Drought tolerant, needs well-drained soils. Withstands cold and damp far less well than other members of Opuntia . Suitable for flowerpot cultivation. Shrubby, erect, from 20 to 60 inches high, with a short trunk.
Pads are approximately circular, very wide and thick.
Spines are lacking altogether, but broad, circular, raised areoles bear a great many reddish brown glochids that are darker on the older pads. Pads' gray-green epidermis has velvety appearance. Flowers grow to a length of about two inches, including ovary. Varies from yellow to orange. Fruit is light red.