White Bunny Ear Cactus - Opuntia microdasys var. albospina
Product details
| Management number | 250424638 | Release Date | 2026/09/17 | List Price | US$4.64 | Model Number | 250424638 | ||
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- Description
- White Bunny Ear Cactus - Opuntia microdasys var. albospina Care Guide
- FAQ/Common Issues
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Opuntia Albospina, also called White Bunny Ear Cactus, is a member of the Opuntia genus in the Cactaceae family. Native to the arid highlands of central and northern Mexico, it evolved in hot, dry conditions with rocky, well-draining soils and intense sun exposure.
The plant forms flat, oval pads covered in clusters of tiny white glochids that give each pad a soft, snowy appearance. It grows in an upright, clustering habit, spreading outward over time to create a bushy, sculptural form. Unlike the golden-spined relative species, Opuntia Albospina stands out for its white coloration.
Yellow blooms appear when the plant is mature, typically in late spring to early summer, though flowering indoors is uncommon without a seasonal temperature drop in winter. A cooler resting period encourages the hormonal shift needed to set buds when warmer days return.
Move it outside in summer and it can stay outside into autumn in mild climates, but it needs protection from rain to prevent rot. You can leave it up to ten days without water. It spreads wide by nature and works as a statement plant in a terracotta pot or low-water garden bed. Slow growth keeps it manageable for years in containers and indoor displays.
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White Bunny Ear Cactus - Opuntia microdasys var. albospina grows in partial to full sun, needing at least four to six hours of direct sun daily.
Water it every two to three weeks in summer, reducing to once a month or less in winter, always allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Opuntia Albospina does best in a gritty cactus mix blended with extra perlite or coarse sand for fast drainage.
It prefers temperatures between 70-100°F in summer and tolerates a winter low of around 50°F indoors.
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Opuntia Albospina is a slow grower that needs only a light balanced cactus fertilizer once in spring and once in early summer.
It is hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11, tolerating brief dips to around 20-25°F but performing best where frosts are rare or absent. It grows outdoors year-round in Florida, Hawaii, and the southernmost tips of California, Texas, and Arizona. Much of California, Texas, Arizona, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Oregon's coast, and parts of Nevada and Washington support outdoor growth with winter protection.
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Q: How often should I water White Bunny Ear Cactus - Opuntia microdasys var. albospina?
A: Every two to three weeks during the growing season. Cut back to once a month in winter, letting the soil dry completely between waterings.
Q: Is it safe around pets and small children?
A: White Bunny Ear Cactus - Opuntia microdasys var. albospina has glochids that can cause skin and paw irritation, and contact with sap may also irritate skin. It is best placed on a high shelf away from small children and curious pets.
Q: How do I propagate Opuntia Albospina?
A: Use tongs to detach a healthy pad, let it callous for a few days, then set it upright in dry cactus mix. Roots typically develop within a few weeks in a warm, bright spot.
Q: What happens if I overwater it?
A: Opuntia Albospina develops yellow pads when overwatered or when drainage is poor. Reduce watering frequency, confirm the soil drains freely, and move it to a brighter location.
Q: How fast does White Bunny Ear Cactus grow?
A: It is a slow grower, adding a modest amount of new pads each season.
Q: Can I leave it unwatered while traveling?
A: White Bunny Ear Cactus tolerates being left alone for ten days or more without watering.
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