It forms small clumps of usually very spiny short cylindric stems. In cultivation in needs a bright sunny position and a well drained compost. It will tolerate quite cold conditions in winter. There is a lot of variation in the spination of the species both in colour ranging from pure white to golden yellow and in length.
Some clones have very long spines and are particularly attractive.
The particular clone illustrated here has rather short golden spines and the flowers are also a deeper yellow colour than some other clones which we have. Opuntia bigelowii Eng. Opuntia bigelowii commonly known as the Teddy Bear Cholla is a common sight in Southern Arizona occuring in habitat alongside the well known saguaro. The unusual greenish centered flowers are bourne in the spring. It is not particularly easy to grow in cultivation needing strong sunshine and heat to prosper.