Angel's-wings - Opuntia microdasys (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

Angel's-wings

Also known as: Cinnamon Cactus, Polka Dot Cactus, Polka-dot cactus

Angel's-wings (*Opuntia microdasys*) is a flowering cactus species native to Mexico. Angel's-wings is closely related to Opuntia RFID, which can be differentiated from Opuntia microdasys by its reddish color. Some scientists consider the two cacti to be the same species. This species is also known as the bunny ears cactus, the bunny cactus, or the polka-dot cactus. It is sometimes planted as an ornamental on borders and in gardens.

Scientific classification

Species

Angel's-wings (Opuntia microdasys)

Pinks, cacti, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Succulent, Shrub

Plant Type

Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Mid summer, Early winter, Late winter

Harvest Time

30 cm to 1 m

Plant Height

60 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Size

Red, Purple, Burgundy, Lavender

Fruit Color

Yellow

Flower Color

Green, White

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Angel's-wings

Distribution of Angel's-wings

Distribution Map

Angel's-wings is native to Mexico and has spread to parts of Africa, Russia, southern Europe, and Australia. It is found in wild desert climates where it collects fog, but it has become a popular houseplant for its appealing shape.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Desert hills, uplands

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Angel's-wings adds visual interest and periodic splashes of color when planted in the soil of rock gardens. The yellow flowers, which rarely appear when they are planted in containers, turn into elongated red-purple fruits. They pair well with succulents like Aloe or Agave.

Symbolism

Hope

Name Story

Bunny ears cactus: It has become a popular houseplant because it is easy to take care of the plant and it has a cute appearance with great blooms. However, yellow flowers appear rarely. Despite this, it is very popular in cultivation because of the comical resemblance to a rabbit's head. Therefore, it is called bunny ears cactus.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Angel's-wings, including the following common varieties :

Angel's-wings 'Albata'

Quickly Identify Angel's-wings

Thick, oval-shaped stem segments covered in white needle-like glochids.

Pad-like cladodes with small clusters of barbed glochids, resembling rabbit ears.

Vibrant, spineless fruit with a fuzzy pubescent covering in red to purple hues.

Cream-colored cup-shaped flowers with frilled petals and dark-tipped styles.

No traditional leaves; instead, green, rounded cladodes dotted with glochids.

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Care Guide for Angel's-wings

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Succulent & Cactus Soil

Soil Type

Water: Angel's-wings thrives in arid environments, showcasing excellent drought tolerance with moisture-retaining pads. Water once every three weeks and provide well-draining soil indoors. Occasional misting helps replicate its native humidity, while it conserves water effectively during the growing season.

Fertilize: For optimal growth of angel's-wings, use a succulents and cacti fertilizer monthly at quarter strength during spring and summer. Reduce to every other month or pause in fall and winter. Apply to damp soil, avoiding direct contact to prevent damage. These tips benefit all gardeners.

Pruning: Angel's-wings requires minimal pruning. It is advisable to remove spent flowers and dead branches to ensure the plant focuses its nutrients on healthy growth.

Propagation: Angel's-wings is a resilient cacti from Mexico with distinctive bunny ear-like pads. To propagate, let a healthy pad callous, then plant it cut-side down in well-draining mix. Maintain slight moisture until roots form, then water sparingly for best growth.

Repotting: Angel's-wings, a compact desert cactus, thrives in clusters. Repot every 2-3 years in spring using a larger container with good drainage. After repotting, let the soil dry before watering to promote strong roots. Wear gloves when handling due to skin-irritating glochids.

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