The leggy bunny cactus is a beautiful household plant. Many people want to grow it in their homes. But they don’t know the correct way to grow it or understand the ideal conditions. Due to this, they result in abnormal cactus growth.
However, it is not as difficult as people consider. They just need to know a little detail about the conditions. In the following blog post, you will read details about this plant, its ideal conditions, and its propagation.
Let’s start our discussion!
What is a Leggy Bunny Cactus?
The scientific name of the leggy bunny ear cactus is Opuntia microdasys. Its segmented pads appear like the ears of a bunny. Moreover, the pads have hair-like bristles known as glochids. This cactus has a maximum size of 24 inches. It is found in dry areas of Mexico.
It is known by different names, such as Polka-dot and angel’s wings. It is a very slow-growing plant, which can take 20 years to reach its maximum size.
What are the Ideal Conditions for Leggy Bunny Cactus?
As this bunny ear cactus comes from a harsh environment, you can easily keep this plant in your home. You don’t have to worry about its care. However, for optimum growth, you should mimic the conditions of its natural environment. You can follow the below-given conditions for your cactus:
Light
If you want to keep a bunny cactus at home, you have to keep it in an area where it can receive up to 8 hours of direct sunlight. Whether you keep it outdoors or indoors, you have to make sure that it receives enough sunlight.
Soil
You have to prepare soil that is similar to that of desert. It should be sandy, dry, and well-draining. You can either prepare it yourself or buy it.
Water
You don’t have to worry about watering. It requires a minimal amount of water once or twice a month. During watering, you have to make sure that the soil is parched.
Temperature
This plant grows in high temperatures and average humidity. The temperature in its surroundings should be above 70°F (21°C).
Fertilizer
As this is a desert plant, it can grow in poor-quality soils. It is not dependent on regular fertilization for normal growth. However, you can use some succulent fertilizers to boost its growth.
How to Propagate Leggy Bunny Cactus?
The cactus species usually propagate through its cuttings. This is a quite easy and simple process. If you want to propagate your leggy bunny cactus, you should cut a healthy cactus pad, place it in a dry place, and wait for the callus formation. It usually takes 24 hours. Then, take a pot filled with soil mixture. You have to water it, but let it drain completely.
Now, you can insert this pad into the soil from the side of the callus. You have to place the pot in the bright, direct sunlight. Now, you have to wait for the root formation to water it again. It can take a few weeks to have the normal growth of this newly grown cactus.
However, you have to choose spring or summer for propagation. The knife or pair of scissors used during this process must be sterilized and sharp.
How to Grow a Leggy Bunny Cactus in Water?
It is possible to grow a leggy bunny cactus in water. But people don’t use this method commonly. However, if you want to grow your cactus in water, you can follow these steps:
- First of all, cut the cactus pad with a sharp and sterilized knife or pair of scissors.
- A callus will be produced on the side from where you cut the cactus. You should wait for its formation as this avoids any type of rotting.
- You have to take a jar and fill it with only its lower layer. So that only the base of the cactus will submerge in it.
- This jar should be placed in indirect sunlight for a couple of hours every day. At the same time, you have to keep changing this water every few days. This will avoid bacterial, algal, or fungal formation.
After a couple of weeks, you can see roots on the base of the pad. This is the time when you can transfer that pad to the soil pot.
How to Grow a Leggy Bunny Cactus in Indoors?
Growing a bunny cactus indoors is similar to growing it outdoors. You just have to consider a few things, such as the following:
- First of all, you have to ensure that it recieves proper sunlight for a minimum of six hours. For this purpose, you can keep a pot of your cactus in front of the west or south-facing windows. You can use bulbs to continue the light supply.
- Due to the indoors, you have to reduce watering frequency. That’s why you should always ensure the dryness of the soil before watering.
- When you keep your cactus indoors, it will receive sunlight from only one side. It will start tilting towards that side. So, it is recommended that you rotate your plant regularly. In this way, each side will receive an equal amount of sunlight.
If you want to have fast growth, you can provide diluted fertilizers.
Bunny Ear Cactus Vs. Prickly Pear
Both of these plants belong to the same genus but have several differences. Some of the most common differences come in their appearance, size, and flowers.
The first difference comes in their pad sizes. Bunny ear cactus pads are in the form of a pair. The pads have a maximum size of 6 inches. Their texture is soft and fuzzy. The spines named glochids are small in size and large in number. Due to the glochids, the pads appear yellowish. The bunny ear doesn’t produce fruits and flowers. Moreover, these are considered as small plants.
On the other hand, the prickly pear pads can grow upto 12 inches. They are more elongated and larger in size than those of bunny ear cactus. Their spines are larger, hard in texture, and have a prominent appearance. Overall, their pads appear rugged and white-brownish. Prickly pears can grow into small trees. Their flowers are large and produce edible fruit.
Conclusion
Bunny ear cactus can bear harsh conditions, but is prone to several problems, such as pests, rotting, and sunburn. These are usually the result of overwatering, more sunlight exposure, and touch with the infected plants.
So, you should ensure the proper conditions of your cactus for its healthy growth.
