Succulents – Bunny Ears Cactus

Botanical name: opuntia microdasys

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: up to 3 ft in height and 2 ft in width

Bloom time: summer

Hardy zone: zones 9-12

Flower color: pink/red/yellow

Foliage color: green

Growth rate: grows about half of a ft per year

Pruning instructions: break up segments of new growth from the mother plant as needed to contain desired shape and size

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: succulent garden, container plant, patio

Light needs: 6 hours of sun per day

Special features: short bristles in a natural polka-dot pattern

Watering instructions: allow soil to completely dry out between watering sessions

Fertilizing instructions : use a diluted cacti fertilizer after planting and repeat once a year in the spring

Best time to plant: spring or summer

Best type of soil: loam, sand

Companion plants: sedum, hens and chicks

Toxicity level: potentially mildly toxic if ingested

Invasive species: no