Home
Shop
Opuntia microdasys

Opuntia microdasys

5 Stars(186 Business Reviews)

Regular price£4.00

ø 6cm pot | 10cm foliage

Add these products:

Complete Organic Plant Food – 50ml
Winter Packing Protection - Heatpack
Potting Mix

Grows well together...

Maranta leuconeura var. Erythroneura

Regular priceFrom £6.00

Useful Information

Plant Bio

Opuntia microdasys, commonly known as bunny ear cactus or polka dot cactus, is a charming and distinctive cactus species valued for its symmetrical pads and unique clusters of soft-looking spines. This Opuntia species features flattened, oval-shaped green pads that appear in pairs, resembling bunny ears. Instead of sharp spines, it is covered in numerous clusters of small, hair-like, yellowish or reddish-brown barbs called glochids. Its whimsical appearance makes it a popular choice for indoor plant collections in the UK. It is a member of the Cactaceae family.

The genus name Opuntia is derived from Opous, an ancient Greek city. Microdasys comes from Greek words meaning "small and hairy," referring to the tiny clusters of glochids.

Light: Opuntia microdasys thrives in full sun. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to encourage robust growth and prevent the pads from becoming leggy. When growing indoors in the UK, placing it in the brightest available window is crucial.

Water: Water sparingly. This succulent cactus stores water efficiently in its pads, so allowing the potting mix to dry out completely between waterings is vital. During the active growing season (spring and summer), water thoroughly, ensuring all excess moisture drains away. Significantly reduce watering in autumn and winter when the plant is dormant. Overwatering is a frequent cause of rot.

Soil: A very well-draining potting mix is essential. A specialist cactus or succulent mix is ideal. This type of mix will help prevent water accumulation, which is crucial for the plant's health, particularly in the UK's often damp climate.

Fertilising: This plant is not a heavy feeder. During the growing season (spring and summer), a diluted liquid fertiliser formulated for cacti and succulents can be applied monthly. Reduce or stop fertilising during the dormant period.

Temperature: Opuntia microdasys prefers warm temperatures and is not reliably frost-tolerant. It thrives in warm, dry conditions and should be protected from temperatures below 10°C (50°F). If grown outdoors in the UK, it should be brought indoors before temperatures drop in autumn.

Humidity: Average household humidity levels are sufficient. This plant prefers dry air and does not require high humidity.

Growth Habit: It typically grows as a bushy, upright cactus, forming a cluster of flattened, paddle-shaped segments. It remains a relatively manageable size when grown in containers.

Toxicity: While Opuntia microdasys is generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets in terms of chemical compounds, its fine, barbed hairs (glochids) are a significant physical hazard. These glochids detach easily and can cause severe irritation, itching, and inflammation if they get into the skin, eyes, or are ingested. Always wear thick gloves and exercise extreme care when handling this plant, and keep it in a safe location away from children and pets to prevent physical injury.

Delivery & Returns

General

Please be aware that your plant may vary from the picture as this is a living item. Variations of shape and colour are perfectly natural and to be expected. We will send you a plant as close to the picture and description as possible. The picture shown is an example of what's in stock unless stated otherwise.

Shipping & Delivery

We now ship fresh plants directly from our trusted growers in the Netherlands, typically arriving within 3-5 business days. Read more about our realtionship with the Netherlands here. Shipping costs vary depending on your location and chosen option, with details available at checkout. We carefully package your plants to ensure safe arrival, and our customer support team is here to help with any issues. You'll receive a tracking number to monitor your delivery, and we currently ship to all UK addresses. Please review our return policy for plants, and note that some species may have shipping restrictions.

Returns

We guarantee our plants 14 day from receipt. We guarantee to send happy and healthy plants, however, it is your responsibility to care for them and we cannot be held responsible for neglect or mis care. Please send us a picture within 24 hours of receiving your plant and we'll help you out with your issue.

If returning your order, please keep all original packaging and use this to send the plant back to us. This will ensure the plant is kept as safe as possible on its return.

To allow the plant to acclimatise in its new home, there should be no repotting of the plant for a minimum of 14 days after receipt. If any plant has been repotted or a cutting has been taken then we are not able to accept returns.

We are happy to replace your plant if it is very badly damaged in transport. The loss of a leaf in transport on a healthy plant should not generally be cause for any concern. We cannot give a refund for snapped leaves.

FAQ'S

1. Where do you ship from?

We now ship directly from our trusted growers in The Netherlands.

2. How long does shipping take?

Shipping times may vary depending on your location within the UK. Typically, you can expect your plants to arrive within 3-5 business days of placing your order.

3. How much does shipping cost?

We offer [standard/various] shipping options with rates starting at £6.99. You can view the full details of our shipping costs at checkout.

4. Do you offer free shipping?

We may offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount or during special promotions. Please check our website or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.

5. How are my plants packaged for shipping?

We take great care in packaging your plants to ensure they arrive in excellent condition. We use sturdy boxes, protective wrapping, and specialised plant packaging materials to minimise damage during transit.

6. What if my plant arrives damaged?

In the rare event that your plant arrives damaged, please contact our customer support team within 3 days of receiving your order. We will gladly assist you with a replacement or refund.

7. Can I track my order?

Yes, once your order is shipped, you will receive a tracking number via email that you can use to monitor the progress of your delivery.

8. Do you ship outside the UK?

We currently ship to all addresses within the UK. For international shipping inquiries, please contact our customer support team.

9. What is your return policy for plants?

Due to the perishable nature of plants, we have a limited return policy. Please refer to our return policy page for detailed information on returns and exchanges.

10. Are there any restrictions on shipping plants?

Some plant species may be subject to shipping restrictions due to local regulations or import/export laws. We comply with all applicable regulations and will notify you if any restrictions apply to your order.