Bunny ear cactus care guide
Opuntia microdasys
Quick answer
Water your bunny ear cactus when the soil has dried out completely. In summer that’s typically every 11 to 17 days.
- WateringEvery 11 to 17 days · summer
Every 34 to 50 days, sometimes less often · winter - LightBright / direct light
- Climate10–28 °C (50–82 °F)
- Pet safetyPet-safe (non-toxic)
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 11 to 17 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 34 to 50 days, sometimes less often
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright / direct light
Bunny ear cactus needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your bunny ear cactus every 60 days while it’s actively growing. Use a cactus and succulent fertilizer, which is lower in nitrogen, at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate10–28 °C (50–82 °F)
Humidity30–60%
Bunny ear cactus is comfortable between 10 and 28 °C (50–82 °F). It handles a cool room well, even in winter, as long as it stays above 5 °C (41 °F).
It does best at 30–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Toxic to pets?
No. Pet-safe.
Bunny ear cactus is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Common questions
How often should I water a bunny ear cactus?
Water your bunny ear cactus (Opuntia microdasys) when the soil has dried out completely. In summer, that’s typically every 11 to 17 days. In winter, slow down to every 34 to 50 days, sometimes less often.
How much light does a bunny ear cactus need?
Bunny ear cactus needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Is bunny ear cactus safe for cats and dogs?
Bunny ear cactus is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Sources
- This guide follows established plant-care guidance and official ASPCA pet-safety references. How we verify our plant data →
- How we check our plant advice
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