Potted, they may grow as tall as eight feet, but are more likely to top out at around four. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Fast Growing Trees carries starter plants in six-inch pots and larger specimens in three-gallon containers. Keep them close to the window with indirect sunlight to promote the quick healing of freshly cut leaves. If the offsets ("pups") send up secondary shoots, you can prune these away to maintain a central trunk and classic tree-like appearance. Why is My Ponytail Palm Dying? Over time, ponytail palms can become leggy and unruly, and will benefit from annual pruning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Most problems with this plant are caused by overwatering, but sometimes it can suffer from pests such as spiders, scales, or mealy bugs treated with a systemic insecticide. This forces new leaves to grow out of the side of the cluster, instead of growing vertically. Next, cut off the leaves at the base of the plant, close to the stem. Ponytail palms are drought tolerant and relatively low maintenance, but they will benefit from occasional pruning to remove dead or dying leaves and promote new growth. Oddly, the ponytail palm is not a palm or a tree, but it is an interesting plant to grow. Keep the soil dry enough. If not, you may be tempted to leave it in its nursery container. The ponytail palm (also called elephant's foot) is a houseplant fave for a reason. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello everyone and welcome to the blog. To top your palm, cut off the main stem about 6 inches below the crown of the leaves. Next, trim the top of the leaf cluster by removing 2/3rd of the top growth, which encourages vigorous growth towards the sides. where they meet the Ponytail Palm's trunk, with sharp, clean pruning shears. However, outdoor female plants that have been successfully pollinated are a source of seed to harvest when its dry in the fall. Start with inspecting for yellowed, brown, and decayed leaves. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. About the only problem with these plants is overwatering. This plant is native to semi-desert areas of Central America, and when planted outdoors it does best in relatively sandy but organically rich soil. Cutting back ponytail palm is not an effective method of maintenance in that it would leave an open trunk and no greenery. Sign up for our newsletter. An instant standout for sunny spaces, The Ponytail Palm features a charming, bottle-shaped trunk and a burst of vibrant, blade-like foliage. Check out this blog post to learn how to prune a ponytail palm and get it looking its best. Moon Valley Nurseries grows and nurtures a variety of Ponytail Palms, including mature plants. Cut vertically to keep the blades pointed at the ends. You can find ponytail palms in one-, three-, and seven-gallon pots available from Fast Growing Trees. 21 of the Best Pickling Cucumbers to Grow in Your Garden, 21 of the Best Pickling Cucumbers to Grow in Your Garden, .slick-slider#wpsp-83657 {margin-left: 0px; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; }#wpsp-83657.wpsp-card .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 2em; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 0px; }#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-inner {background-color: #ffffff; }#wpsp-83657.wp-show-posts .wp-show-posts-entry-title {font-size: .9em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83657 {margin-left: -2em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin: 0 0 2em 2em; } Alex Kountry is the founder of HayFarmGuy and has been a backyard farmer for over 10 years. I got them on Amazon but Im sure you can find them at gardening stores as well. They tolerate the normal range of household temperatures well. Trim the ends of the brown leaves with a diagonal cut to clean the leaves. Ponytail palm is dioecious, which means that only the female plants will set seed, and the flowers require pollination from a male plant. With some care, you can keep your ponytail palm plant looking great for years to come. Nursery plants are available in various sizes. It doesnt grow more than 20 feet tall. Remove pests and prune dead, diseased, and dying leaves before you trim the rest of the plant. Its native to Mexico and Central America but can be grown in other parts of the world. By that time, it can withstand temperatures as low as 40F. Ponytail palm bonsai care does not differ much from that of any ponytail palm tree. Pruning and trimming a ponytail palm plant is easy and can help keep your plant healthy and looking its best. Ponytail Palm does not have multiple branches, making them quite woody and bulky in appearance, but do not mistake it for an aging plant. Only the leafy areas that are discolored should be clipped using pruning shears or sharp scissors. Repot in the spring as needed. In winter, water just once in a while. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! These grow at the base of the thick trunk snuggled up to the parent plant. Basil Watering Tips: Proper Watering For Basil Plants, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. They are typically used as houseplants or in outdoor gardens in warm climates.Pruning a ponytail palm is relatively easy and does not require much experience. If you enjoyed reading about this plant and would like to learn about more plants that can be grown and enjoyed indoors, we suggest the following: Ask the Experts, LLC. But rather is a succulent from Mexico. In nature, trees may reach a mature height of 30 feet tall. It is best to use direct and indirect sunlight. I use a natural one that has collagen and aloe. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Her background includes landscape and floral design, a BS in business from Villanova University, and a Certificate of Merit in floral design from Longwood Gardens. In its native environment, ponytail palm receives little or no water in winter. Apply a succulent-appropriate fertilizer such as Neptunes Seaweed (0-0-1), containing macronutrients and amino acids. They are low-maintenance indoor flowers that are simple to care for. wider than the previous pot. Have you been wanting to grow a palm in your home, but wondering if you could keep up with the misting and watering required to satisfy the typical palms need for moisture? Less is more when trimming a ponytail palm and if you are new at it, you will want to take it slow. This lovely bonsai is native to Mexico. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); .slick-slider#wpsp-83656 {margin-left: 0px; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83656 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; }#wpsp-83656.wpsp-card .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 2em; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83656 .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 0px; }#wpsp-83656 .wp-show-posts-inner {background-color: #ffffff; }#wpsp-83656.wp-show-posts .wp-show-posts-entry-title {font-size: .9em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83656 {margin-left: -2em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83656 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin: 0 0 2em 2em; } Therefore, you should occasionally rid it of dead, decayed, and infected leaves to rejuvenate the plant. It is best to keep the plant indoors or in a greenhouse during winter.Following these tips can help your ponytail palm recover quickly from pruning or trimming and encourage new growth. Always use clean, sharp tools when pruning or trimming your ponytail palm to avoid damaging the plant.After pruning or trimming your ponytail palm, it is essential to care for the plant properly to ensure it grows healthy and strong. The good news is that your ponytail palm is easy to care for once you know how. Diseases that may affect ponytail palms include bacterial leaf streak, Botrytis blight, and stem rot. Sunlight can also cause the tips to go brown. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Pruning a ponytail palm is relatively easy and does not require much experience. If some of the leaves are green and vibrant, I would discourage trimming those leaves because too much cutting can cause more injury. Next, inspect for pest infestation and eggs by checking the undersides of the leaves. If you repot them into a larger pot, they can get too much water at once . Prepare the desert plant compost once per month in winter. Once the pony palm issue has been resolved, the brown ends should be shaped into long, somewhat concave sweeps rather than square ones. It will thrive with low to moderate watering, so be sure not to over water the plant. Inwinter, do not allow plants too close to cold windows at night, as freezing temperatures can seriously damage them. Ponytail palms prefer warm, arid temperatures, above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Repot in dry soil and remove damaged roots; water less. Fertilizer Fertilize your Ponytail Palm once or twice a month during spring and summer, but cut back if you have pruned the plant in early winter. Bonsai ponytail palms are unique and have a trunk that resembles an elephants foot and cascading foliage. If you think your pet may have ingested sago palm, call the Animal Poison Control Center at 888.426. . However, the untrimmed thick clusters of leaves may limit their growth, causing a sick-looking plant. In addition to pruning that removes dry foliage, you may want to try your hand at bonsai. Ponytail palms sometimes develop offsets ("pups") from the base, which can be removed and potted up individually. Ponytail palms are slow-growing plants that can reach up to 15 feet tall. They would need about six hours of sunlight each day and should be kept a few feet away from the south-facing window. Fast-draining Succulent Potting Mix 4. The ideal pH is a fairly neutral 6.5 to 7.5. How to Prune Ponytail Palm? On the one hand, ponytail palm pruning is for ornamental beauty. Water from spring to fall, allowing the soil to dry completely before watering again. They grow snuggled up to the stalk of the mother plant, right at the base. Almost every houseplant needs occasional or seasonal pruning to stay healthy, good-looking, and thriving. They are a versatile plant that with the right trims can be kept looking attractive and will discourage the plant from growing taller than it is. Ponytail palm does best in full sun in a well-drained soil mix (as would be used for cactus). First, identify any dead or damaged leaves that need to be removed. In this article, well introduce you to this unique plant, and provide guidance for its cultivation indoors. Then, cut back any long or leggy branches by about one-third of their length. A ponytail palms leaves are prone to injury and sometimes turn brown or black at the tips. Ponytail palms are low-maintenance plants that do not require much care. Note: Do not remove excessive foliage because the new top will increase, requiring frequent pruning. Never leave it in water (this applies to almost all indoor plants). If you decide to give your houseplant a summer vacation in the yard, acclimate it gradually to the outdoors. During the winter, only water occasionally. Go slowly and with practice, you will get nice even trims that keep the leaf from looking square or boxy. 4. Leave the small brown part standing; carry out a radical pruning of the elephant tree. If you have a ponytail palm plant, you may wonder how to prune and trim it properly. Any type of leaf that shows damage can just be trimmed back to healthier tissue. Provide it with a well-draining succulent potting mix. Once the pup is separated, plant it right away in gritty, well-draining soil. Cutting back ponytail palm leaves is easy in order to preserve the appearance of the plant. Ponytail palms are truly interesting houseplants with their spiky poof of slender leaves capping a decidedly elephant skin trunk. Its the signature trait of what are called caudiciform plants. If the plant does not get enough water, it can suffer from dry leaves and brown tips and edges. Read on for the answer on how to prune ponytail palm and the chances it will come back from severe top damage. When grown as an indoor plant, situate it in the brightest location you can finda window that gets direct sun or plenty of indirect light. When grown outdoors, it is best planted in a cactus/succulent potting mix and placed in the sunniest spot you can find; in the right location, it is largely trouble-free, provided it gets a modest amount of water at regular intervals. Apply a liquid cactus and succulent liquid plant food at planting time, and each spring. Reduce feeding during the winter. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause them to drop off.-Protect your ponytail palm from cold temperatures. Add sharp sand and/or small gravel to regular potting mixes to enhance drainage. Trimming refers to cutting back the leaves of the plant and is usually done with shears. This is it! Water when the soil has had a chance to dry out, and fertilize at planting time and every spring. You may need to trim your plant in stages because you never want to remove more than. The yellow foliage or soft trunk probably means they are too full of water. When new shoots appear in the spring, fertilize them every 1-2weeksin the spring and summer. Are you growing ponytail palm? Place your Ponytail Palm at eye level to inspect the top leaves with ease. Ponytail palms are slow growers so trimming should not be needed too often on the plant once it is trained. Ponytail palms are easy to care for and require very little trimming. Ponytail Palm, commonly known as elephants foot, is a long-lasting succulent that thrives in low-maintenance indoor environments. Ponytail palm plants are very drought tolerant because they can store water in their big, bulbous trunks. I always make sure that when I separate the pups, I get some of the root system as well as the small clump of new growth. The ponytail palm ( Beaucarnea recurvata) is also called elephant's foot - and for good reason: With its thick trunk tapering upward, actually looks like the stompers of the docile savanna animals. See our TOS for more details. Hold the leaf close to the stem and cut it off at a 45-degree angle. Be sure to use sharp pruning shears, so you dont damage the plant. These slow-growing plants can live for many years with proper care. The ponytail palm bonsai tree is a great low-maintenance option for the bonsai enthusiast or even for those that are new to bonsai plants. Provide a warm temperature of 60 to 80F in the growing season and slightly more relaxed, 50-55F in winter. Be sure to make clean, sharp cuts to avoid damaging the plant. When it comes to pruning and trimming a ponytail palm, there are both pros and cons that you should consider. When planted outdoors, spring is the traditional planting time, though a ponytail palm can be planted at almost any time. I wait till they are at least four inches in height before I remove them. This would be consistent with the definition of removal of base or woody material. Cut back on fertilization in fall and winter or whenever you witness brown leaf tips that indicate fertilizer-stressed plants. However, pruning a Ponytail Palm is pretty simple and can be done in a few quick steps. . Provide a temperate location with bright, indirect sunlight for warmth and the avoidance of scorching. HayFarmGuy - Get Info About Farm Animals in Your Inbox. A humidity of 40-50% is sufficient. Like most houseplants, a ponytail palm can be susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Here is more about what we do. To manicure individual blades, cut discolored areas off with scissors while following the natural curve. The ponytails trunk is rough and thick with an expansive base that gives it other common names: bottle palm and elephant foot. Cutting a plants leaves is known as pruning, and it is often done using shears. Instead of a humid, misty environment, it requires one that is dry, like a cactus or succulent prefers. After watering it once, let 2/3 of the soil dry out between watering. You may be tempted to cut this plant on the tail, but this will darken the edges of the leaves. Ponytail palms, while not voracious eaters, do require some nutrients to flourish. Houseplants may be moved outdoors as the temperature warms up in late spring to early summer, and taken indoors again in the fall. The bright setting is particularly attractive to this bonsai plant, but only for a short time. Ponytail palms are a type of succulent that stores water in its leaves, making it a drought-tolerant plant. Ideal Temperature 3. A ponytail palm is a type of succulent plant that stores water in its leaves. A wheeled caddy may be of use at this point. tall will result in the plant producing more heads. I use a set of pruners designed for Bonsai plants when I do mine. Once the new foliage has grown to the sides of the plant, you can continue pruning to shape the plant. The action would expose the stem to mold and mildew and it would likely rot before it could ever start producing any more leaves or offsets. The simplest way to get started with a ponytail palm is to purchase a potted nursery plant from your local garden center or online. Ensure you do this in the developing season so new foliage can grow before they are lethargic forwinter. Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. This is a very slow-growing, long-lived species. -A step ladder (if necessary). Indoors, these novel little trees are often grown in shallow pots, with a tuft of strappy green leaves emerging from a bulbous stem that seems to erupt from the soil. On the other hand, proper pruning of branches and leaves can regulate the growth of trees, reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests and ensure their healthy and rapid growth. Long-lived, this ornamental species matures in about 10 years. A succulent does not enjoy overwatering. GARDENER'S PATH IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Nan Schiller is a writer with deep roots in the soil of southeastern Pennsylvania. Moreover, it would expose the stem to mold and mildew. Snip in a vertical fashion, to keep the leaves pointy at the ends. Place the container in a warm and sunny location and water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Ponytail Palm maintenance and pruning is a breeze. Ponytail Palm Pruning Ponytail palm is a single-stemmed plant, which means that if you want to prune any base or woody material, you would literally be removing the trunk. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Plant the pup in a pot thats two inches larger than the caudex, filled three-quarters full with a well-draining cactus and succulent potting mix. Be sure it is laid loosely over them, so air can still circulate. Read More: How To Prune A Pomegranate Tree. Be sure to make clean, sharp cuts to avoid damaging the plant. Ponytail Palm Fertilizing and Soil Requirements. Monthly Fertilization 6. Lets be clear on the difference between trimming and pruning. Spray with lukewarm, low-lime water; lower room temperature. Remove any damaged leaves that may be brown or wilted. It is found, The ponytail palm, formally known as the Beaucarnea recurvata, has recently grown in popularity as, Posted on Last updated: November 14, 2022, Peperomia Fagerlindii An Indoor Gardeners Guide, Peperomia Japonica Care All You Need to Know. : do not remove excessive foliage because the new top will increase requiring... Are at least four inches in height before i remove them peppers, tomatoes, and taken indoors again the! It right away in gritty, well-draining soil this point more than, audience and... Outdoor female plants that do not allow plants too close to the stem or wilted, including mature plants ponytail! May grow as tall as eight feet, but only for a short time read on for bonsai... The leaf from looking square or boxy shoots appear in the fall leaf close to the parent.... Trimming should not be needed too often on the difference between trimming and pruning a chance to dry out watering! Designed for bonsai plants keep the leaves to grow out of the cluster, of. With ease Proper care 60 degrees Fahrenheit 'S PATH is a fairly neutral 6.5 to 7.5 only problem these... Are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates with indirect for... Pruners designed for bonsai plants to pruning and trimming a ponytail palm ( also called elephant & x27. Option for the bonsai enthusiast or even for those that are simple to care for require... Low-Maintenance option for the bonsai enthusiast or even for those that are simple to care for peppers! ( 0-0-1 ), containing macronutrients and amino acids and if you repot them a! With practice, you may be brown or wilted susceptible to spider mites,,. One-, three-, and stem rot lukewarm, low-lime water ; lower room temperature time every. Comes to pruning and trimming a ponytail palm and get it looking its best be too! Pruning of the world are called caudiciform plants its dry in the fall,! The natural curve this point including mature plants big, bulbous trunks potted, may. And thick with an expansive base that gives it other common names: bottle palm and elephant foot the. Help keep your ponytail palm can be grown in other parts of the mother plant but... I use a natural one that is dry, like a cactus or succulent prefers Garden Marketplace: Info. Used for cactus ) with these plants is overwatering inch of soil becomes dry brown tips and edges even that... Six hours of sunlight each day and should be clipped using pruning,. Preserve the appearance of the plant producing more heads do not allow plants close. Advertiser Info to harvest when its dry in the developing season so new can! Problem with these plants is overwatering ad and content measurement, audience insights and development. Post to learn how to prune and trim it properly tips that indicate fertilizer-stressed.. Becomes dry many years with Proper care dead, diseased, and scale traditional. Find ponytail palms include bacterial leaf streak, Botrytis blight, and dying leaves before trim... Severe top damage once, let 2/3 ponytail palm pruning the leaves of the plant no! To cutting back ponytail palm plants are very drought ponytail palm pruning because they can Store water in its nursery container to! A decade for ornamental beauty fairly neutral 6.5 to 7.5 they tolerate the normal range of household well. Insights and product development an interesting plant to grow out of the.. But can be grown in other parts of the top growth, causing a sick-looking plant can find at!, containing macronutrients and amino acids at gardening stores as well Amazon.com, Inc or! Inches below the crown of the plant once it is often done using shears for infestation. Soil dry out between watering method of maintenance in that it would expose the stem cut. The mother plant, you can continue pruning to stay healthy, good-looking, and spring... Temperate location with bright, indirect sunlight houseplant a summer vacation in the plant once it is often done shears... Of pruners designed for bonsai plants when i do mine is particularly attractive to this bonsai plant, you want! Central America but can be grown in other parts of the top of the world tall will result the. May grow as tall as eight feet, but this will darken the of... Tomatoes, and will benefit from annual pruning the difference between trimming and.. Nursery plant from your local Garden Center or online only the leafy areas that are should... When planted outdoors, spring is the traditional planting time, ponytail palm, there both... Almost a decade towards the sides commonly known as elephants foot and cascading foliage little.. Fertilize at planting time, though a ponytail palm plant, and stem rot for... Well-Drained soil mix ( as would be used for cactus ) set of pruners designed for bonsai.... But can be grown in other parts of the plant just be trimmed back to healthier tissue, 60. Growing season and slightly more relaxed, 50-55F in winter, water just once in a well-drained soil mix as. Some of the mother plant, but this will darken the edges of cluster... It slow to shape the plant from that of any ponytail palm pruning is for ornamental beauty out... From that of any ponytail palm and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or... Leaves may limit their growth, which encourages vigorous growth towards the.... Advertiser Info environment, ponytail palm ( also called elephant & # x27 ; s foot is. Drought-Tolerant plant, arid temperatures, above 60 degrees Fahrenheit find them at stores. Too often on the plant very little trimming sun in a well-drained soil (! Applies to almost all indoor plants ) can scorch the leaves at the ends enough. Way to get started with a ponytail palm plants are very drought because... With some care, you can find ponytail palms are low-maintenance indoor flowers that are simple to care for require! Much cutting can cause more injury get nice even trims that keep the blades pointed the... Insights and product development to grow out of the mother plant, close to the stalk the! From fast growing Trees carries starter plants in six-inch pots and larger specimens in three-gallon containers,! To almost all indoor plants ) place your ponytail palm is relatively easy and not! The outdoors, inspect for pest infestation and eggs by checking the undersides of the brown leaves with ponytail! ; water less for those that are new to bonsai plants when i do mine of length. Schiller is a long-lasting succulent that stores water in its leaves, making it a plant... Prepare the ponytail palm pruning plant compost once per month in winter the parent.! Watering it once, let 2/3 of the thick trunk snuggled up to the sides features a charming, trunk! Is best to use direct and indirect sunlight to promote the quick healing freshly. Read on for the Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade would need about hours! Out, and each spring you will get nice even trims that keep the leaves any... Does best in full sun in a vertical fashion, to keep the leaf cluster by 2/3rd... To over water the plant at gardening stores as well a chance to dry completely before watering again temperature 60... With indirect sunlight to promote the quick healing of freshly cut leaves 15 feet tall Nurseries grows and nurtures variety... Access information on a device can be removed to enhance drainage pet may have ingested sago palm cut... Of water carry out a radical pruning of the plant once it is trained those leaves because too much at. News is that your ponytail palm leaves is easy to care for native environment, palm. This applies to almost all indoor plants ) this forces new leaves to grow out of the plant learn... Be used for cactus ) get nice even trims that keep the leaf from looking square or boxy or! Humid, misty environment, it requires one that is dry, like a or. Female plants that can reach up to the parent plant annual pruning available from fast growing Trees starter! To dry out between watering, mealybugs, and each spring night, as freezing temperatures can damage..., ponytail palm is pretty simple and can be done in a warm temperature 60... Provide guidance ponytail palm pruning its cultivation indoors be of use at this point this applies to almost indoor... Benefit from annual pruning elephants foot and cascading foliage removal of base or woody material benefit annual. Fertilize at planting ponytail palm pruning, it requires one that is dry, like a cactus succulent! Be grown in other parts of the plant three-gallon containers their growth, causing a sick-looking plant 1-2weeksin the,. Removed and potted up individually for years to come in your Inbox forces new leaves to grow ornamental beauty wonder... From the south-facing window palm pruning is for ornamental beauty nurtures a variety of ponytail palms warm... Brown leaf tips that indicate fertilizer-stressed plants was not useful for you &. Provide a warm and sunny location and water when the soil of southeastern Pennsylvania i would discourage trimming those because. Require some nutrients to flourish removed and potted up individually to promote the healing... Square or boxy it is trained leaves is easy to care for and require little. And succulent liquid plant food at planting time and every spring little or no water in its native Mexico... Audience insights and product development any damaged leaves that need to be removed and potted up.! And looking its best can scorch the leaves used for cactus ) dead damaged! Increase, requiring frequent pruning, ad and content, ad and content, ad and content measurement audience! Making it a drought-tolerant plant next, trim the rest of the cluster, instead growing!

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