Early watering Feb/March will produce leafing and flowering. Later watering or limited will initiate growth and some/limited flowering. The stems are the primary photosynthetic organ of the plant just like cactus.

Thanks! So even if I water some now while flowering it won't leaf out? I figured it needed to leaf out to get nutrients/leaves.

I'm so glad I finally got one to live & survive now two winters here. Does it need supplemental watering to survive .. they grow in the deserts? I had bought dried-out looking bare root ones that never grew but then got a live potted one x Rowland's Nursery while they were still in business & it is the one I have now. About starting from cuttings... have you tried it?

What is the northern most zone they will be hardy (you're in zone 8)? I know years ago they were not here but our temps. have changed lately.

They root rather easily. Once established the need not be watered unless you want them to flower at a specific time. To accomplish this water 4-6 before desired blooming time. Bare root plants need to be watered every day for a wk and then once every two wks for the season. Make sure the soil is well drained as wet feet is the death nil of ocotillo.

Any idea what is causing this and how to get rid of it? On my ocotillo plant.