Opuntia microdasys ‘Alba’ is a charming ornamental cactus, admired for its distinctive oval pads decorated with clusters of fine, white hair-like spines. Commonly known as the White Bunny Ears Cactus, its playful appearance and attractive green colouring make it a favourite among cactus enthusiasts and collectors.

Native to Mexico, this easy-care cactus develops new pads that resemble little bunny ears, gradually forming an attractive branching specimen. Its compact growth when young, drought tolerance and unusual appearance make it ideal for sunny windowsills, decorative containers and cactus collections.

Plant Details

Botanical Name: Opuntia microdasys ‘Alba’
Common Name: White Bunny Ears Cactus • White Polka Dot Cactus
Plant Type: Cactus
Pot Size: 6.5 cm
Growth Rate: Moderate
Growth Habit: Upright, branching with flattened oval pads
Mature Size: Approximately 40–60 cm tall × 40–60 cm wide, occasionally larger in ideal conditions

Care Guide

☀️ Light:

Thrives in full sun or very bright light. In Malta, gradually acclimatise young plants to strong sunlight, particularly during the hottest summer months.

💧 Watering:

Water thoroughly during the growing season, allowing the compost to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during winter when growth slows. Avoid prolonged wet conditions.

🌱 Soil:

Use a free-draining cactus and succulent compost with added mineral grit, pumice or perlite to ensure excellent drainage.

🌡 Temperature:

Best grown between 15–30°C. Tolerates warm, dry conditions well but should be protected from frost and prolonged temperatures below 5°C, particularly when grown in containers.

🌸 Flowering

Mature plants may produce attractive pale yellow flowers during spring or summer, occasionally followed by small reddish fruits. Flowering is uncommon in young container-grown specimens, which are primarily admired for their decorative pads.

Why You’ll Love It

✔ Charming bunny ear-shaped cactus pads
✔ Beautiful clusters of fine white glochids
✔ Attractive green and white colour contrast
✔ Easy to care for and drought tolerant
✔ Develops an interesting branching shape with age
✔ Perfect for sunny windowsills and cactus collections

Care Level: ⭐⭐ Easy

A hardy, low-maintenance cactus that thrives with plenty of sunlight, excellent drainage and occasional watering. Suitable for beginners and experienced cactus enthusiasts alike.

Pet Safety: 🐾 Use Caution Around Pets

Opuntia microdasys ‘Alba’ is not generally considered poisonous to cats or dogs. However, its white dots contain numerous tiny, barbed spines called glochids, which can easily become embedded in the skin, mouth or paws and cause significant irritation. Keep away from pets and young children.

Good to Know

Despite its soft and fluffy appearance, the White Bunny Ears Cactus should never be touched with bare hands. The attractive white spots are actually clusters of extremely fine, barbed glochids that detach easily and can be difficult to remove from the skin.

Unlike many other cacti, Opuntia microdasys does not usually develop long, prominent spines. Instead, its pads are covered with these tiny hair-like structures, which provide protection in its natural habitat.

The name ‘Alba’ refers to the distinctive white colouring of its glochids, distinguishing it from other Bunny Ears varieties with yellow or reddish-brown markings.

As the plant matures, new pads develop from existing ones, creating an increasingly branched and sculptural appearance.

Pictures shown may vary from actual product due to the live nature of the items. Some items may be out of stock for various reasons, we will issue a refund or offer alternatives should that be the case.

The Price is per one individual plant.