If you are looking to cut back on all outside watering, you may be thinking of planting a yard full of cactus. While it is perfectly acceptable to have cactus (and succulents) as part of your desert landscaping, remember that there is no such thing as plants that require no water.
Certainly, you do not want to install irrigation emitters on cactus, but if you plant new plants then you will be watering them occasionally to get them through their first growing season. The most challenging time for any new plant is their first summer.
Newly planted cactus do not require water at planting time, but after 2 weeks you should soak the root zone thoroughly. Succulents are a little different, as they require more water than cactus. After planting succulents, such as agave, desert spoon or ocotillo, wait a few days, then soak well. Wait to water again a month to 6 weeks. Once the summer rains arrive you can back off, but if rains are not sufficient you do need to give the cactus an occasional once a month soaking, and succulents a twice a month soaking during hot, dry months.
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