Don’t despair if your ocotillo looks dead, especially if it’s just planted. First, newly transplanted ocotillos can take up to two years to emerge. This is not to say that some are not finished immediately. It really depends on the moisture content of the cambium layer on the reeds. Generally speaking, an ocotillo harvested just after heavy rains will have more moisture in its canes than those harvested during dry months or those that have been bare-rooted in a nursery for several weeks.
There are several additional factors that affect the growth and leaf formation process of newly transplanted ocotillos. Many of the ocotillos sold today are imported from Texas. Remember, when these plants are harvested, much of their root system is left behind, leaving no room for it to absorb moisture from the soil. To help this condition, it is advisable to spray the canes frequently, especially during the warmer months.
I recommend not planting ocotillos in Arizona from June 30 to September 30. Our hot summer months are the worst times to try to establish a transplanted ocotillo mainly due to the hot, dry winds that dry out its vital cambium layer.
Another factor that is important to consider when transplanting ocotillos is the vulnerability of their remaining root system. It can easily become infected with bacteria and fungi found in our soils. Using powdered sulfur on all open roots will, in most cases, prevent bacteria and fungi from entering the vascular system of this plant.
Of course, you may have planted a dead ocotillo. With ocotillos, appearances can be deceiving. To check the viability of an ocotillo, cut six inches off the top of any cane. If the cambium layer shows a green ring, the ocotillo is alive. If it is gray, black or brown, the ocotillo is dying or is already dead.
I find a better survival rate by planting smaller ocotillos. I prefer to plant those that are between three and two and a half meters tall. I believe that the cellular structure of these younger plants is much more vigorous than that of the older giant wood ocotillo.
The ocotillos are magnificent desert shrubs. They may look like cacti, but they are actually classified as a large shrub that grows up to 25 feet. They are also known as candlewood, whip, vine cactus, and Jacob’s staff. They make great accents in the desert landscape and have a stunning beauty like no other plant. Lighting an ocotillo will create wonderful silhouettes in your night garden.
It had to be by chance, when the ranchers used ocotillo canes to surround the plants, they rooted and sprouted leaves, thus creating the first living fence. This is a unique look and can double as a display that you may want to test in your landscape.