Scientific name: opuntia microdasys (hairy plant from opus). Common name: angel's wings, bunny ears cactus, bunny cactus, polka-dot cactus, golden bristle cactus, prickly pear. Origin: native to central and northern mexico. These cacti have a lot of distinctive features which really make them stand out. They have bristles rather than spines. It is how the pads grow which gives the cactus its name, though, as they grow in pairs, making them look just like rabbit ears! As this plant grows, it extends upwards and outwards as more 'ears' are sprouted, so choose this for an interesting-looking shrub which will love your brightest window. Light: thrives best in bright light; will love your brightest windowsill (try south-facing if in doubt!). Soil: needs a well-draining pot and potting mix; look for specific 'cacti and succulent' soils with plenty of sand and other well-draining materials. Only repot if absolutely necessary: use the next size pot up, repot in the spring, and no more frequently than every three years. Food: feed every two months in the growing season, and every three in autumn and winter. Use 'cactus' labelled feed. Temperature: likes temperatures of 20-32°c. Sprouts top tips: this is a flowering variety; to make it more likely you'll see the blooms, let it have a proper dormancy in autumn/winter with lower temperatures and less frequent watering and fertilising, and then increase these as the weather warms. The warmer the cactus is in summer, the more likely you'll see flowers!