How to propagate Bunny Ears Cactus | Opuntia Microdasys

The Bunny Ears cactus is a popular desert plant, named for its distinctive appearance, which can be a houseplant with the right treatment.
This cactus is low-maintenance and relatively easy to care for, making it ideal for novice gardeners.
Bunny Ears cactus can be a houseplant if you have a dry, low humidity place and plenty of sun exposure, and they can also grow outdoors but are only hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
The great thing about Bunny Ears Cactus is that they are super easy to propagate.
In this video, we will share with you the best method to propagate your plant, including a detailed step-by-step.
Note: Use extreme caution when removing a pad from the Bunny Ears plant because the glochids dislodge easily and are very difficult to remove from the skin.
Note 2: Bunny Ears and other cacti have a higher success rate when propagated in early summer.
Tip for a homemade potting mix for Bunny Ears Cactus: use 40 percent potting soil, 40 percent sand, and 20 percent peat moss.
Tips for Bunny Ears Cactus care & maintenance:
1. Usually recommended to water once every 1 to 2 weeks during summer and about once every 3 to 4 weeks during winter.
2. Water the plant when the top one inch (2.5 cm) of soil is dry. Allow the water to drain out of the pot and remove any excess from the saucer.
3. You should aim to keep your plant’s soil moist during its growth period, but don’t allow the root system to get too wet.
4. Ensure the environment is dry, low humidity area with sufficient sunlight.
5. If kept outside, your cactus needs at least 6 hours of bright sunlight. If kept indoors your cactus requires about 10 hours of bright light. If there is no favorable location to place the plant where it could receive sunlight, you could make use of fluorescent lamps or bulbs as a substitute for natural sunlight.
6. Repotting should be done every 1 or 2 years.

[@jeremyjodi]

So happy I found this video! I purchased a clipping at a farm festival and had no idea what to do. I just love plants! Thank you so much!🥰🤘

[@DinasGarden]

That's wonderful to hear! I'm glad the video was helpful for you 💚

[@sfaida]

Thanks for this, it was super helpful! I've got my overgrown bunny ears just ready to start it's own family 😂 hoping it grows as well as yours ✨

[@DinasGarden]

Hi, Thank you! I’m glad you found it helpful 💚 Best of luck with your bunny ears cactus-I’m sure it will thrive and start its own family in no time! 🌵😊

[@BerylBerry]

Thank you so much for this video! I have a Bunny ear Cactus and I just snip off three leaves ! Can’t wait to see them grow more babies 💚🌿

[@DinasGarden]

Thank you so much 😊 We wish you luck with your Bunny ear Cactus 🌵💚

[@YoKnow]

I repotted mine barehands, and propagated barehands as well. I never had any bristles get stuck in my hand. They are really soft and fine. I did however just now brush one of my peppers plants against my bunny ear cactus and the bristles where stuck in the leaf of my pepper plant. My hands are probably to rough for them to stick me. So my point being is if you have soft skin on your hands where some protection! No glove no love!

[@DinasGarden]

Thanks for sharing your experience! The bunny ears cactus does have tiny bristles called glochids, which can be very irritating if they get into your skin. That's why I recommend wearing gloves when handling them for added protection. Happy gardening 💚

[@ninalovesvintage]

Классно! Я очень люблю кактусы на балконе. Полезное видео.

[@DinasGarden]

♥️

[@sillyyerba]

I found some pieces at home depot a year ago and they still haven’t grown 😢 they both have roots and are still green and healthy but no growth. I just tried some keiki paste. Wish me luck 🍀

[@DinasGarden]

Don't give up, eventually they will grow. Good luck 💚

[@Chevysgirl11]

Thank you for this video i love my bunny ear cactus ive taken 3 small pieces to plant in a 6cm pot Is that the right size pot to start them off in Thank you 💗

[@DinasGarden]

Thanks for watching! 6cm pot might be tight for 3 bunny ear pads. Aim for individual 8cm pots for more space, or keep them in the 6cm pot for now but plan to repot to a larger one (around 10cm) once they show new growth 💚

[@Chevysgirl11]

Thank you I did pot all three together before reading this 😫but will take your advice when they start getting bigger hopefully 😘💚

[@user-hg6tn5xn2k]

If you are a software engineer, you can grow this cactus on you table and customize it

[@DinasGarden]

👍🏼

[@BerylBerry]

It’s been three days since the cutting should I wait one more day before I place in soil ? Or can I plant them now

[@DinasGarden]

If the pads have dried out, you can already plant them. In most cases 3 days is enough!

[@BerylBerry]

Yes I planted them ! Wish me luck 🍀

[@sandimisscrafty6147]

​@@BerylBerryI Was Wondering How Your Cuttings Turned Out? Please And Thank You.

[@Spamboot3000]

Is this cactus able to withstand freezing weather?

[@DinasGarden]

Good question! The bunny ears cactus (Opuntia microdasys) is not well suited for areas that experience freezing winter weather. This plant prefers consistently warm temperatures above 50°F. If exposed to extended freezing temps, the pads and roots can suffer frost damage. I'd recommend growing it as a houseplant in colder climates, where it can be brought indoors before the first fall frost.

[@Spamboot3000]

@@DinasGarden ah thank you for the answer