Fouquieria splendens (Ocotillo)

Fouquieria splendens: An In-depth Look

Ocotillo is a unique and visually striking plant prized for its long, spindly, cane-like stems that rise from a central base. It creates a distinct, almost sculptural appearance in the landscape. It is not a true cactus but belongs to its own unique family, Fouquieriaceae. It can live for over 100 years, and its ability to quickly grow leaves after rain is a remarkable adaptation to desert life.

Native: This plant is native to the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico, thriving in desert and arid regions. Its range is from the southern tip of Nevada south through the Mohave and Sonora deserts of California to Arizona and east to the Chihuahua Desert of New Mexico and western Texas, south into Mexico to the state of Durango.

Plant Type and Habit: Ocotillo is a woody desert shrub or small desert tree of vase-shaped habit with up to 100 long, thorny, wand-like, gray stems that rise and radiate from the crown – resembling a cluster of spiky wands reaching skyward.

Size: It typically reaches heights of 8 to 20 feet (2.4 to 6 meters) and can spread about 5 to 10 feet wide (1.5 to 3 meters). The plant’s size can vary depending on environmental conditions.

Flowers: Ocotillo produces brilliant red or orange tubular flowers at the tip of its stems. These desert flowers are small but numerous, forming a flame-like appearance when in full bloom.

Bloom Time: The flowering season is primarily in spring, but ocotillo can bloom multiple times, especially after rainfall. After flowering, it produces a hard, five-lobed fruit that is not particularly notable or ornamental.

Foliage: The leaves are small, fleshy, bright green, and rounded, growing along the stems. They appear shortly after rainfall and can drop during drought conditions, with the plant capable of leafing out several times a year if moisture is available. With rainfall, the plant quickly becomes lush with leaves, which may remain for weeks or even months. The stems are grayish-brown, with older stems becoming more woody and rugged in appearance.

Uses: This desert plant is popular in xeriscaping and desert landscaping due to its unique appearance and low water needs. It’s also used as a natural fence or barrier because of its spiky stems.

Hardiness: Ocotillo is extremely hardy in desert conditions, suited for USDA zones 8 to 11.

Pollinators: The flowers are a significant nectar source for native bees and hummingbirds.

Toxicity: No significant toxicity is associated with ocotillo for humans or animals.

Deer and Rabbit: Ocotillo is generally resistant to deer and rabbits due to its spiny stems.

Drought Tolerance: It is extremely drought-tolerant, making it an ideal plant for arid environments and water-wise gardens.

Invasiveness: Ocotillo is not considered invasive. Its slow growth rate and specific habitat requirements limit its spread.

Benefits: Besides its low water needs and wildlife benefits, ocotillo can help prevent soil erosion and provide bird habitat.

Ocotillo Growing Tips

Light: Prefers full sun exposure. Thrives in a location that receives direct sunlight for most of the day.

Soil: Well-drained soil is essential. Tolerant of poor, rocky soils but must avoid waterlogged conditions.

Water: No additional water is needed once established, but to retain leaves water twice a month during the summer. Overwatering can be detrimental.

Fertilizer: Generally does not require fertilizer. If needed, use a low-nitrogen product in early spring.

Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Remove dead or damaged stems to maintain plant health and appearance.

Propagation: Typically propagated by seeds. Cuttings can be used but have a lower success rate.

Pests/Diseases: Resistant to most pests and diseases. Root rot can occur in overly moist soil conditions. Occasionally susceptible to aphids and scale insects.

Ocotillo can take some time to establish and may not leaf out or bloom in the first couple of years.
It’s important to mimic its natural desert habitat as closely as possible for optimal growth.