Ocotillo sprouting horizontally

Question

Both of my Ocotillo sprout branches horizontally from near the bottom and randomly toward the middle of the vertical parts. Can I clip them? There is no new growth from the base. How do it get it to become full from the base vertically?

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Answer 1

The succulent stems produce hundreds of horizontal, non- succulent, secondary branches armed with spines. The succulent stems elongate only in late winter and spring in direct relation to the amount of moisture received. Leaves and secondary branches may sprout any time moisture is available, but the plants are usually leafless and dormant in summer. Do not prune the plant, allow it to grow naturally.