The opuntias can be very decorative, but they are often very easy to care for. Despite all the similarities, they are sometimes very different. Some species are hardy, others are not. There are also edible and ornamental varieties.
How do I properly care for the Opuntia microdasys?
The Opuntia microdasys requires a sunny location, permeable soil and regular watering without waterlogging. Fertilize every 14 days in summer, water less and do not fertilize in winter. Conditionally hardy down to -8°C, protect the roots from frost.
The Opuntia microdasys is more of an ornamental cactus. Its other names, hare-ear cactus and gold-spotted opuntia, say a lot about its appearance. The segments of this cactus are elongated oval, very similar in shape to hare or rabbit ears. The glochids (bristle-like fine spines) are yellow to brownish and arranged in dots. Its bright yellow flowers appear in summer.
Planting the Opuntia microdasys
The rabbit ear cactus likes to have permeable and loose soil with as little lime as possible. If you don't want to use cactus soil (€12.00 on Amazon), then mix compost soil and sand with a little peat. Be sure to place the rabbit ear cactus in a sunny spot. With a maximum size of only one meter, this cactus is also suitable for smaller rooms. Place the Opuntia microdasys in fresh soil every year.
Water and fertilize the Opuntia microdasys
As a desert plant, Opuntia microdasys does not tolerate waterlogging. It needs significantly more water during the growth phase than in winter. Water thoroughly and regularly from April to August, always when the top layer of soil is well dried. Approximately every two weeks add some liquid fertilizer to the irrigation water.
The Opuntia microdasys in winter
The rabbit ear cactus is conditionally hardy to around -8 °C. In a mild area where temperatures rarely drop below freezing, it can be left outside all year round. Protect the roots from frost by wrapping the planter and placing it on a Styrofoam plate. Only water your rabbit ear cactus enough to prevent the root ball from drying out completely and do not fertilize it at all until spring.
The most important things in brief:
- easy care
- conditionally hardy down to – 8 °C
- Flowering time in summer
- Location: as sunny and warm as possible
- water thoroughly, but avoid waterlogging
- fertilize approximately every 14 days
- water very little in winter and do not fertilize
Tip
Be careful, the fine thorns of the rabbit ear cactus have small barbs. A touch can be very painful.
