Scientific Name
Opuntia microdasys var. albispina Fobe
Common Name(s)
Angel Wings, Polka Dots, Polka Dot Cactus, Honey Bunny, Bunny Ears, Alba Bunny Ears
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Opuntioideae
Tribe: Opuntieae
Genus: Opuntia
Etymology
The specific epithet "albispina" (pronounced "al-bee-SPEE-nuh") means "white-spined" and refers to white, hair-like glochids of this subspecies.
Origin
Opuntia microdasys var. albispina is native to Mexico. It is not accepted as a separate variety and is treated as a synonym of Opuntia microdasys.
Description
Opuntia microdasys var. albispina is a freely clustering cactus with miniature pads with no spines but numerous white, hair-like glochids arranged in dense clusters. It forms a dense shrub that can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall and 5 feet (1.5 m) in diameter.
In summer, Opuntia microdasys var. albispina produces lemon-yellow flowers that can reach a length of 2 inches (5 cm) and a diameter of 1.6 inches (4 cm). The fruits are round to egg-shaped, ranging from red to purplish, and can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length.
How to Grow and Care for Opuntia microdasys var. albispina
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 8b to 11b: from 15°F (-9.4°C) to 40°F (4.4°C).
A spot near a south-facing, unobstructed window will most likely meet the Bunny Ears Cactus's need for bright, direct sun—windows with western or eastern exposure are the second and third choices. While an actively growing Bunny Ears Cactus tolerates indoor summer temperatures as high as 100°F (38°C), don't expect it to flower unless you also provide winter temperatures between 45°F and 55°F (7°C and 13°C). Regardless of the season, it likes humidity in the 10 to 30 percent range. Finally, if none of your windows provides adequate light, place the plant 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) below a cool white fluorescent tube for 14 to 16 hours each day.
The potting soil must drain quickly. Use a commercial cactus potting mix or mix your own. The best container for your cactus is a clay pot, just slightly larger and deeper than the plant's root system. It must have drainage holes because a pot without them or a pot that's too large could make proper watering impossible.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Opuntia.
Links
- Back to genus Opuntia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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