Name: Cacti Opuntia Mickey Mouse
Brand: Jiffy Plants
SKU: 29027
Price: 475.00 INR
Availability: InStock

Selling Size : Single Plant | Pot Included | Secure Packing

The Opuntia microdasys, commonly known as the Bunny Ears Cactus or Mickey Mouse Cactus, is a very popular and easy-to-care-for desert plant. Its biggest danger is overwatering.

A Crucial Warning: The cactus has clusters of tiny, hair-like barbed spines called glochids (the “polka dots”). DO NOT TOUCH THEM with bare skin. They detach easily and are extremely irritating and difficult to remove. Always use thick gloves, a folded newspaper, or tongs when handling or repotting this plant.

Here is a guide to its care for Cacti Opuntia Mickey Mouse :

1. Light

Requirement: It thrives in bright, direct sunlight. It needs at least 6 to 8 hours of sun daily to grow healthily and maintain its shape.
Indoors: A south-facing or a very bright west-facing window is ideal. If light is insufficient, the pads will grow long and skinny (etiolation), which is an irreversible sign of not enough light. Consider a grow light if needed.
Outdoors: Full sun is best, but protect it from extreme, scorching afternoon heat in the summer if you are in a very hot climate.

2. Watering

Rule of Thumb: Water thoroughly but only when the soil is completely dry. It is extremely sensitive to overwatering, which will cause root rot.
Growing Season (Spring to Early Fall): Water every 2-3 weeks, or when a finger inserted into the soil comes out totally dry. Soak the soil until water drains out of the bottom hole, and immediately discard any water in the saucer.
Dormancy (Late Fall and Winter): Significantly reduce or stop watering altogether. Water very sparingly—once a month or less—just enough to keep the pads from shriveling.

3. Soil and Potting

Soil: Use a very well-draining cactus and succulent mix. You can enhance drainage by mixing potting soil with equal parts coarse sand, perlite, or pumice.
Pot: Use a container with a drainage hole. Unglazed terracotta/clay pots are excellent as they allow the soil to dry out faster.
Repotting: Repot every 1-3 years as it grows and spreads. Do this in the spring or early summer.

4. Temperature and Humidity

Temperature: It loves warmth, thriving in temperatures between $70^circtext{F}$ and $100^circtext{F}$ ( $21^circtext{C}$ to $37^circtext{C}$ ) during the growing season.
Hardiness: It is not frost-tolerant. If outdoor temperatures drop below $40^circtext{F}$ ( $4^circtext{C}$ ), you must bring it indoors.
Humidity: Prefers dry air and low humidity.

5. Fertilizing

Feeding: Fertilize lightly, only during the active growing season (spring and summer).
Fertilizer Type: Use a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer formulated for cacti and succulents, diluted to half the recommended strength. Fertilizing once or twice a year is often sufficient.