Most Opuntia ficus-indica thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9-12. Typically these hybrids are hardy to 20°F, some to only 30°F, and a few to 10°F. They are drought tolerant once established. Locate this shade-intolerant plant in all day full sun in dry, well draining soil. This cactus is well adapted to a variety of climates but should receive some shelter from cold winter winds. Its survivability increases to 61% from 45% when pads are planted on a mound or ridge rather than flat ground, especially if the irrigation water contains any salinity. Planting above ground level, however, will increase root sprouting time by a week. Grown from sprouted pads, it will take 1-2 years in the ground before it begins to fruit, whereas from seed, fruiting begins after 3-4 years. This plant is tolerant of soil types as long as the soil is well drained. Newly planted Opuntia pads are sensitive to salt but become somewhat salt tolerant once established. 

For maximum flower and fruit production, use a 0-10-0 fertilizer without nitrogen in late winter, or organic fertilizer at the start of every month during spring, summer, and fall. To maximize pad growth, use composted manure in late winter, late spring, and late summer, which will also inhibit flowering and fruiting. A standard 10-10-10 fertilizer will improve newly planted Opuntia's response to water containing minor levels of salt. After becoming established water once or twice a month. Pads starting to shrivel indicate a need for water. Do not water unless the soil is completely dry. Root rot occurs in poorly draining soil.

This plant is self-fruitful and easily hybridizes with any neighboring Opuntia species. It takes 3-6 months for fruit to ripen, and ripeness can be identified by a slight loss of fruit firmness, which varies by cultivar. Remove fruit from the pads by twisting rather than pulling. The harvest time for fruit is primarily summer. Pads can be harvested up to six times a year, year-round, in warm climates. Remove pads at the joint between them. The best harvest time is mid-morning to mid-afternoon.

Ornamental pruning is not needed unless the plant is growing out of bounds. To propagate O. ficus-indica,  choose pads more than six months old, and cut at the junction between pads. Once the cut has formed a callous (10-14 days), the pad is placed edgewise into dry soil, no more than 1-2" deep, with its broad sides facing east and west. Anchor the pad in place with rocks. Do not water until roots have formed, to prevent rot. Once a significant number of roots have formed, in 2-3 months, the rocks can be removed, and the pad can be watered for the first time since it went into the ground. Only water when the soil is entirely dry. For seed propagation, only a small percentage of seed will breed true to the parent.