---
title: "I am not a succulent or cactus gal so I need help with this one I…"
description: "I am not a succulent or cactus gal so I need help with this one I bought on a whim. What am I doing wrong? It didn’t have these skinny bits when I got it. Also…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/g3ntMop4CkMO7ElFEJ0qVB"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "Kenny"
published: "2025-08-21T20:03:31.636639Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/mV6hxC_yMd9fvl8YRLVEGAFz2JbWsz2rALzO2vU2Gcg/AaBqOzq2QfKb4PZWoid80Q.webp?size=large"
---

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# I am not a succulent or cactus gal so I need help with this one I…

_Posted by Kenny on 2025-08-21_

I am not a succulent or cactus gal so I need help with this one I bought on a whim. What am I doing wrong? It didn’t have these skinny bits when I got it. Also it has pieces falling over?? I’m lost

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/mV6hxC_yMd9fvl8YRLVEGAFz2JbWsz2rALzO2vU2Gcg/AaBqOzq2QfKb4PZWoid80Q.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/mV6hxC_yMd9fvl8YRLVEGAFz2JbWsz2rALzO2vU2Gcg/9oD-8NxsQsSqneYZ1OvTjg.webp?size=large)

## 7 comments

### SWDK commented on 2025-08-21

What is the name of this plant if you don’t mind?..

#### Kenny replied on 2025-08-22

Bunny ear cactus I believe

#### SWDK replied on 2025-08-22

Skinny pads that fall over on a bunny ear cactus (Opuntia microdasys) are typically a sign of etiolation, which is caused by insufficient light. The plant stretches out, trying to find more light, resulting in weak, elongated, and flimsy growth that cannot support its own weight.  
Symptoms of etiolation  
Pads are noticeably thinner and longer than older, healthier pads.  
The plant becomes top-heavy, with the new, stretched growth causing the pads to fall over.  
The pads are paler green than the rest of the plant.

So give it about a hour or 2 of direct sunlight with a moist soil and the rest of the day let it be indirect try that for the next 2wks. Water only between dead dry soil. Trust me.

Also what I have learned about cactus is perlite and succulent soil is a great source for them this is what I do for my cacti 🌵 But every single day I am always hands on with my plants no matter what everyday even if I get 5mins with them it’s always the longest 5mins..

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ldaN_nqcYjLDHODlLPFABg8tRCjVk4B2s5iytthMEUc/BE1q3fHSSxO2w8BreM2-zg.webp?size=large)

### Ms.Issy commented on 2025-08-22

How much light is it getting? I know cactus will get thin \& spindly when they are not getting enough light.  
Depending on the plant and where you live enough light can be a lot!  
I live in the north east \& keep my cactus in my unobstructed south window. Which I was afraid would be too much for them; but they seem to really like it!

#### Kenny replied on 2025-08-22

I live in the Midwest, the cactus is also in an unobstructed south facing window. I wonder if this one is just really picky

#### Ms.Issy replied on 2025-08-22

It could be, some certainly can be!  
My only other thought is watering/substrate. If the soil holds on to water too long it could cause some root issues and some of the leaning.  
Was the name on nursery pot?

#### SWDK replied on 2025-08-22

Maybe so but desert 🌵 plants just love 50/50 heat direct and indirect. My opinion.

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