The Ponytail Palm is a fantastic low-maintenance house plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Known for their long, hair-like leaves that cascade down a thick trunk, they are bring a ton of whimsical charm to any space. Although Ponytail Palms are known for being relatively easy to care for, they still suffer from some of the same problems as other house plants. Below, I’ll be sharing some general Ponytail Palm Care as well as common Ponytail Palm problems.
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Ponytail Palm Care
The Ponytail Palm, also known as an Elephant Foot or Bottle Palm, is known scientifically as Beaucarnea (Nolina) recurvate. Although the leaves give it a palm-like appearance, the Ponytail Palm is more like a succulent in some of its light and water requirements. The thick trunk of the plant actually acts as a water storage system, so these plants might not need as much water as you might think.
If you’re looking for some ideas on how to decorate with a Ponytail Palm, check out our post on how to decorate with indoor plants.
Watering Requirements
Like other plants, watering requirements can change seasonally and are sometimes dependent on the amount of light/humidity the plant receives. In general, this plant will need more frequent watering in the summer than in the winter. In either season, it’s good to allow the soil to dry between waterings. If you’re unsure, you can always poke one of your fingers into the soil to get an idea of the moisture level of the plant.
Light Requirements
Ponytail Palms are happiest in bright, indirect light. Placing them near a windowsill or sunny area is best. Try to avoid placing your plant near a very cold window in the winter (you don’t want to accidentally frost a leaf!)
Fertilizer
This plant does well with regular, once a month fertilization during the spring and summer months. There is no need to fertilize during the winter since growth is typically limited during those months.
Soil Needs
Since the Ponytail Palm can retain a lot of water, a well-draining soil is a must-have. Make sure you use a soil specifically for desert plants or succulents. Sand and perlite can be mixed in with the soil to increase the drainage capacity. In addition to the soil, you’ll also want to make sure your pot has a good drainage hole so that water doesn’t pool in the bottom and cause the plant to rot.
Ponytail Palm Problems
Ponytail Palms might be a little more forgiving than some other plants (especially other palm varieties) but they can still suffer under the wrong care. Here are the top Ponytail Palm problems and how to alleviate them:
Stem and Root Rot
Root rot might be one of the more common problems for these plants since they do not do well with too much water. This type of problem typically occurs when the plant is watered too frequently or if its planted in soil that doesn’t drain well. Here are some signs that it might be root rot:
- Your plant’s leaves look wilted and/or yellow
- The trunk (caudex) is soft or squishty
- The roots appear soft and/or pale white
- Growth has slowed significantly
How to remedy root rot:
- Remove your plant from its pot and snip off any mushy spots with clean shears. If the entire root system is affected, it might be hard to revive again.
- Plant the remaining plant in a new pot with clean, well-draining soil. If necessary, mix in some perlite or sand into the soil to increase drainage.
- Do NOT overwater. Let the soil dry thoroughly between waterings.
Brown or Droopy Leaves
Drooping leaves are an indication of a different kind of problem: under watering. If your plant is starting to brown or has a wrinkled trunk, it might just need a good watering. Make sure to give your plant a good, long soak and you should see the leaves quickly return back to life.
For brown, dead leaves, you can use some clean shears to prune them away. Creating a regular watering schedule can help you avoid brown or droopy leaves.
Pests: Spider Mites and Fungus Gnats
If you notice small gnats around your plant, you might have an infestation of fungus gnats. These gnats can be tricky to get rid of, but I have a few suggestions that can help:
- Spray the plant generously with diluted dish soap.
- Apply a layer of diatomaceous earth to the soil to kill the gnats as they hatch.
- Place gnat stickies near the base of the plant.
If you notice small, thick webs forming around your plant, you might have a case of spider mites. In that case, you can do a couple of different things:
- Spray your plant down with water in the shower or sink. This can help remove the webs from the leaves.
- Spray with neem oil to get rid of the bugs and keep them off.
Overall, the ponytail palm is a generally an excellent house plant choice for both its tropical appearance and its low-maintenance care. Although it does still have a few problems, they are typically easy to diagnose. The faster you catch a problem, the better, so always check on your plants and be mindful of their needs.
