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Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)-i
Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)-i
Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)-i
Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)-i
Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)-i
Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)-i
Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)-i
Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)-i
Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)-i
Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)-i
Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)-i
Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)-i
Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)-i
Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)-i

Bunny-ears prickly-pear

Scientific name
Opuntia microdasys

Basic Information

Cactaceae Family Opuntia Genus Bunny-ears prickly-pear Species
Cactaceae > Opuntia > Opuntia microdasys
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  • Shrub
Height
60cm ~
Flower Color
Leaf Color
Anthesis
spring,summer
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Hardiness Zones
9
Cold resistance
Fair
Heat resistance
Excellent
Habitat of origin
Mexico
Growth Rate
Normal

What is Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)?

What is Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)

Bunny-ears prickly-pear, also known as Opuntia microdasys, is a plant with distinct characteristics. It has a characteristic appearance, with flat parts covered in clusters of tiny spines resembling soft hair, presenting a bunny-ear-like look. The spiny pads can reach up to 15cm long and are green. During flowering, it bears brightly colored bell-shaped blooms that draw beneficial insects. The plant yields petite edible fruits relished by people and fauna. This arid-adapted species needs good drainage and sparse watering. Care is required when handling due to the irritant tufts. With its unusual traits, this plant is prized by gardeners.

DaisyDawn
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Flower meaning

The Bunny-ears prickly-pear, scientifically known as Opuntia microdasys, does not have a specific flower language commonly used in America. The seasons bring cycles of change. As time passes, plants grow and animals migrate. Savor the gifts of each season. Be in the moment. Appreciate the beauty around you. Nature reconnects us to what matters most. Find joy in simple pleasures. There is harmony in diversity. Though paths differ, we share one Earth.

DaisyDawn
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Calendar of Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)

Calendar

Bunny-ears prickly-pear, scientifically known as Opuntia microdasys, is a plant species native to the United States. This plant typically grows in the spring and summer regular watering and drainage. However, blooming time varies by location. Generally, the flowers look best during May to August for several weeks. To keep the blooms longer, give sunlight, well-drained soil and avoid too much fertilizer. Individual plants bloom differently though. See botanical resources for details.

DaisyDawn
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How to grow Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)

Watering

The optimal frequency and method of watering for the Bunny-ears prickly-pear plant depends on various factors. It is recommended to give watering to maintain soil moisture. Providing 1-2 inches of water per week is sufficient. In contrast, during the dormant period in winter, less frequent watering is required. It is important to reduce watering to once every 3-4 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. This helps prevent issues. To determine when to water, check the soil moisture level by inserting a finger or a moisture meter into the soil. If the top inch of soil feels dry, it is time to water. Additionally, it is important to water at the base, avoiding wetting the foliage, as this can lead to diseases. Overall, providing adequate but not excessive water is crucial for the health and growth.

DaisyDawn
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Soil and Fertilizer

Bunny-ears prickly-pear, scientifically known as Opuntia microdasys, thrives in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It prefers sandy or loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be moderately fertile, with good water retention capacity. To ensure optimal growth, fertilizers should be applied during the active growing season, which is typically from spring to early fall. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 can be used. The fertilizer should be applied every 4 to 6 weeks, following the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended amount. Before applying the fertilizer, it is important to water the plant thoroughly to prevent root burn. After application, the soil should be watered again to help the nutrients penetrate the root zone. Regular soil testing is recommended to monitor the pH and nutrient levels in the soil. Adjustments can be made accordingly to maintain the optimum soil conditions for growth.

DaisyDawn
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Sunlight and Place

Bunny-ears prickly-pear, scientifically known as Opuntia microdasys, is a plant that thrives in full sun exposure. Providing this plant with an ideal environment allows it to flourish fully. Paying attention to seasonal conditions enables proper care. Taking time to understand optimal placement results in vigorous growth. Focusing on sunlight duration ensures the plant receives enough light. In brief, carefully considering the needs of this plant leads to success in cultivation.

DaisyDawn
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Advanced Information of Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)

Pruning

Bunny-ears prickly-pear, scientifically known as Opuntia microdasys, benefits from regular pruning and cutting back. The best instance for snipping Bunny-ears prickly-pear is during the quiescent season, which is typically in late winter or early spring. For snipping, start by wearing protective gloves and using sharp, fresh snipping shears. Carefully remove any dry or sick leafs, snipping them back to healthy tissue. It is also judicious to remove any leafs that are crowded or growing in undesirable directions. After snipping, allow the cut surfaces to dry and callus for a few days before replanting or propagating. After snipping and cutting back, it is critical to provide proper care to the plant. This includes providing sufficient sunlight, well-draining soil, and regular watering. Additionally, applying a solid fertilizer during the growing season can help promote new growth. Regular checking for pests and diseases is also suggested. By following these snipping and care practices, Bunny-ears prickly-pear can prosper and remain aesthetically pleasing.

DaisyDawn
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Planting and Harvest

Bunny-ears prickly-pear, scientifically known as Opuntia microdasys, is a plant. When it, important choose well-draining and with holes. To Bunny-ears start by enough space. Gently container, not damage. Place making same depth nursery container. Fill gently secure. When repotting choose slightly following as put. Usually outgrows current or soil. can lead rot overwatering. Important sparingly, allowing between waterings. Additionally, providing indirect and extreme is. Overall, Bunny-ears both and ground, as long proper planting followed.

DaisyDawn
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Propagation

Bunny-ears prickly-pear can be increased through diverse approaches like putting seeds, dividing, cuttings, and leaf cuttings. To increase via putting seeds, gather ripe produce and extract the seeds. Put the seeds in well-depleting soil and keep them damp until budding happens. For dividing, cautiously detach the offsets from the parent plant and plant them in person pots or straightforwardly in the ground. To increase through cuttings, take stem cuttings from the parent plant and permit them to dry for a couple of days. Plant the cuttings in well-depleting soil and keep them damp until they root. Leaf cuttings can likewise be utilized for increase. Take sound leaves and let them dry for a couple of days. Plant the leaves in well-depleting soil and keep them somewhat damp until new plants rise. Collecting is not essential for increase, as the concentration is on duplicating the plant through different strategies.

DaisyDawn
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Pests and Diseases

Bunny-ears prickly-pear, known as Opuntia microdasys, requires monitoring. Soft and discolored pads result from handling with less care. Another disease causes waterlogged roots from overwatering. Tiny bugs and mites also sap the stems. Prevention involves proper humidity, drainage, and gentle care. Regular spraying deters tiny pests. Plant diseases need prevention. Proper planting prevents fungal root rot. Drainage keeps roots healthy. Damage allows bacteria inside to make pads mushy. Careful handling prevents this. Monitoring helps catch problems early. Gentle treatment removes pests. Humidity and spraying deters mites. Overall, prevention protects the plant's health. Monitoring, drainage, humidity and gentle care prevent pests and disease. This ensures the plant thrives.

DaisyDawn
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Habitat of Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)

Habitat

Toxicity of Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)

Health Benefits

edible
Inedible
Toxic
toxic

NO DATA

Toxic for dogs and cats

NO DATA

Q&A of Bunny-ears prickly-pear (Opuntia microdasys)

  • Is there a recommended way to choose Bunny-ears prickly-pear?