very simple and care-free to maintain if you know just what this tiny desert native likes and dislikes - plenty of bright light, and water sparingly in very good drainage. It really can and will thrive on some neglect and is very sensitive to watering so make sure your substrate becomes totally dry between waterings. Find a sunny spot with a good draining cactus soil, place and watch how it grows with a little patience into a real showstopper!

Key Features

• Flat, rounded green pads dotted with clusters of fine, snow-white glochids
• Distinctive polka-dot appearance and playful bunny-ear-shaped pads
• Clumping, upright habit that develops into a fuller, shrub-like form over time
• Highly drought-tolerant once established
• Loves full sun and is fairly tolerant of heat
• Low water requirement, ideal for busy or beginner plant parents
• Can produce golden-yellow flowers and small fruit in summer
• A charming, low-maintenance choice for cactus and succulent enthusiasts

Care at a Glance

Product Specifications

What's in the Box

• 1 × Live White Bunny Ears plant
• 1 × Pot (Bare-rooted/Pot: Optional)
• Well-draining potting mix
• Basic care guide

Important Notes

• Natural variation in pad size, shape, and glochid density is normal from plant to plant
• They have tiny barbed glochids that separate easily from the cactus. Use tongs or heavy gloves to handle it rather than just your fingers.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets, as glochids can cause discomfort if touched
• Some pad softening or minor damage during transit can occur and usually recovers once the plant settles in
• Take care not to overwater your cactus, as it has an adverse reaction to wet soil, and the roots will rot in these conditions
• Gradually expose to direct light, if kept at lower light levels during the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are the white dots on my White Bunny Ears cactus harmful? 

A: Those aren’t true spines, they’re clusters of needle-like glochids that can break off easily, causing skin irritation if brushed directly. They will not penetrate the skin the way large spines might, but should still be treated with a great deal of care and possibly gloves.

Q: How often do I have to water this cactus? 

A: Water until it has totally dried, normally every 14-21 days depending on the climate and the season you are living. This plant can be overwatered easily so always better waiting a little bit more in doubt.

Q: How to grow white bunny ears indoors?

A: It can grow indoors at a very sunny bright window but ideally it prefers the sunniest spot during the day ( balcony, or a southern windowsill ) so that it is short and bushy and it does not start to get long.

Q: How fast does this cactus grow?

A: This is a slow-growing cactus which over time will grow a thicker bushier plant by branching. You should see not too much difference from one year to the next, but it will gradually grow in width.

Q: Does this cactus need fertiliser?

A: This is a slow growing cactus that doesn’t need to be fed, refreshing the potting soil on a yearly basis is usually adequate. 

Q: Are White Bunny Ears toxic to pets?

A: White Bunny Ears are not considered toxic, however, they do produce tiny spines that are called glochids that if accidentally ingested by pets, could cause irritation. Best to place out of reach of young children and pets.