Chris Buckland
Bunny ear cactus (Bergerocactus Ursus) is a small, compact plant that is easy to care for. It produces small yellow or red flowers followed by fruit that appear as fuzzy bunny ears. This cactus thrives when kept on the dry side and does not need much light. It does best in slightly acidic soil with high potash. Bunny ear cactus can be propagated by stem cuttings or seeds. Keep reading for more information about caring for a bunny ear cactus and how to grow one from seed or cuttings.
What is a Bunny Ear Cactus?
Bunny ear cactus is also known as Bergeretia ursina or Bergerocactus Ursus. It is native to Mexico and Southern Arizona. The bunny ear cactus is a small, compact succulent with long, spiny, teardrop-shaped leaves that grow from the top of the plant. The species has a long, fleshy stem, which some growers will remove.
The flowers are small and grow from the top of the plantβs stem. They come in shades of red and yellow. The fruit that follows the flowers has a fuzzy, bunny ear-like appearance. This cactus can grow indoors and outdoors as long as there is adequate sunlight.
Characteristics Table
| Origin | Central and Northern Mexico |
| Scientific Name | Opuntia microdasys |
| Common Names | Bunny Ear Cactus and Polka-Dot Cactus |
| Type | Perennial cactus |
| Family | Cactus |
| Temperature | 70-100Β°F |
| Watering | Regular watering, at least during the summer |
| Light | Direct sunlight |
| Toxicity | Non-Toxic |
| Propagation | Propagated by cutting pads |
| Flowering | Bowl-shaped, red-tinged, or with pure yellow flowers |
| Maximum Size | 40 cm to 60 cm |
How to Grow a Bunny Ear Cactus
Before planting a bunny ear cactus, you need to do some research to ensure that the plant is the correct variety for your climate. The plant should have a tag indicating if it is a type 1 or type 2 cactus. Type 1 cacti can tolerate winter frost whereas type 2 cacti cannot.
Bunny ear cacti are type 1 cacti and can be grown outdoors in warmer climates as long as they are given full sunlight. They do best in lightly sandy, slightly acidic soil with high potash.
Bunny ear cacti do not like to be kept on the moist side and should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Before planting your bunny ear cactus, make sure the soil is sandy, well-drained, and slightly acidic.
Bunny ear cacti do not like to be kept on the moist side and should be allowed to dry out between waterings. It is best to water your bunny ear cactus early in the morning so the plant has all day to dry out. Watering your bunny ear cactus in the evening can cause root rot since the soil will not have time to dry.
If you have planted your bunny ear cactus in a pot, make sure it has proper drainage. Bunny ear cactus are small but very slow-growing plants. It can take years for a bunny ear cactus to grow large enough to be repotted.
Care of a Bunny Ear Cactus
As mentioned, bunny ears cacti do not like to stay on the moist side.
Light:
Bunny ears cacti do not need direct sunlight. They do best when kept in a semi-sunny spot indoors.
Temperature:
Bunny ears cacti can be grown in colder climates as long as they are given enough sunlight. They also do not like extreme heat.
Water:
Bunny ears cacti should be kept on the dry side. This will help prevent root rot. It is best to water your bunny ears in the morning so the soil has all day to dry out.
Repotting a Bunny Ear Cactus
Since bunny ears cacti are slow-growing, they are rarely repotted. However, if you notice that your bunny ears have outgrown their pot, it is time to repot them.
- Choose a pot that is a size larger than their current pot. This will allow your bunny ears cacti to grow into their new pot.
- When repotting your bunny ears cacti, do not use regular potting soil. Instead, use sandy, well-drained soil with high potash.
- Bunny ears cacti can be propagated by stem cuttings or seeds.
When is a Bunny Ear Cactus in Bloom?
Bunny ear cacti produce small flowers in the spring and summer. The flowers come in shades of red and yellow and are followed by a fuzzy, bunny ear-like fruit. The bunny ear cactus generally takes 2-3 years to produce flowers.
Tips for Growing a Bunny Ear Cactus
- Bunny ears cacti do not like to be kept on the moist side. Make sure that the soil is sandy and well-drained and do not overwater your bunny ears cacti.
- Bunny ears cacti are type 1 cacti, which means they can tolerate winter frost. If you are growing your bunny ears cacti outdoors in a colder climate, make sure they are given enough sunlight.
- Bunny ears cacti thrive in slightly acidic soil with high potash.
Please read this article on Tips on Growing and Caring for Spiral Aloe to find out how Spiral Aloe grows.
FAQs
Can I touch bunny ear cactus?
No, you should not touch a bunny ear cactus. This type of cactus has sharp spines that can cause skin irritation. Additionally, it is difficult to properly care for this plant, so itβs best to leave it alone.
How much sun does a bunny ear cactus need?
Bunny Ear Cactus is a tropical plant, so they need plenty of sunlight year-round and very warm temperatures. It is best to plant them in a greenhouse or sunny windowsill. They should be watered regularly, but not planted in standing water. Fertilizer can be applied monthly to promote healthy growth.
Is bunny ear cactus rare?
No, it is not. Bunny ear cactus is not a rare plant. Its availability differs from region to region. Bunny ear cactus is a popular indoor plant and therefore easily available in many nurseries and garden stores. In case you are not able to find one, you can also order it online.
Can bunny ears cactus grow indoors?
Bunny ears cactus grows well both indoors and outdoors and requires minimal care. It can survive both sunlight and shade, making it the perfect indoor plant. Furthermore, this plant is very easy to grow and care for. All you need to do is ensure that it receives plenty of sunlight, water it regularly, and provide it with plenty of space to grow.
Conclusion
Bunny ear cactus is a small and slow-growing succulent that is easy to care for. It produces small yellow or red flowers followed by a fuzzy, bunny ear-like fruit.
This cactus thrives when kept on the dry side and does not need much light. It does best in slightly acidic soil with high potash.
Bunny ears cacti can be grown indoors or outdoors as long as there is adequate sunlight. It is best to water your bunny ear cactus early in the morning so the soil has all day to dry out.
