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Growing Ponytail Palm Houseplants: Watering, Lighting, Repotting, and Pests
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I have a 30 yr. Ponytail plant it,s in my patio and is probably 15 ft.
It too tall for patio and I,m afraid it will harm if I put in direct sun direct sunlight. This summer has been slot 90-100 dg. Any ideas ?
Someone said I could cut half way down and replant the top and create 2 plants?
Carol in cal.
Hi Carol,
Your ponytail palm sounds incredible. It performs best with as much light as possible and since it is native to semi-desert areas, it can thrive in direct sun, but you would just need to be mindful of the summer months you described when it is extremely hot. It is winter hardy in Zones 10 and 11. Since it needs a new home you could certainly move it to another area of your property (if there is a good location for it) and just keep a watchful eye on it after moving to see how it responds to the conditions. It may take some time to find the right place for it.
As for cutting the trunk and making it two plants, it is not something that is typically done. If you must cut it, you can certainly try to replant the top in a new container filled with fresh growing medium, but there is no guarantee that the top part will root. You will definitely want to dip it in rooting hormone. As for what remains, when the top is cut off, it will expose the open trunk so you will need to find a way to protect it from the introduction of diseases and keep it dry.
Hope this helps!
I love her simple and straightforward methods. Ty
First off thank you for your awesome article on the lovely Ponytail palms. I love them. Secondly I think it's wonderful that you always reply to the people that post comments/questions, as I will greatly appreciate your insights.
A neighbor down the road have 2 beautiful large Ponytail palms and the bloomed and made seeds. Apparently they only bloom and seed after the age of 30 years. I asked the neighbor for some of the seeds and he was kind enough to give me a clipping with seeds. Now my question is how to germinate them? Should I remove the husk part on the outside or plant it as it is? I would really love to grow some from seed.
Hello Catherine! How generous of your neighbor to share seeds! We’ve never heard of a 30-year blooming cycle for ponytail palms, but we know that only females produce flowers, then seeds. You’ll want to scarify the seed husks and soak them in water overnight to germinate. Happy Growing!
—The Editors
I have a question about ponytail palms . Does the palm die after it flowers? I have a palm blooming
A question. I have potting soil and perlite. No sand. May I substitute the sand with perlite?
I have beautiful pony tail palm I rescued pot less of the side of the road I replanted it but it has 2 dead brown leaf things at the top should I cut them off it also has a baby plant forming on the trunk? Do I need to take the baby off or can it just stay and grow on the plant?
Hi Nichola,
Thanks for sharing your rescue story! It’s great this ponytail palm got a second chance.
You can certainly trim your ponytail palm to remove the dead leaves, which will improve your plant’s appearance. Browning of leaves can be a sign that your plant is not receiving enough water, too much fertilizer, or too much direct sun. It could also stem from the shock of all it has gone through.
In terms of watering, keep the soil fairly dry. From now through fall, allow the top inch or two of soil to dry completely before re-watering. As for sun exposure, bright and indirect is best.
The baby plant your referenced is an offset, which can be removed and planted on its own. You should wait until it is at least 4 inches in height. See above under Propagation for more instructions for planting your offset.
My son has had my pony tail Palm for about 5 years. He recently gave it back and said it couldn't get enough light at his place. It is huge but not doing well at all. The top is gone, pretty much fell off. I don't know if it's smart to try repotting or toss it. It was a beautiful plant. Approx 20-25 years old.