Ocotillo Disaster

Something awful happened during the night. I can't tell you the why...only the where. In our own back yard!
One half of a large old ocotillo lay prostate on the ground. We speculated that the recent rains had provided the moisture for the new leaves and heavy bloom and gravity did the rest. The plant was over twenty feet tall and each cane was very heavy.
What to do:
Taking a clue from the past, we decided to plant all the canes in various places throughout the garden. The secret to planting is to expect failure and to greet success with elation! For many years, I have been starting new ocotillo plants from cuttings. Some have thrived and are now good sized plants . Others have not even displayed one new leaf...but it takes little effort to plant them and if they don't grow, little effort to remove them. I have had equal luck with cuttings of small OR large canes.
Everyone has seen "living fences" of cacti or ocotillo. I am sure that you have noted that not each plant is alive. Just view it as a lottery...some of those canes will be winners.
The hole in native soil must be deep enough to prevent the plant from being blown over and to keep a modicum of moisture around the buried cutting. A well around the base is helpful. Rocks laid around the base can also help keep the cane upright and help conserve moisture. Water about once a week until established. No fertilizer needed.