Opuntia microdasys is native to Mexico and parts of Arizona. It's a relatively small Opuntia species, with a lower growth habit, making it an excellent option for smaller gardens or container culture. It is a fairly forgiving species, making it a good choice as a first Opuntia.

The thick, oval-shaped pads grow in pairs, hence the common name "Bunny Ear cactus". Newer pads have a reddish color, gradually switching to green as they mature. While this species doesn't have long spines like most Opuntias, it is covered in tufts of short, fine white or yellow bristles called glochids. The glochids can be quite irritating, difficult to remove, and are easily dislodged at the lightest touch. Gloves are recommended when handling this species.

This plant prefers to be kept outdoors in higher temperatures, but its relatively small size allows it to be more easily brought inside to overwinter if frost is a risk. While the plant requires high temperatures during the growing season, it should ideally be given a "cool-off" period over winter with lower temperatures (around 50-55 F), whether being grown indoors or outdoors. Allowing a cool-off period will increase the chance of summer blooms.

O. microdasys can successfully be grown indoors in containers if sufficient sunlight is available, though they'll be slower-growing than outdoor specimens. I keep a few specimens indoors year-round in my brightest windows.

Like other Opuntias, O. microdasys is very easy to propagate through cuttings. Remove a pad at its joint, allow to heal, and plant. The pad will root quite easily.

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