A. Yes, I have seen it before. It is probably because
it is watered too often, the soil didn’t drain water fast enough and
consequently some roots rotted. Common problem with some desert adapted plants.
They don’t like soils that are kept wet.
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| A healthy ocotillo survives. |
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| Why is it sometimes ocotillo lives and sometimes dies? It is usually because of water. In some way, the problem is nearly always associated with water. |
Let’s
cover the basics of planting an ocotillo.
Dig the hole three times the size of its roots. Amend the soil with compost, about 50/50, and use this soil for planting. As you are planting, add water to the soil in the hole to settle it and remove air pockets.
Dig the hole three times the size of its roots. Amend the soil with compost, about 50/50, and use this soil for planting. As you are planting, add water to the soil in the hole to settle it and remove air pockets.
Cut
it loose. Ocotillo stems are tied together so they don’t get damaged when they
are in storage and transported. After planting, cut the stems loose and let
them spring outward.
Stake
it. Ocotillo has very small roots compared to its top. Grow enough roots so it
can support top growth. Frequently the plant will not stay upright after
planting because it is top heavy. Use rebar to stake the plant in three
locations to immobilize roots. Tie rebar tostems so that the roots can’t move. You
might have to leave it staked for over a year.
Water
it. Water it no more than once a week. At first, water near the base of plant
to supply the roots water. Use a 2 – foot diameter basin to hold the water near
the roots. As the plant shows signs of growth, apply water further from its
base. This encourages roots to grow outward, away from the base, and support
the top.
Don't plant it in a low spot. This is where water collects and will kill it. The soil must have good drainage and become dry after it is wet.
Don't plant it in a low spot. This is where water collects and will kill it. The soil must have good drainage and become dry after it is wet.
Some
people will spray the stems with water daily after planting. They claim it helps
establish the plant. There is no solid evidence to support this idea but it may
help.
Once
established, ocotillo should be watered more often than cacti but less often
than nondesert plants. Remember, they don’t like wet soils! They are a desert plant.
Watering daily would be a big mistake.
See
http://xtremehorticulture.blogspot.com/2012/04/planting-ocotillos-so-they-dont-die.html
http://xtremehorticulture.blogspot.com/2014/04/planting-and-watering-ocotillo.html
http://xtremehorticulture.blogspot.com/2014/08/ocotillo-two-years-and-not-green.html
http://xtremehorticulture.blogspot.com/2014/04/ocotillo-watering-should-be-infrequent.html
See
http://xtremehorticulture.blogspot.com/2012/04/planting-ocotillos-so-they-dont-die.html
http://xtremehorticulture.blogspot.com/2014/04/planting-and-watering-ocotillo.html
http://xtremehorticulture.blogspot.com/2014/08/ocotillo-two-years-and-not-green.html
http://xtremehorticulture.blogspot.com/2014/04/ocotillo-watering-should-be-infrequent.html
The roots of ocotillos brought into CA have been cut back to almost nothing. I was told this is to prevent a disease AZ plants have from getting into the state.
ReplyDeleteHaving learned from the school of dead ocotillos, on established ones I let them go dormant after a flush of leaves. When conditions are right they will leaf out again and then I will water them by letting a hose drip in a circle over the course of two or three days. An overnight drip is followed by a move to another spot about 1/4th or so in the circle I plan to water. This drip technique also will cause them to leaf out if they are dormant and established.
Trying to start an almost rootless AZ plant bought from Home Depot or similar outfit requires a great deal of patience. I keep mine supported for three years or more as you mentioned before removing the supports and the plant must show me it is rooted by leafing out on it's own, with no water from me. Spraying with water has never drawn a response. I think humid weather can be a factor in the plant's decision to leaf out but I don't spray the leaves anymore.
The seeds readily sprout but the seedlings must be well protected from the various eaters for a few years. I have one about ten years or so in age. It's current branches are readily elongating now and new ones will originate when the plant is old enough and established.
I am probably being over cautious but having learned the hard way about over watering I let the plant have a voice in my giving them water and when. After all, out on I-10 there is a forest of them in the vicinity of Chiriaco summit that doesn't see any rain for many months each year.
I have had success with cuttings also but again much patience is required. One 10 inch cutting with which I was successful showed nary a leaf at the nine month point. I did note at that point a small green protrusion from the side of the cutting upon inspection that eventually turned into a root and a now thriving plant that towers over my head.
I most enjoy the seed planting method. At my age it isn't akin to planting a redwood seed but close and you might consider the time factor in your decision to plant seeds rather than buying a plant.
I hope my experiences will help anyone to enjoy as I have the sudden onset of leaves from a seemingly lifeless collection of twigs and a profusion of hummingbirds that accompanies such an event.
Roger Smith
My ocotillo was dormant for a year, likely because a pygmy palm which was planted nearly inside it was removed. It is leafing this year, but about half as much as my neighbor's ocotillo. The tops (where flowers should be) are gray and dry. I plan to spray it and give in some water, It is at least 12 ft tall and does not slant (it's a bit stiff). Is it dead? Can I propagate any of it considering the tops are not healthy?
DeleteGive the ocotillo a chance to spring back. Be careful of watering too often. If you want to error on watering, then give it lots of water and then hold off. Avoid watering frequently. I understand this can be a problem because of the irrigation system but in cases like ocotillo which is a true SW desert plant you might be better off watering it with a hose rather than on an irrigation timer. Irrigation timers are usually applying water too often which can lead to dieback and death from crown or root rot. Propagating it is not difficult provided you dont water it too often. Take about a one inch diameter piece of stem about two feet long and plant it with amended soil where you want it to grow. Leave about 18 inches sticking out of the ground. Again, don't water it too often. May take awhile to grow roots. Be patient.
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8aRJ_sm2Y8
Hello, I recently purchased my home with two large ocotillos which are about 15 years old. I didn't know what I was doing, and when they started to leaf this spring I watered the roots pretty heavy on two seperate days. Now all of the leafs are gone and they don't look very healthy. Are the dead? What can I do to save them? Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWater Ocotillo no more than once per week in the summer, I would water them once every two weeks perhaps or when I saw leaf drop, and in the wintertime water them once a month. This should keep the leaves on them unless it freezes.
DeleteBy the way, when you water them, encourage their roots to grow a long way from the plant by using a sprinkler that's set on about an 8 to 10 foot spread. Water them long enough, enough minutes, so the soil is wet 12 to 18 inches deep. This might take an hour or two hours I'm not sure it depends on your soil.
Delete