Ocotillo is one of those desert perennial shrubs that just keeps give without demand too much of your time .
With its hulk slender cane and numerous orange / red blossoms , this desert aboriginal is unfearing to drought , pests , neglect , and more .
How ’s that for well-off ?
It ’s one of those plant life that you could just put in your garden and leave it alone . It thrives on neglect .
If you require to get the most succus from the squeeze , expect into planting this bewildering cacti doppelganger in your desertscape .
Let ’s dive in and read how to grow and manage for ocotillo .
Guide Contents
Quick care guide: Ocotillo
What’s Ocotillo?
Ocotillo , also known asFouquieria splendens , is a southwesterly plant that can be find in Mexico and the southern US .
This plant is known for its shiny orange trumpet flowers with magniloquent cane husk .
It requiresVERYlittle maintenance , so it ’s perfect for tyro or those that do n’t require to spend too much time in the garden .
If this is what you ’re looking for , Ocotillo can be the desert touch your yard is leave out .
You ’ll find that it goes well with other cactus or succulents for create a desert landscape painting for your desert plate . A lot of the great unwashed grow this to add some greens without needing a lot of piece of work or water .
Arizona , California , Nevada , Texas , etc . It grows in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan desert .
While not a straight succulent , it ’s conceive to be semi - succulent at 6500 ft above sea level .
They thrive in arid landscape painting with their unique flavour . They ’re very democratic in xeriscape gardens .
Other names
Ocotillo has a few other aliases you may have hear before :
Appearance
These desert plants farm up of 12 understructure grandiloquent and over 10 feet wide on average , but a decent care - for plant can go much taller .
They have red or orangish cornet flowers posture on top of tall slim cane stalks . The works does bloom .
Ocotillo looks like seaweed in the desert . It can be couple with other marvelous plants like cacti , which will complement the wavy canes of the Fouquieria splendens . The outgrowth are barbellate , but it ’s not a cactus . It ’s a desert bush .
The leave are simple , substitute , and ovate . They ’re about 3.5 cm in length .
Secondary leaves are smaller . This plant expand in the flavourless desert with other shrubs .
It ’s deciduous , meaning that the leaves are completely unload in the winter . They only acquire in the summer and spring , when the orange flowers will blossom all over the slim cane .
Why grow it?
That ’s a good question . A lot of hoi polloi spring up ocotillo because it want little alimony , is drought tolerant , and can hold out desert temperature down to 10F before it starts to wilt .
It can be purchased from the glasshouse and then replant in the garden with ease when it ’s still manageable . It also does n’t ask any study nearly all season other than occasional watering or pruning .
Plus , it looks awesome . This plant life can attract beneficial pollinators to your yard , such as bee and hummingbirds .
Is it poisonous?
No , ocotillo is n’t venomous to the touch modality , but the cane can be abrupt .
So always put on baseball glove to protect yourself . It ’s spiny and can hurt .
Is it beginner friendly?
Yes , ocotillo is very easy to produce and good for novice .
Once you get it set up and root , it takes care of itself .
You only need to irrigate it and prune it . It may require some plant plump for when it turn taller .
But otherwise , it ’s hand - off .
How to propagate ocotillo
Planting ocotillo is very well-off . There is an ideal time to do it and multiple means to grow it .
you’re able to buy then transplant ocotillo , or start from ejaculate . transplant is the easy and gives you a head teacher start to enjoy those nice blooms .
If you begin from come , it ’s going to take some time , so that ’s why I ’d advise you to essay out a reputable greenhouse and then buy a few to bring home .
It will easy get used to its newfangled plot in your garden when done correctly , so do n’t be frightened . Just abide by the steps outlined below .
Starting from seed
If you opt to propagate from seed , sow outside in the spring .
If condition are unfavorable outside , sow in inside a nursery or indoors .
Sow in well - drain soil where they can get full sunlight . you may expend a cactus potting mix .
embed each seed 1 ” deep with a light tamp of soil . They should be planted in their crapper , each keep on slightly dampish with light mistings .
Spray the seedlings every other day . Cover with a humidity bean .
Germination takes up to two workweek , but the plant will need to be transplanted outside when spring come . The temperatures should be somewhat warm when be active outside .
Harden off by expose it for a few hours each day to the element outside . Exposed to full sunlight , then take it back in over two calendar week . Increase the period of exposure daily .
Move into the garden when it ’s acclimated .
Transplanting ocotillo
Transplanting is the way to go IMO .
It skip the long germination period and lets you enjoy the flowers and the tall canes much more spry .
Starting from seed is only for those who require the challenge .
Otherwise , just transplant by buying one from your nursery or garden center . You ’ll be glad you did when you see the first few blooms in the springtime !
The idealistic time to transpose is in March through May . This is when the ocotillo is actively turn so it has a higher chance of settle down in its newfangled home ( your garden ) .
implant a bare - root counterfoil in organic , loose soil . The soil should be sandy with hatful of organically rich substratum to aid furnish the nutrients it needs to root properly .
works only facing south if it ’s been marked on the south side .
Do n’t mix up the focusing or else it ’ll plow leggy or wilt . The industrial plant may need industrial plant support if you ’re transplanting a swelled one ( you may also need a helper ) .
constitute it with large Stone cover the solution zone ( about 3 column inch out from the ocotillo ’s automobile trunk ) . This will keep it anchored down so it does n’t topple over .
If you ’re in a windy zone , you need some form of support . The planting domain should be spare of drafts and have ample sunshine .
Water should never pool near the ascendent geographical zone .
Grow from cuttings
If your neighbour or friend has a fully grow ocotillo , you’re able to catch some cuttings from them and plant them yourself .
Note that ocotillo is a protected plant in some states , so do n’t just go ignore random coachwhip you find in the wild . You ’ll need at least 12 inches of deal cuttings from a grown industrial plant .
catch a 1 - gallon or 3 - gallon corporation , then fill it with rich , high - lineament soil . It should have some degree of organic material in there to help settle . The soil should also be well draining .
If the temperature outside are within a respectable range , you’re able to plant it directly into the grime in your garden instead . But if not , then apply a container and sow the cutting indoors .
Carefully cut down off the bottom 5 inches of foliage . Then cater rooting hormone if you like .
This is the cut goal , by the way . There should be no leaves at least 5 inches from the closing you cut . parting that remain towards the hint are o.k. .
Put the branch into the grime and cover the section that you cleared . So it should be sitting pretty about 5 - 7 inch into the heap . Keep the pot in a full sun location with ambient temperatures above 65F.
you could put it in your garden if the condition are nice . Place a H2O saucer under the plantation owner . Keep the grime moist , but never wet . Water it once every other hebdomad in normal conditions . If overly ironic , water once per week . The water system should drain into the saucer every clip . If not , replant it .
The ocotillo is ready to be moved into the garden when the works is noticeably producing raw leaves .
Give it a slender tug to feel if it ’s been rooted .
How to grow ocotillo
Here are some speedy and dirty tips for growing this desert bush . You ’ll find that it ’s very basic , just like most desert plant .
Hardiness zone
Ocotillo prefers arid , ironical , and hot mood with full sun photograph . USDA hardiness zones 8 - 11 are idealistic for this desert indigen .
If you ’re in a high zona , you may take to water more often . For grim geographical zone , the flora must be restrain in full sun off from contrived Lord’s Day blocker like building or other plants .
Soil type
The soil used must be well enfeeble with some organic chemical compound mixed in .
This helps settle down growing and will keep water from pooling , which may chair to root hogwash or fungal issues .
Use a potting intermixture for cacti or succulent . immix in some organic plant supplements if it ’s lacking . Use a loose , loamy , sandy substrate that ’s not firm and wo n’t press .
Soil pH
The grease pH scale should be on the introductory side , with a pH range of 7.5 - 9.0 for ideal bloom production .
you could raise the pH of your soil of course using caustic lime ( dolomite or farming ) . bake soda water also works , but should be used sparingly .
Plant depth
The seeds should be planted 1 ” from the grunge stock and lightly covered .
If transplantation , it should be planted at the same root astuteness as the original industrial plant . If growing from cutting , industrial plant at least 5 inches bass .
Plant spacing
Each vine cactus should be clear from nearby plant because it can maturate over 10 feet full . This can make it compete for nutrients or even cover the light source of plant neighbors ( which is why you may take to cut it ) .
If you plan to develop multiple Jacob’s staff , space them at least 10 infantry aside from one another so they do n’t get into a convoluted mess .
Temperature
Ocotillo can tolerate temperature as low as 10F before they get to suffer . Ideally , they should be grown in a temporary worker range between 80 - 100F.
They grow in the Sonoran desert where temperature can average up to 90F with minimal rain ( less than 10″ ) .
They can cover some temp golf shot as the desert is get laid for this kind of environment .
If you ’re in zone 8 or higher , you should be o.k. . Just check that it mother a full day of unfiltered sunlight daily .
Then it ’ll thrive blithely and acquire those flowers for you .
Humidity
The ocotillo bush loves dry conditions . Low humidness degree that span under 20 % are normal .
If it ’s too pie-eyed , it may not produce the book of flower liken to drier conditions .
Sunlight
Ocotillo should be planted in a full sun environment with a south - facing focal point .
If the plant is shroud or the light is blocked by some other foliage or target , it wo n’t produce as many peak in the bound . verify it gets passel of sunlight- at least 8 hours per day .
Plant in a spacious capable field with no tall objects that can freeze valued sunlight .
Watering
The ocotillo is highly efficient and requires very little water to boom . It ’s drouth - tolerant and will only call for irrigation once in a while .
When you do water , avoid overwatering the soil because this can pool and lead to rot . The right way of life to water is to spray the cane and keep the grime moist , but never wet .
If you ’re in a spicy and dry area , you could water once daily for new works . For established ocotillo , only require tearing once per month .
Only unseasoned flora should be watered often . Do n’t overwater bigger plant or you could introduce pathogen especially if the soil is big quality .
Plant food
Plant nutrient and plant food are unneeded . Ocotillo is one of those industrial plant that do well when left alone .
The more you mess with it , the gamey chance of you injure it . Do n’t use plant life food unless necessary .
It may even trim the number of bloom you get seasonally . If you want more prime , try not to use plant food . Remember That this plant is very tough and can handle itself !
Mulching
Mulching is not necessary either .
The time you need to mulch is if temperatures are expected to drop below 10F. Add 2 - 3 column inch of mulch around the root zone to help insulate it from the low temperature .
Remove the mulch in spring . Ensure the mulch never touches the automobile trunk of the ocotillo because this can introduce pathogen .
Pruning
Pruning can be done much less than you think . The flora only involve to be pruned when you see atrocious or damaged cane stem .
take away the wood from the Fouquieria splendens using a sterilized pair of pruners ( utilize chafe alcoholic drink ) .
When ocotillos come to the 3 - year scar , they ’ll necessitate to be pruned around that clip to keep them goodish . When pruned , the flora will kick the bucket back . This is expected .
The plant will necessitate some watering during this clock time . But do n’t be alarmed . Even though it ’s nerve-racking on the plant , it ’s necessary to cease it from wasting energy on unwanted cane .
This is why you need to prune , but do not do it so often or you ’ll put your industrial plant under invariant stress .
Most ocotillo will do fine if left on their own . Just regular watering monthly for established ones . That ’s all there is to it .
Prune ocotillo in the crepuscle or winter when it ’s not actively growing or producing flowers .
Maintenance
Ocotillo requires no maintenance other than watering and pruning . When you trim , use horticulture glove and a pruning hook .
cut off the canes entirely off to the ground level .
Do n’t leave a partially pruned cane as this can introduce pathogens . The more you leave it alone , the more it thrives .
So do n’t mess up with it if you do n’t ask to .
Overwintering
There is no overwintering needed for ocotillo .
Being that it ’s such a sturdy desert shrub , it can deal temperatures as downhearted as 10F. If you expect that it ’ll get even cooler , then you may keep it fond by applying a layer of mulch around the trunk .
This should cover the root system of rules but never affect the drunk forthwith .
you’re able to also apply burlap wraps or other flora wraps . But for most purpose , you wo n’t want to worry about winterizing ocotillo .
Seed saving
Collect ocotillo seeds to save them for replanting !
you could harvest the seeds in late summer when the flowers begin to fade and change into seeds .
The germ can be stored in an gasbag and used before long afterward . seeded player should never be take from native plants , only captive ones .
You ’ll detect that the flower loses its colour . It ’ll quickly alter to seeds . This is when you may glean them .
Container growing
Ocotillo can be grown in a pot if the container is enceinte enough .
You ’ll have to continually get larger pots whenever the plant life is rootbound ( roots coming out of the drainpipe holes ) . The heap should be one size larger than before . If you grow in a container , they do n’t need any etymon pruning before you plant .
What container size for ocotillio?
For size , 5 in pots are good for cuttings .
For untested plants , 5 congius containers are suited .
For larger plants , it varies . Size up when rootbound .
Companion plants
There are plenty of companions that go well with ocotillo ’s staggering stature .
Some pop desert natives include Salvia , Russian Sage , Golden Barrel Cactus , Artichoke Agave , Aloe , Lady ’s Slipper , Crown of Thorns , Skullcap , Dwarf Sundrops , Fame Flower , Thrift Leaf Perky Sue , Santa Rita Prickly Pear , Agastache , Succulents , and more .
Any southwestern - vogue plants with a desert landscape go well with it .
Don’t plant with
You should never plant it with other short plants that need full sun . The tall canes will immobilize sunlight nearby and starve them .
Only plant with hardy plant can tolerate fond light .
Ocotillo can be planted with other identical plants , but space them so they get plenty of room to thrive without contend for nutrients .
Pests
There are no special pests that ’ll fine ocotillo . It thrives in the desert and there are a few bugs that run on plant life in this environment .
So you have nothing to worry about regarding glitch .
There may be gnawer that occasionally will feed on the leaf or prime , but these can be ridden by using physical barrier or rodent bait . But foremost gardeners , this is not an egress .
Some insect have been insure on ocotillo , such as plate or other sucking insects . These can be ridden with insecticidal soap .
You may also see mealybugs which entrust behind white web - similar cotton plant . These can be removed with rubbing alcohol .
Other than those , you wo n’t determine many ocotillo blighter . It ’s not prostrate .
Diseases
This plant has no know issues . It ’s more common to see pestis instead .
Usage scenarios
There are many usage scenario that you may utilize in your setup . It bet on what variety of look you ’re going for .
Ocotillo does well in xeriscapes or southwestern gardens . It can grow grandiloquent to supply shade or secrecy for your home if you want it .
They can also convey more wildlife to your yard . They can lend in bees , insect , and chick to facilitate pollinate your other florescence plant .
Ocotillo can be planted in rows to construct fences as well . They can be justificatory against undesirable rodents because of their abrupt spine .
Be certain to keep darling and citizenry out of the geographical zone as they can puncture tegument easily .
Other common questions about Ocotillo care
This section check questions from readers that are commonly asked about ocotillo .
You may find it useful . After all , this is a aid sheet ! Please ask your questions using the form at the end of the page .
How often should you water an ocotillo?
For set up plants :
For jr. plants :
Why does my ocotillo look dead?
This is likely because you rationalize it recently .
When pruned , it ’ll flinch down for some time until it conform to its raw cut . With concern , it should give to normal after a few weeks .
The plant is very hardy , so do n’t be alarmed , but do n’t trim when it ’s not necessary . They ’re common and adaptable desert plant .
Should you fertilize ocotillo?
No . Avoid inseminate . Just give it high - tone soil with plenty of constitutional matter for it to course .
Do ocotillos lose their leaves in the winter?
Yes , the foliage have unload whole . It ’s a deciduous shrub , so it ’ll shed its leaf in the winter .
In the spring , the cat valium will return so it can grow those middling orangish - red peak for you . No need to fret .
Can an ocotillo get too much water?
Yes , if you overwater it , it can pool at the home . This can introduce root rot or fungus .
Never overwater your ocotillo . Only water when necessary . employ well - drain soil that does n’t pool .
Water weekly during the summer and once or doubly per calendar month in the winter .
When it strive about 1 - 2 age , you could reduce lachrymation .
How do I get my ocotillo to bloom?
Blooming is directly affected by rain . Too much or too little irrigation will have the prime to halt blooming .
They ’re sensitive to water , and grime type , and need plenty of organic food in the gritty soil . gloomy fertility is a good thing to keep it going .
Do ocotillos have deep roots?
They ’re shallow . These plant should be watered with a hose by spraying the cane , not the roots , or else you may disturb them .
Are ocotillos hard to grow?
No , they ’re easy to farm . They require picayune guardianship and are good for those with little time to take caution of their garden .
How long does it take for ocotillo to root?
Ocotillo that ’s been replanted from cuttings , transpose , or relocate takes a very foresighted time to root . It can take up to 2 yr to regrow their antecedent systems . Once done , the vine cactus is take to be demonstrate .
Can you grow ocotillo indoors?
you could germinate the seed or cutting inside your home or a greenhouse , but you ’ll have to move it to your garden when it ’s ready . Be trusted to harden it off before you expose it to the component .
How much does an ocotillo cost?
They cost about $ 10-$400 depending on the pot size . Larger plants will cost more .
Further reading/references
Grow your own ocotillo!
Now that you sleep together the fundamentals of growing and caring for this desert beauty , go beforehand and grow your own .
They ’re perfect for beginners and suitable for any southwestern - style garden . Xeriscapes , rock gardens , desertscapes , etc .
They ’re all worthy for this plant and will make a welcome addition to complete the look . If you need a marvelous desert bush , this is an leisurely , low - sustenance , gorgeous flowering bush that ’ll do the magic trick .
Ocotillo is the veridical deal for a no - frills , round-eyed but gorgeous desert bush .
Please lease me know if you have any questions ! I hope you enjoyed my pathfinder .
I ’ve always been concerned in horticulture , but I never took it seriously until I was forcefully gifted an orchid . This was what got me into the hobbyhorse and I ’ve never looked back . I enjoy write about it , but not almost as much as make into the crap and sculpting the perfect decorative ornamental to enjoy for the time .
