Opuntia ‘Crazy White’ is a rare and unusual variety of prickly pear cactus admired for its striking white spination and bold sculptural form. Belonging to the Cactaceae family, it is thought to be a cultivar of Opuntia microdasys (commonly called the Bunny Ear Cactus), though ‘Crazy White’ stands out for the dense clusters of brilliant white glochids that cover its pads.

The plant grows in an upright, branching manner, forming flat, oval pads that stack on top of one another. Each pad is dotted with neat clusters of short, hair-like glochids – in this cultivar, these are a pure snow-white, giving the plant an almost frosted or woolly appearance. The effect is both ornamental and architectural, making it an excellent choice for collectors of rare cacti and those seeking a visually dramatic houseplant.

In maturity, Opuntia ‘Crazy White’ can produce small, bright yellow flowers in summer, followed by edible fruits, although flowering indoors is less common. Its compact, clumping growth habit makes it ideal for pots and containers, where it can serve as a conversation piece on sunny windowsills, conservatories, or cactus displays.

Opuntia ‘Crazy White’ – Care Guide

Light

Requires full sun to maintain its compact shape and vibrant white colouring. Place in the brightest possible spot indoors, ideally a south-facing window. Outdoors in summer, it thrives in direct sunlight. Without enough light, pads may stretch (etiolate) and lose their neat appearance.

Watering

Water sparingly. In spring and summer, allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings before soaking thoroughly. In autumn and winter, reduce watering to once a month or less, as the plant enters dormancy. Overwatering is the most common cause of problems.

Temperature and Humidity

• Temperature: Prefers warm conditions between 18–30°C. It can tolerate cooler conditions down to around 5–7°C if kept dry.

• Humidity: Naturally suited to dry air; avoid overly humid environments.

Soil and Potting

Use a very free-draining cactus mix with added sand, grit, or perlite. A shallow pot with drainage holes works best, as the roots are relatively shallow. Repot every 2–3 years in spring to refresh the soil, being careful when handling the pads as the glochids detach easily.

Feeding

During the active growing season, feed once a month with a cactus fertiliser low in nitrogen but higher in phosphorus and potassium to support healthy pad development and potential flowering. Do not fertilise in winter.

Pruning and Propagation

Pruning is rarely needed except to remove damaged pads. Pads can be easily propagated – allow cut segments to callous over for a few days before placing in dry cactus soil. New roots will form within weeks.

Flowering and Fruiting

If grown in strong light and mature enough, Opuntia ‘Crazy White’ may produce bright yellow flowers in summer, followed by small prickly pear fruits. Indoor flowering is rare but possible in optimal conditions.

Common Issues

• Shrivelling pads: Sign of prolonged drought – give a deep watering.

• Soft, mushy pads: Usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage.

• Pests: Can occasionally be attacked by mealybugs or scale; inspect regularly and remove infestations promptly.

Background and Benefits

Opuntia ‘Crazy White’ is prized for its ornamental value rather than its fruit. Its distinctive snow-white glochids create an unusual visual contrast against the green pads, making it a collector’s plant and a decorative addition to sunny indoor spaces. Its easy care and drought tolerance also make it a rewarding cactus for beginners interested in more unusual varieties.

✅ Quick Care Summary

• Light: Full sun indoors or outdoors

• Water: Let soil dry completely between waterings

• Temperature: 18–30°C; minimum 5–7°C if dry

• Soil: Gritty, well-draining cactus mix

• Feed: Monthly in growing season

• Growth: Upright pads with dense white glochids; may flower in summer