Cactaceae
Angel's Wings Cactus (Opuntia microdasys var. albispina)
Opuntia microdasys var. albispina
An easy cactus: direct sun, well-drained mix and water only when the soil is completely dry. Protect it from cold below 5 °C in winter and always handle it with gloves or tongs.
Every 14 days
Direct sun
-4° - 38°C
% - %
Categories
What is Angel's Wings Cactus?
Angel's Wings Cactus (Opuntia microdasys var. albispina) is a easy-care plant from the Cactaceae family. Opuntia microdasys var. albispina is the white-tufted form of the bunny ears cactus, from central and northern Mexico. It has no true spines: its flat, oval green pads, 7.5 to 15 cm long, are dotted with tufts of white glochids, very fine barbed bristles that come off at the slightest touch and irri...
Angel's Wings Cactus grows up to 60cm, spread of 150cm, watering every 14 days, -4°C – 38°C. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Angel's Wings Cactus tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Angel's Wings Cactus is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 28 days.
How to Care for Angel's Wings Cactus?
TLDR: Angel's Wings Cactus needs Direct sun, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between -4-38°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Angel's Wings Cactus?
Water thoroughly every 2-3 weeks in spring and summer, only once the mix is completely dry. In winter, every 4-6 weeks or less. Do not mist the pads.
How Much Light Does Angel's Wings Cactus Need?
Direct sun, at least 6 hours a day. Indoors, the sunniest window; in low light the pads grow thin and stretched.
What Is the Best Soil for Angel's Wings Cactus?
Cactus mix with perlite, coarse sand or grit, with good drainage. It prefers poor, stony soil.
What Pot Should You Use for Angel's Wings Cactus?
A clay pot with a drainage hole, slightly wider than the plant; clay helps the mix dry out.
What Is Angel's Wings Cactus and Where Does It Come From?
Opuntia microdasys var. albispina is the white-tufted form of the bunny ears cactus, from central and northern Mexico. It has no true spines: its flat, oval green pads, 7.5 to 15 cm long, are dotted with tufts of white glochids, very fine barbed bristles that come off at the slightest touch and irritate the skin. In the common species these tufts are yellow. It forms a low clump 40 to 60 cm tall that can spread over 1 m wide in the ground and stays compact in a pot. Pale yellow flowers appear at the pad tips in late spring and summer, but they are rare in pots. It grows more slowly and is less cold hardy than the common bunny ears.
How to Propagate Angel's Wings Cactus?
Pad cutting
Do not bury the pad deeply. Protect your hands: the white glochids stick to skin and clothing.
- 1 With gloves or tongs, remove a whole pad at the joint
- 2 Let it dry in the shade for 5-7 days until the cut calluses
- 3 Stand the pad upright on dry cactus mix
- 4 Start watering lightly after 1-2 weeks
Materials needed:
How Big Does Angel's Wings Cactus Grow?
TLDR: Angel's Wings Cactus can reach up to 60cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
60cm
Spread
1.5m
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Angel's Wings Cactus?
TLDR: Angel's Wings Cactus is susceptible to 6 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Fun Facts
Despite the name albispina (white spine), it has no spines: the dots are glochids, finer than a human hair.
Bunny ears cactus holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Many botanists treat albispina as just a synonym of Opuntia microdasys.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between angel's wings and bunny ears cactus?
Do the white dots sting?
Is it toxic to cats and dogs?
How often should I water it?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
