It is time to tackle the problem of our Bunny Ear growing tall and sparse instead of being bushy and fuller. Are you with us on it?
The bunny ear cactus, or Opuntia microdasys, is loved for its adorable pad-shaped segments that resemble rabbit ears. It grows in clusters, forming a dense plant that instantly brightens up a space. But sometimes, instead of growing outward and producing multiple pads, it stretches upward, looks sparse, or develops only a few ears. If your bunny ear cactus isn’t bushy, it’s probably the environment. Let’s see how!
Why Your Bunny Ear Cactus Isn’t Bushy
1. Insufficient Sunlight
The most common reason for a thin and leggy bunny ear cactus is a lack of light. These cacti need bright, direct sunlight for several hours a day. If they don’t get enough light, they stretch toward the source, producing elongated or fewer pads. Instead of growing outward in clusters, they grow tall and sparse, which is the ultimate sign of a lack of light.
2. No Pruning or Pad Removal
Unlike leafy plants, bunny ear cacti don’t branch all of a sudden in a dense pattern. Each new pad grows from an existing one. If you never remove or cut pads, the plant may focus on vertical growth instead of spreading. Pruning stimulates new growth points and encourages more pads to form.
3. Overwatering
Bunny ear cacti are desert plants. Too much water can cause weak, soft growth and reduce healthy branching. Overwatering also stresses the roots, which affects the top development of the plants, and a weak root foundation leads to a weak structure.
4. Poor Soil or Drainage
If the soil holds too much moisture, the cactus will struggle. It needs fast-draining cactus or succulent soil. Waterlogged soil prevents strong, compact growth and may even cause root rot.
How to Make Your Bunny Ear Cactus Bushier
1. Increase Sunlight
Move your cactus to the brightest location in your home. A south-facing or west-facing window is ideal. Outdoor placement in a sunny balcony works wonderfully, as per the weather where you live. Let direct sunlight be introduced gradually, in case the plant was previously in low light, to avoid sunburn.
2. Prune and Prune
Wear gloves and gently twist or cut off a pad at its joint. When you remove a pad, the plant often responds by producing multiple new pads at that same joint. You can propagate the removed pad by letting it dry for two to three days, then planting it in dry cactus soil. Wait for a week before watering lightly.
3. Water Less, But Properly
Only water when the soil is completely dry. In summer, this may be every two to three weeks. In winter, reduce this activity to a bare minimum. When you water, soak thoroughly and let excess water drain out. Never let the plant sit in standing water.
Pro tip: Underwatering is safer than overwatering for cacti.
4. Use Proper Soil and Pot
Choose a cactus or succulent mix that drains quickly. If making your own mix, add sand or perlite for extra drainage. Ensure the pot has drainage holes. Terracotta pots are especially helpful because they absorb excess moisture and reduce the risk of root rot.
5. Feed During the Growing Season
In spring and summer, use a diluted cactus fertilizer once a month. This supports healthy pad production. Do not fertilize in winter when growth naturally slows down.
6. Rotate the Plant
If light comes from one direction, the cactus may grow unevenly. Rotate it every couple of weeks to maintain balanced, outward growth.
If your Bunny Ears aren’t growing bushier and fuller, it could be the environment. But, this doesn’t mean they are well-suited to the routine you follow. Check if your routine suits them well or tweak it based on the tops above and let us know in the comments below, how it turned out to be!
