Ponytail Palm: Care And Growing Guide For Beginners

Introduction

The ponytail palm ( Beaucarnea recurvata ) is a desert plant aboriginal to Central America and Mexico . It is also get laid aselephant fundament or ram ’s French horn . This flora obtain its name from the long , thin folio that grow out of the top of the trunk and look like a ponytail . The ponytail decoration tree can grow as tall as 12 feet . This is a slow - get tree , and it will take some time for it to contact this height . However , it will only grow as tall as you admit it to get .

One of the most vulgar houseplants you ’ll see is the ponytail palm . In fact , you ’ll see it so often that you might not even think about how to take precaution of it ! Ponytail palm can seem promiscuous to care for , but it ’s significant to know what they demand to stay goodly .

What is a ponytail palm ?

The ponytail palm , or Beaucarna ponytail thenar , is an unusual houseplant that is popular for its low upkeep needs . This laurel wreath is native to Mexico and Central America , and mystify its name from the long , hairy “ ponytail ” that grow out of its top . The ponytail thenar is a boring grower , but once it reaches maturity it can be quite a large plant life . It is a gravid choice for anyone who is fresh to plant charge , as it is very forgiving and does not require a lot of water or light .

Highlights of Growing Ponytail Palm

How to effectively grow and care for Ponytail Palm

What grease is serious for a ponytail thenar ?

The best soil for ponytail palm is a light , sandy loam . This land type is free - draining and will not harbor water for long , which is perfect for a industrial plant that prefer wry conditions . forefend using heavy soils or grease that is high in clay , as they will not drain well and will in all probability cause root moulder in your thenar .

you’re able to either fuse your own land or purchase a pre - made mix from your garden marrow . One of the benefit of using this eccentric of stain is that it retains moisture for a longer period of time . This is of import , as the ponytail thenar does not like wet invertebrate foot and can well perish if it ’s constantly pissed . The soil will help to regulate the wet levels in the pot , sustain the plant goodly and looking good .

How often should you irrigate your ponytail palm ?

You should irrigate your ponytail thenar whenever the top inch of grunge feel dry to the touch . Checking the soil frequently is the best style to ensure that your plant life does n’t get too thirsty – and , as we all know , nothing is spoiled than a wilted plant . In general , you should irrigate your ponytail decoration about once a calendar week . However , if you live in a particularly ironical clime , you may need to irrigate it more often . Conversely , if you subsist in a humid mood , you may need to water it less often .

What is the best way to water a ponytail palm ?

When irrigate a ponytail medallion , there are a couplet of things to keep in idea . First , make certain to use tepid piddle as cold-blooded urine can shock the plant . second , give the flora a good drenching but make trusted to let the top column inch of soil to dry out out between waterings . Too much water can kill a ponytail palm , so make certain to only water when the top inch of dirt is dry to the touch . finally , endeavor to water the plant in the cockcrow so that any extra water can evaporate before evenfall .

What character of humidity does a ponytail palm need ?

A ponytail palm is a tropical plant that does well in high humidity environs . The idealistic humidness compass for a ponytail palm is 60 - 70 % . If the humidness is too low , the leaves will be dry and brown . If the humidity is too high , the leaf will be plastered and musty . you could increase the humidness around your ponytail palm by using a humidifier , placing it near a body of water source or aggroup it with other plants that give up humidity . you may use a humidity gauge to monitor the humidness in your home and make necessary adjustments .

How to fertilise ponytail palms

fecundate your ponytail palm is an authoritative part of keeping it healthy and looking its ripe . to fertilize your palm tree , you ’ll need to find out its feeding requirements . This includes the NPK ratio , or the floor of nitrogen , phosphorus and potassium in the fertilizer . you’re able to purchase a plant food that is specifically designed for decoration trees , or you’re able to use a general - purpose fertilizer that has medium concentration of nitrogen .

You should inseminate your ribbon at least twice a yr , once in the spring and once in the fall . It ’s effective to employ a balanced , water - soluble fertilizer that ’s specifically designed for orchids or palms . When you ’re fertilizing , check that to apply the fertilizer evenly to the soil around the plant — you do n’t desire to fertilize the folio , as this can do damage .

Also Read : Difference Types of Palm Trees

Best Ponytail Palm Temperature

One of the most important constituent for plant maturation is temperature . The right temperature check that your industrial plant is growing as level-headed as possible . The optimal temperature range for Ponytail Palms is 68 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit . If the temperature light outside of this range , you may begin to see problem with your plant ’s growth . Keep in brain that temperature can vary depending on the sentence of year , so be sure to check the temperature on a regular basis .

For winter , aim for a temperature of around 60 - 65 degrees Fahrenheit . In the summer , your works will fly high at temperatures of around 75 - 85 degree Fahrenheit . check that to keep your plant out of direct sunlight , as this can do the leaves to burn . Aim to keep your Ponytail Palm in an country where it will get indirect sunshine instead .

When should a ponytail palm tree be re - potted ?

A ponytail thenar should be re - potted when the drain hole in the bottom of the pot becomes clotted . This will preclude the water system from enfeeble properly and could eventually precede to root rot . When the pot is re - potted , it ’s of import to use a pot that is only slightly larger than the original pot . You should also be certain to use a potting admixture that is specifically designed for succulents .

How to Style Ponytail Palm

Some people like to keep their ponytail palm in a pot on a stand or on a windowsill . If you ’re one of these multitude , make certain to style it in a way that showcases its natural Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe . We love using plants to impart greenery to a space , and the ponytail palm is no exception . It ’s perfect for bestow a born touch to any way . Plus , it ’s a forgiving plant — if you ’re not the best at taking care of plants , the ponytail palm is a good one to depart with .

Problems Associated With Growing a Ponytail Palm

thing to look for on ponytail palms to tell they ’re not healthy

It ’s important to be able to identify when a ponytail laurel wreath is not healthy so you’re able to treat it in time . There are a few uncouth signs to look out for : if the leave of absence are yellowing , curling up , or browning at the tips , that ’s a sign the plant is n’t getting enough light . If the leaf are drooping , that ’s a sign of overwatering . If there are brown spots on the leaves , that ’s a signaling of a fungus or insect infestation . ultimately , if the trunk is becoming desolate or the flora is losing its leave , that ’s a sign it ’s not getting enough nutrient . If you ’re notice any of these signs , it ’s time to feed your ponytail laurel wreath !

How do you regale a ponytail medallion that ’s turning yellow ?

The leaves of a ponytail palm tree will start to grow white-livered when the plant is n’t make enough water . When this bump , you ’ll need to water it more often . Make certain the pot has a drain hole so the urine can easily flow out . you may also place the mass on a tray filled with gravel or Harlan Stone so the pee wo n’t sit in the plenty and damage the ascendent .

What should you do if your ponytail medallion is falling over ?

If your ponytail palm is begin to go down over , you ’ll necessitate to prop it up using a post or wooden pole . ensure the stake is firmly in the ground , and be careful not to damage the theme organisation . You may need to water it more often , especially if it ’s red-hot and dry outside . In world-wide , you should water your ponytail decoration every 7 - 10 days , making certain to drench the soil . Be sure to debar getting H2O on the leaves , as this can cause them to molder .

Other Problems

Slow Growth

Ponytail palm is known for its slow growth rate . While this may not be a problem for some , others may find it frustrating that their plant is not growing as quickly as they had hop . There are several things you may do to assist your industrial plant along , let in allow for decent light and water , and fertilizing it regularly . However , keep in mind that the outgrowth charge per unit of ponytail palm tree is largely dependent on the mood and grow conditions .

wilt leaf

One of the problems associate with develop ponytail laurel wreath is the leave-taking drooping . This happens when the parting are not catch enough light . If your plant is swag , you will take to move it to a brighter spot . you may also try devote it a little light cost increase with a grow visible light .

Inflorescence / Fruit problem

One of the most common outcome with ponytail palm is job with the inflorescence or fruit . The inflorescence is the stalking that holds the flowers , while the yield is the seed - bearing structure . Both of these can be regard by a motley of problem . For case , the inflorescence may not make decent , or the bloom may not spread . The yield may not make grow properly , or it may drop off untimely . All of these can be frustrating problems to deal with , and unfortunately , there ’s not much you’re able to do to correct them . If you ’re experiencing any of these problems , it ’s best to consult with a horticulture expert to see if there ’s anything you’re able to do to relieve your plant .

weakly Stems

Ponytail decoration are popular plants because they ’re down - maintenance and can adapt to a variety of environment , but even they have their share of problem . One of the most common issues is frail stem turn . When the stem is weak , the industrial plant is unable to support its own exercising weight , which can lead to it toppling over . In severe cases , the stem may even snap . The proficient intelligence is that this trouble can often be corrected by providing the works with more support . you’re able to do this by gently attach it to a post or another sturdy objective . Just be trusted not to roll the theme too tightly around the support , as this can damage it .

Crown death

Ponytail palm are popular plants because they ’re low - sustentation and can total a turn of texture and sake to a room or outdoor area . While they ’re mostly easy to care for , there are a few problems you may encounter while grow ponytail palms . One is crown rot , which is a fungal infection that affects the root word organization and causes the last of the plant life .

Ponytail palm pests to Watch Out For

Aphids

aphid are small , soft - embodied insects that can be find on the underside of leafage . They often congregate in colony and can be describe by their dark-skinned colour , low size , and the presence of two subway on their back . Aphids feed on the cosh of plants , cause leaves to yellow and wilt . They can also transmit harmful virus to plants . If you notice aphids on your ponytail palm , take steps to get free of them before they cause too much damage .

Spider Mites

If you are like me and you eff your ponytail laurel wreath , you will require to keep an eye out for any pest that may be attacking it . The 5 pestis I will be discussing in this post are spider mites , scales , mealybugs , whiteflies and aphids . These pest can do a lot of equipment casualty to your plant , so it is authoritative to be able to name them and take action as soon as possible .

Scale

The third most vulgar plague you ’ll see on your ponytail palm is ordered series . Scale is a small , sap - sucking insect that can be difficult to get rid of . They can do leaf hurt and stunt the growth of your palm . If you notice scale on your plant , take legal action decent off ! Scale can be treated with a horticultural oil colour or insecticidal goop . Be certain to play along the instruction on the label and wear boxing glove and protective clothing when lend oneself any eccentric of insect powder .

Red Palm Aphids

Red palm aphid are bantam , red dirt ball that feed on the blackjack of the ponytail thenar . They can quickly procreate and can cause serious damage to the plant . If you mark small , red insects on your ponytail palm , you most in all likelihood have an infestation of crimson palm aphids . These pests can be difficult to get disembarrass of , so it ’s best to take action right away .

Conclusion

The fundamental principle of ponytail palm care are pretty round-eyed . Give it a bright , sunny spot in your home and irrigate it regularly . In the summer , water it every other day and in the winter , water it once a week . Make certain the peck has a drainage hole and that you are using a potting mix that drain well . you could also fertilize it every other month with a balanced fertilizer . If you follow these dim-witted tips , your ponytail medallion will be a happy and healthy part of your home .