How do you plant an ocotillo plant?
2 min read
Asked by: Pam Brown
How do you plant ocotillo?
People transplanting ocotillos should dig the planting hole wide enough to accommodate the root system and no deeper than the root system. After digging the planting hole, check for drainage by filling the hole with water. If the hole drains within an hour, it is suitable for planting ocotillo.
How long does it take for ocotillo to root?
Ocotillos are routinely sold bare-root, often with no root at all. Expect these to take up to 2 years to re-grow their roots system and become established. Seed-grown ocotillo sold in containers with a living root system are widely available. These will grow fast and establish quickly.
Are ocotillos hard to grow?
Ocotillo really has no special needs and is an easy to grow plant provided it is used in a climate that can provide plenty of sun and heat. The plant may be difficult to locate at a nursery, even though it is grown in Phoenix and a few other locations.
How do you grow bare root ocotillo?
Ocotillo grow in the open and like full sun. Shade cloth is not needed. Dig a hole the diameter of the roots and deep enough to plant it to the soil line on the base of the plant. The soil line is generally a few inches below where all the canes join together for a six foot tall ocotillo.
How much should I water newly planted ocotillo?
Avoid over watering the soil, as too much groundwater will cause the roots of the plant to rot. Instead, water by spraying the cane of the plant and keep the soil moist. Water newly planted Ocotillos once a day (typically for 10 minutes) and established Ocotillos every month or so.
Why does my ocotillo look dead?
The leaves grow for 2-3 weeks and then fall off when the soil dries out. Because they are drought-deciduous, ocotillos can appear lifeless for most of the year. This is especially true if there hasn’t been a lot of rain (such as during the “non-soon” season in 2020).
How long do ocotillo plants live?
60 years
This helps them grow when there is rain, but save energy when there is not. They also have very shallow roots, which help them collect the rain from the soil as soon as possible. An ocotillo plant can live for up to 60 years.
How much does an ocotillo cost?
$25 to $150
Specifics on buying Ocotillos. Ocotillos range in price from $25 to $150. Smaller plants tend to be about 2 to 3 feet tall, with 4 to 8 arms, costing about $35 to $50. Very large plants might be 12 to 14 feet tall, have 30 to 40 canes, and cost $250 to $300.
