Hi, I have a new plant friend who is sending me a bunny ear cactus! I have never had a cactus. Any advice? How do I handle it? do I wear oven mits?? Do I water it like my snake plant...whenever I remember? Help me help it thrive so I don't have to tell my new friend that I killed the cactus she so generously shared with me!

Use kitchen tongs to handle any Opuntia I only water my Opuntias when they look wrinkled and limp, within a few days they will be plump and firm again. I use a mix of about 60% perlite and 40% regular potting soil, unless they are going in the ground then I just plant them in our sandy, rocky desert soil

Is your friend sending you a rooted plant? Or a pad (leaf)?

A rooted plant. She said she's moving so she's just cutting a pad off for herself

Handle with caution, whatever your preferred form of protection. Also be careful to place the plant where it will be well out of reach of children and pets, ideally in the brightest possible location if it will be an indoor plant. Water well when the soil is dry at depth, which will depend on temperature and light and humidity, but might be every 2 weeks indoors.