Q:Β My wife and I have had a several-months-long debate regarding an ocotillo that we transplanted. She says its dead. I say itβs just fine. The plant has several stems coming from the middle of the base of the plant that remain green. There are many shoots as well that are white in color. We transplanted it about 20 months ago. I also thought I read on an Arizona horticulture site that it can take two to three years before we start to see the green leaves on the plant. Is the plant OK? Not that I know anything (Iβm a Midwesterner), but I have to believe as long as we see green, we will eventually see leaves growing back on the plant.
A:Β For most shrubs and trees, the shock of transplanting can set growth back a bit. The larger the plant, the longer it usually takes to recover and resume significant growth. Two to three years is a long time to wait but for woody plants that is sometimes how long it takes to see appreciable aboveground growth. If you were able to dig up a good portion of the roots when you transplanted, that would be a good start for the plant. Hopefully the spot you chose is similar desert soil with full sun exposure and you didnβt plant it too deep. Ocotillos do best in well-drained native soil. If all this is true, you are probably OK. Judging from your estimate of 20 months planting time, you transplanted in the cool part of the year and that is good as well. These plants can use a good, deep soak of water every two to three weeks when itβs not raining. The green parts should be encouraging and you might see some leaves following the monsoon rains.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed to tucsongardensage@gmail.com
