Opuntia and Nopalea (Cactaceae) are plants well-adapted to a semi-arid environment and can be utilized for multiple purposes. However, weather and soil conditions can influence their morphophysiology and growth. Understanding these effects is essential for developing management practices that enhance production efficiency. This study was conducted under real-world conditions at 12 locations in Brazil to investigate morphophysiological traits, forage production, and water use efficiency of two species: Opuntia stricta [Haw.] Haw. cultivar 'Orelha de Elefante Mexicana' (OEM) and Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck cultivar 'Miuda'. No significant differences were observed between species for forage yield (average 13,587 kg dry matter (DM) ha(-1)), water use efficiency (2.11 g DM kg H2O-1), or forage accumulation (38.8 kg DM ha(-1 )d(-1)). However, morphological differences were noted, with N. cochenillifera exhibiting a greater number of cladodes (16.9 per plant) and O. stricta developing larger cladodes (0.04 kg DM) and a higher cladode leaf area index (1.15 m(2) m(-2)). Forage yield was positively associated with rainfall and soil organic carbon (r = 0.39, p < 0.001; r = 0.34, p < 0.01). Conversely, electrical conductivity and sodium content were inversely related to both the forage accumulation rate (r = -0.43, p < 0.001; r = -0.36, p < 0.001) and water use efficiency (r = -0.32, p < 0.01; r = -0.27, p < 0.05). The soil bulk density also showed a negative correlation to forage yield and forage accumulation rate (r = -0.32, p < 0.01; r = -0.35, p < 0.001). Rainfall variability and soil organic carbon were important key factors influencing O. stricta and N. cochenillifera morphology and productivity, while the high soil bulk density, electrical conductivity, and sodium content were detrimental to forage production.