Ponytail palm, Bottle Palm, Elephant Foot

Beaucarnea Recurvata

The Pony Tail Palm is not actually a palm it is native to southeastern Mexico is actually a member of the lily family. Ponytails make great indoor Bonsais and are ideal for beginners who desire a slow growing, low maintenance plant.

LIGHT

Content divider

Ponytail palm will need bright, indirect light to full sun. Any window space facing north will suit the light requirements of this high-light plant, but full sun is the best.

WATER

Content divider

Since water is stored in its trunk for long periods of time, it doesn’t need to be watered frequently. The soil needs to dry out well between watering and when in doubt as to whether or not to water the plant, skip it until the next week. If the ponytail palm develops dry, brown foliage, a shriveled stem or desiccated roots, these are signs of under watering.

Excessive watering can drown the roots and cause root decay. Remember, the extraordinarily thick, bulbous trunk serves as a reservoir, which stores water against dry spells which makes this plant very drought tolerant.
This also allows the tree to last up to four weeks without water and this will not harm the plant.

Ponytails generally need to be watered every couple of weeks, but there is no set schedule. DO NOT water the tree if the soil is damp or cool. Water when the top 2” of soil feels dry and then water thoroughly. If yellow foliage begins to appear, allow several days to pass before watering again. Make sure the soil is draining well and the roots are not sitting in water.

FERTILIZER

Content divider

Ponytail Palms should be fertilized once or twice per month during the growing season and once a month in the Winter. Water your tree well before fertilizing because this prevents the fertilizer from burning the roots of the plant.

TIPS

Content divider
  • Ponytail Palms like warm temperatures above 60°F.
  • They can survive temperatures in the 50’s, but
    don’t grow as well. These plants, unlike a lot of exotic tropicals, like dry hot heat.
  • Ponytails make great indoor Bonsai plants.

* A Ponytail Palm is a non-toxic plant.