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Arizona Gardening

Need some help with my ocotillo

9 years ago

Last summer, a landscaper installed an ocotillo in my landscape. It had very little root and it looked like it died, but now I have two (of about a dozen) canes that have leaves on them. The other canes are very dry and brittle and I suspect they are dead. I am trying to decide if I should start over or see if new canes will generate. How long does it take for new canes to grow from the base to about 6 foot? Any thoughts about if this will survive?

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Comments (2)

albert_135 　 39.17°N 119.76°W 4695ft.
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
When I lived in Arizona I went to the several botanical gardens for the answer many such questions. At first blush - someone will flame me for this, but - I might suggest waiting a several more years before doing anything.
User
9 years ago
To speed their recovery, water them thoroughly about once a month with a slow soaking.

They are opportunistic growers and as your have shown signs of life, it's faster to get them going than start over.

Trim the clearly dead stuff off close to the base and you may be surprised.
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