Opuntia microdasys var. albispina
Cactus likes a sunny habitat.
Always water a few days after the substrate has dried out. Do not water in winter.
It can tolerate -9.4 °C in the short term. However, the plant is not hardy.
This cactus does not have thorns, but grows clusters of white hairy glochidia. These are siliceous trichomes.
Opuntia microdasys var. albispina, also known as Angel Wings or Bunny Ears, is a cactus native to central and northern Mexico. Its form albispina means white-fleshed. It refers to the whitish "spines" that give this cactus its characteristic appearance.
The plant is covered with miniature pads without spines but with numerous white hairy glochidia, which are siliceous trichomes arranged in dense clusters. New cells then grow on top of the old, light green ones. This creates a tall shrub that can grow up to 60 cm tall and 1.5 m wide, but this is more likely in its natural habitat.
The flowers of Opuntia microdasys var. albispina are lemon yellow, up to 5 cm across, and appear in summer. After flowering, red fruits grow on the plant.
This prickly pear is easy to grow, but the plant requires plenty of light. It can be fertilised in the spring if deemed appropriate. In winter, ideally keep the temperature around 8-10 °C and do not water. This plant is a decorative and interesting addition for cactus lovers.