Fouquieria fasciculata care guide
Fouquieria fasciculata
Also known as: Fasciculata
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Fouquieria fasciculata
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 7 days
- A summer grower: while in leaf, water thoroughly once the soil is fully dry, as a guide, and only lightly before it sprouts.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 14 days
- Cut back gradually as it cools, watering one to two weeks after the soil dries, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 30 days
- While leafless keep it nearly dry, just moistening the surface about once a month.
Light and placement for Fouquieria fasciculata
Generally full sun outdoors under a rain cover with plenty of wind from spring to fall; the bottle-shaped trunk fattens slowly in strong light, but keep the pot from overheating in midsummer.
Overwintering Fouquieria fasciculata
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
As a guide, move it to a bright room when nights dip under 10°C and keep it above 5°C; rest it dry once leafless, and pull it back from a cold window at night.
Fertilizing and repotting Fouquieria fasciculata
Fertilizer
Feed lightly: liquid fertilizer diluted below the label rate about once a month from May to August, none in fall or winter, since excess feed only lengthens the branches.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Fouquieria fasciculata
- Watered during dormancy, the lower trunk softens and rots.
- Too little sun gives thin, long branches and spoils the bottle shape.
- A plant not yet rooted in declines when it is disturbed often.
Tips for growing Fouquieria fasciculata
- Growth is very slow, so expect the trunk to thicken over years.
- Cutting back overlong branches in the growing season keeps the shape tidy.
- The spines are sharp, so wear thick gloves when repotting.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
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