[Arid_gardener] Care of damaged ocotillo

[sdnoack at cox.net]

Ian: if the branches on the octillo are actually broken or split over, those limbs will not repair themselves. However, if the plant trunk and roots were left undamaged, you most likely see new branches sprout from the remaining healthy tissues. If a branch is hanging over, most likely it was cracked or torn from it's trunk. I would recommend you cut off any broken limbs near their base, or just below their point of breakage (if you still have some healthy branches with some height), and attempt to let only undamaged limbs remain. The two new ocotillos on either side will eventually fill in over time; just keep in mind they are very slow growing. I would also recommend un-tethering them from the damaged plant, such that they do not break over as well.

Good luck!

Susan Noack
Master Gardener
Volunteer- Maricopa County Extension Program

---- Ian Hale <hale at music.umass.edu> wrote: 
> A fairly large ocotillo in our yard was damaged by tree limbs falling on it.
> Some of the wands were severed and others were bent over. We have tied it up
> in the hope that it will regain its shape. Is this an appropriate way to try
> to resuscitate it?
> 
> Also, 2 new ocotillos have been planted beside the damaged one and they are
> tied up with the damaged one. Is this appropriate or will it damage them?
> 
> Thank-you!