Bunny Ear Cactus shriveled and wrinkled

DDW

Joined
Apr 26, 2021
Messages
1
Reaction score
1
Country
Belgium
IMG_7919.jpg
IMG_7920.jpg

My bunny ears cactus starts to shrivel and wrinkle heavily.
I thought the problem was that the cactus didn't recieve enough light or water.
I already tried a different watering, without better results.

The new pads still look thick and healthy. Should I remove these pads?

This cactus and myself share a lot of history, so I would really like to save the cactus!!
Thanks a lot!
 

zigs

Cactus Grower, Kent.
Joined
Oct 10, 2012
Messages
9,741
Reaction score
11,637
Location
Kent
Hardiness Zone
9a
Country
United Kingdom
Welcome to the forum :)

Opuntias usually shrivel up in the winter, it's part of their survival strategy. It can take a few waterings to rehydrate them.

Just as a precaution twist off one of the newer pads and put it in some well drained compost till it roots.

Use a cloth to handle it as the tiny spines called glochids will stick in your skin. Dispose of the cloth afterwards.
 
Joined
Aug 10, 2021
Messages
4,223
Reaction score
1,493
Location
California
Country
United States
Greetings, welcome to the Forums.

Yes indeed, many cactus, including your White Bunny-ear Opuntia (Opuntia microdasys 'Albispina') will fold like an accordion when drought-stressed and will often recover fully when water is again received. However, even a cactus can dry out to the point of death, and furthermore, rot can sometimes masquerade as normal dehydration. In temperate climes, it is often wise to not water cactus at all in the colder Winter months,t though if temperatures and light are high enough this may be done. Try to give your cactus as much sunlight as possible in Winter, and throughout the year. as always, fast-draining soil that mostly dries between irrigation episodes is the first imperative.

By all means do remove a pad and start a separate plant. Holding the pad with gloves and tongs or thick cardboard during the procedure is essential to avoid a minor but annoying injury to yourself.
 

Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments. After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.

Ask a Question

Similar Threads

What to plant near cabbage 2
Pear tree varieties 3
Pear Tree frost protection 1
bunny ear cactus turning white 1
Bunny in the garden 7
Can you spot the bunny? 4
Bunny repellent 4
Bunny fertilizer 44

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
27,792
Messages
264,036
Members
14,527
Latest member
jajak

Latest Threads

Top