Ponytail palm care guide
Beaucarnea recurvata
Also known as: Elephant's foot tree, Nolina recurvata
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 Ponytail palm
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 10 days
- A summer grower storing water in its swollen base: as a guide, water thoroughly a few days after the soil has dried through.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 14 days
- Fall soil dries more slowly, so water about a week after it dries, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 30 days
- Indoors about once a month, a light watering some while after the soil dries; on the dry side it overwinters more easily.
Light and placement for Ponytail palm
Generally full sun, though a bright indoor window will do; outdoor sun keeps the leaves firm and fattens the base, weak light makes them thin and pale, and shade it a little from hot afternoon sun in midsummer.
Overwintering Ponytail palm
Overwintering guide: 3°C (37°F) or above
Fairly cold-tolerant, taking around 3°C when dry: as a guide, bring it to a bright window indoors when nights drop below about 5°C and water sparingly through winter.
Fertilizing and repotting Ponytail palm
Fertilizer
Slow-release fertilizer every two months or diluted liquid feed about once a month from April to September; it needs little, and none in winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Ponytail palm
- Watered before the soil dries, the base rots and the plant wobbles.
- In a dim spot the leaves grow thin and pale.
- Leaf tips brown and die back, often from dry air or damaged roots.
Tips for growing Ponytail palm
- Trim brown leaf tips on a slant with scissors and they hardly show.
- A shrunken, soft base points to root rot rather than thirst.
- Growth is slow, so repot every two or three years without breaking up the root ball much.
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.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
