Ocotillo.

De un vistazo

Nivel de cuidados

Fácil

Tipo de planta

Succulent shrub

Luz

Full sun

Luz en interior

Sol directo

Riego

Cada 14 a 30 días

Tamaño adulto

20 feet

Ritmo de crecimiento

Lento

Rusticidad

USDA 7 a 10

Floración

Spring to early summer

Cuidados

Plant this in very well draining soil and keep it in a spot with intense sun. Watch for shriveled stems as a sign it needs a deep soak, but be careful not to overwater during its dormant phase. It is perfectly adapted to harsh, dry conditions.

Riego

Water deeply only during the active growing season when the soil is completely dry.

Abonado

Use a low nitrogen, cactus specific fertilizer sparingly during the spring.

Poda

Only remove dead or damaged stems during the late winter before new growth begins.

Trasplante

Repot only when the plant has clearly outgrown its container, using a heavy pot to prevent tipping.

Suelo

Sandy or rocky, fast draining

pH del suelo

6.0 to 8.0

Temperatura

-10 a 45°C

Humedad

10 a 40%

Tolerancia a la sequía

Alta

Longevidad

Perennial, can live for over 100 years.

Resistencia a ciervos y conejos

Alta

Seguridad

Personas

The plant is not known to be toxic, but its sharp spines pose a significant physical injury risk.

Niños

Keep children away from the plant due to the extremely sharp and rigid spines that can cause serious injury.

Alérgenos por contacto

The sharp, woody spines can cause deep puncture wounds and skin irritation.

Alérgenos en el aire

There are no notable respiratory allergens associated with this plant.

Comestibilidad

The plant is not considered edible and should not be consumed.

Cómo identificarla

• Long, slender, spiny gray stems
• Small, oval green leaves after rain
• Bright red, tubular terminal flower clusters
• Distinctive candelabra growth habit

Altura

2 a 6m

Anchura

1 a 3m

Hojas

green, deciduous

Flores

red, 1 a 2cm

Frutos

brown, Late summer

Problemas frecuentes

• Root rot — Occurs when the soil remains too wet for too long.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagación

cuttings, seed

Cuándo plantar

spring, early autumn

Cuidados en invierno

Keep the plant dry during winter months to prevent rot. Ensure it is protected from extreme, prolonged freezing temperatures.

En maceta

It can be grown in a large, heavy pot with excellent drainage, but it prefers being in the ground.

Group with other desert natives that require minimal irrigation to prevent accidental overwatering.

Buenas compañeras

• Creosote bush — They share the same arid habitat requirements.
• Encelia farinosa — It provides a nice color contrast and thrives in similar conditions.

Especies parecidas

• Boojum tree — It is a related species with a unique, tall, columnar growth habit.

Ciencia

Familia

Fouquieriaceae

Género

Fouquieria

Orden

Ericales

Clase

Magnoliopsida

Distribución natural

Chihuahuan and Sonoran Deserts of the Southwestern United States and Mexico.

Conservación

It is not currently endangered, but wild collection is strictly regulated in many areas.

It survives by rapidly producing leaves after rainfall and shedding them quickly during drought.

Valor para la fauna

nectar source

Polinizadores

colibríes, abejas

Usos

ornamental desert landscaping, xeriscaping, wildlife gardens

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

Does it need a lot of water?

No, it thrives on very little water and requires excellent drainage.

Why does my plant have no leaves?

It is likely dormant and will grow leaves quickly after a good rain.

De dónde viene el nombre

The genus honors Pierre Fouquier, a French physician, while the species name splendens refers to its brilliant red flowers.

Bueno saberlo

• It is often called the Ocotillo, which is a Spanish diminutive of the word for pine.
• The stems can remain dormant and leafless for long periods until rain arrives.
• It is a master of water conservation in harsh desert environments.

También en

• Plantas resistentes a la sequía
• Plantas que los ciervos no comen