Don’t despair if your ocotillo appears dead, especially if it’s just planted. First of all, newly transplanted ocotillos can take up to two years before they sprout. This is not to say that some do not leave immediately. It really depends on the moisture content of the cambium layer on the canes. Generally speaking, an ocotillo harvested just after heavy rains will have more moisture in its culms than one harvested during the drier months or one that has been sitting bareroot 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 way for it to absorb moisture from the soil. To help this condition, it is advisable to mist 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 due mainly 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 sulfur powder 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 been able to plant a dead ocotillo. With ocotillos, appearances are deceiving. To check the viability of an ocotillo, cut six inches off the top of any culm. If the cambium layer shows a green ring, the ocotillo is alive. If it is gray, black, or brown, the ocotillo is dying or already dead.

I find a better survival rate when planting smaller ocotillos. I prefer to plant those between ten and eight feet tall. I believe that the cell structure of these younger plants is much more vigorous than that of the older wood jumbo ocotillo.

Ocotillos are magnificent desert shrubs. They may look like cacti, but are actually classified as large shrubs that grow up to 25 feet. They are also known as the candle, whip, vine cactus, and Jacob’s staff. They make great accents in the desert landscape and have a stunning beauty like no other plant. Backlighting an ocotillo will create wonderful silhouettes in your night garden.

It must have been by chance, when ranchers used ocotillo reeds for fencing, that the plants took root and sprouted leaves, thus creating the first living fence. This is a unique look and can work as a screen that you might want to try in your landscape.