Taking care of ocotillo plant is comparatively sluttish once they are established . These desert works thrive in full sun and meditate high temperature , making them a great alternative for gardens in arid regions . To see their wellness and longevity , here are some tips on how to decently like for ocotillo plants :
1 . Planting : When planting an ocotillo , choose a sunny fix with well - drain soil . Dig a hole that is wide and bass enough to conciliate the industrial plant ’s tooth root ball . come out the ocotillo in the mess and backfill with soil , gently firm it around the stem of the plant . Avoid burying the lower component part of the stems as this can top to rot .
2 . Watering : Ocotillo plants are drouth - tolerant once establish , but they require veritable lachrymation during the initial stage . For newly planted ocotillos , irrigate them deeply once a week during the hot , dry summer months . This helps them build a strong root system . However , it ’s significant to note that overwatering can be prejudicious to ocotillos , so it ’s crucial to allow the dirt to dry out between watering . During coolheaded months , monthly irrigation should be sufficient .
3 . Mulching : implement a bed of organic mulch around the groundwork of the Jacob’s staff can help conserve wet , suppress weed growth , and regularise soil temperature . apply a sparse stratum of mulch , such as wood french-fried potatoes or compost , and disseminate it evenly without touching the stems . This can also add nutrients to the soil as the mulch breaks down over sentence .
4 . Pruning : Ocotillo plants may call for episodic pruning to maintain their shape and get rid of any all in or discredited branches . It ’s best to prune vine cactus during the dormant season , which is typically in late winter or early spring . practice sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts just above a bud or branch adjunction . Be cautious while pruning , as ocotillo stems are thorny .
6 . Protection from extreme cold : While ocotillo plant are lively to heat and drought , they are susceptible to damage from freezing temperature . If you live in an area with dusty winters , consider providing some protection for your ocotillo plants . This can be done by overlay them with freeze blankets or gunny during freeze nights or move potted ocotillos indoors temporarily .
Personal experience : I have had the pleasure of caring for ocotillo plants in my own garden . The key to their successful growth is provide them with the proper precondition and minimal interference . Once established , they require little criminal maintenance and are incredibly resilient . I have find that watering deeply and infrequently during the summer calendar month help them expand . to boot , mulching around the base of the flora has prove in effect in retain wet and suppressing weeds . Pruning is minimum but necessary to maintain their shape and remove any dead or damaged branches . ocotillo plants are broken - maintenance , water - wise additions to any desert garden .
Caroline Bates
