Ocotillo Plant Care

Ocotillo (Fouquieria formosa) belongs to the Fouquieriaceae family within the Fouquieria genus. Ocotillo is native to central and southern Mexico.

Ocotillo displays a drought-tolerant shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Ocotillo produces tubular red or orange flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Ocotillo every 14–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Ocotillo thrives in full sun.

Fouquieria formosa tolerates temperatures of 50–100°F. Ocotillo prefers humidity levels of 10–40%.

Sandy, well-draining soil with low organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Ocotillo to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with full sun and sandy, well-draining soil with low organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Ocotillo is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Ocotillo can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Ocotillo while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Ocotillo is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Ocotillo can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ocotillo plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Ocotillo is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Ocotillo grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Ocotillo is native to central and southern Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Ocotillo as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.