Propagating Ocotillo from Cuttings: A Simple Method

Cutting & Planting

Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) roots readily from stem cuttings:

1. Take cutting: Use clean loppers/saw. Cut a cane 3–6 feet long, not from the base (basal wood roots poorly).
2. Callus: Lay in shade 3–5 days until cut ends seal.
3. Plant: Bury 6–12 inches deep in native soil. Pack firmly.
4. Watering: Do not water soil. Mist cane daily or every 2 days with spray bottle.
5. Watch for leaves: When small leaves appear at spine bases, roots are forming.
6. Transition: After leaf-out, reduce misting. After 1 year, stop supplemental water.

Key Points

• Parent plant unaffected if cut above a node.
• Best timing: late winter/early spring before growth flush.
• No rooting hormone needed.
• Orientation: mark south side of cane; replant with same orientation to prevent sunburn.

This method mimics natural propagation when canes touch ground and root.