How to Propagate Opuntia microdasys from Cuttings (UK Winter Edition)¶

Also known as the Bunny Ears Cactus

Opuntia microdasys is one of the easiest cacti to propagate — even in a UK winter — as long as you control moisture, light, and temperature. If you’ve got a grow lamp, you’re already halfway there.

This guide walks through a reliable, low-risk method for rooting pads indoors during the colder months.

What You’ll Need¶

A healthy Opuntia microdasys pad
Gloves or tongs (the glochids are brutal)
Small pot with drainage holes
Free-draining cactus soil
Perlite / pumice / coarse sand
Grow lamp
Optional: seedling heat mat

Step 1: Take the Cutting¶

Gently twist or snap off a healthy pad at the joint
No knife needed
Choose a pad that’s firm, green, and unblemished

⚠️ Do not touch with bare hands — the tiny barbed glochids are far worse than normal spines.

Step 2: Let the Pad Callus¶

This step prevents rot and is non-negotiable.

Place the pad in a dry, shaded, well-ventilated spot
Leave it for 5–10 days
The broken edge should feel dry and slightly corky

Never plant a fresh cut.

Step 3: Prepare the Soil¶

Drainage matters more than nutrients.

Recommended winter mix: - 60–70% cactus/succulent compost
- 30–40% perlite, pumice, or coarse sand

If your compost feels peat-heavy, increase the mineral content.

Use a small pot — oversized pots stay wet too long in winter.

Step 4: Plant the Pad¶

Insert the callused end 1–2 cm into the soil
Keep it upright (pebbles help)
Do not water

Place the pot somewhere warm and stable.

Step 5: Grow Light Setup¶

A grow lamp makes winter propagation viable.

12–14 hours per day
Light positioned 15–30 cm above the pad
Full-spectrum or white LED preferred

The pad should feel bright but not hot.

Step 6: Warmth Helps (A Lot)¶

Root growth stalls in cold soil.

Ideal conditions: - Room temperature: 18–22 °C - Optional: seedling heat mat on low - Avoid cold windowsills at night

Warm roots = faster rooting.

Step 7: Watering (Be Conservative)¶

This is where most failures happen.

Wait 10–14 days after planting
Then give a very small amount of water
After that, water only when the soil is completely dry

In UK winter conditions, this may mean watering just once every 3–4 weeks.

How Long Does Rooting Take?¶

Winter rooting: 4–6 weeks
Sometimes longer — no visible growth is normal

Signs of success: - Resistance when gently nudged - Pad remains firm and plump - New pad growth (often in early spring)

Common Mistakes to Avoid¶

❌ Watering too early
❌ Heavy, water-retentive soil
❌ Cold, damp rooms
❌ Full sun before rooting
❌ Handling without protection

Spring Transition¶

As daylight increases: - Gradually increase watering - Move closer to a bright window - Acclimate slowly to real sunlight (this species sunburns easily)

Final Thoughts¶

Opuntia microdasys doesn’t need much — just dry roots, bright light, and patience. With a grow lamp and restraint on watering, winter propagation in the UK is completely achievable.

If in doubt: wait longer and water less.

Happy growing 🌵