Houseplant Of The Week: Bunny Ears Cactus | Nick Tsagaris

This cactus has the trappings of cuteness but will give you a nasty surprise if you try to get too affectionate with it

Opuntia microdasys var. pallida

 Photograph: Prick Ldn

Gynelle Leon

Fri 10 Dec 2021 11.00 GMT

6

Why will I love it?

It may look as cute as a bunny but beware: this houseplant stings like a bee. This furry cactus – full name: Opuntia microdasys – has pads that resemble rabbit ears and look soft enough to stroke, but resist. Dotted over the plant’s body are fine spines called glochids that will get into your skin and make you itch. If this happens, put sticky tape over the area and pull it away quickly to lift the stingers out.

Light or shade?

It loves bright, direct full sunlight.

Where should I put it?

On a south-facing windowsill in a room with dry air. It’s best to avoid damp bathrooms or kitchens.

Aegagropila linnaei (aka marimo)

Houseplant of the week: moss balls

Read more

How do I keep it alive?

Water weekly in spring and summer, allowing the compost to dry out between waterings, then reduce to a sprinkle every four to six weeks from mid-autumn to early spring. Use fertiliser only during the spring and summer. It can survive temperatures down to 7C-10C.

Did you know…

Opuntia is named after the ancient Greek region of Opuntian Locris, the capital city of which was Opus.

 This article was amended on 14 December 2021. Opuntia microdasys can survive temperatures down to between 7C and 10C, not to -7C as an earlier version said.

As we approach the end of the year in India, we have a small favour to ask. We’d like to thank you for putting your trust in our journalism this year - and invite you to join the million-plus people in 180 countries who have recently taken the step to support us financially, keeping us open to all, and fiercely independent.

In 2021, this support sustained investigative work into offshore wealth, spyware, sexual harassment, labour abuse, environmental plunder, crony coronavirus contracts, and Big Tech.

The new year, like all new years, will hopefully herald a fresh sense of cautious optimism, and there is certainly much for us to focus on in 2022 - a volley of elections, myriad economic challenges, the next round in the struggle against the pandemic and a World Cup.

With no shareholders or billionaire owners, we can set our own agenda and provide trustworthy journalism that’s free from commercial and political influence, offering a counterweight to the spread of misinformation. When it’s never mattered more, we can investigate and challenge without fear or favour.

Unlike many other media organisations, Guardian journalism is available for everyone to read, regardless of what they can afford to pay. We do this because we believe in information equality. Greater numbers of people can keep track of global events, understand their impact on people and communities, and become inspired to take meaningful action.

If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our journalism and sustains our future. Support the Guardian from as little as $1 – it only takes a minute. If you can, please consider supporting us with a regular amount each month. Thank you.