Ponytail Palm

Ponytail palm is a highly appreciated landscaping plant that can also be maintained indoors. Despite the name, it is not even a distant relative to the species of palm family, Palmaceae. This peculiar plant shares taxonomic family with the lilies, and is a genus of Liliaceae. See the shape and you will agree with its common names, bottle palm or elephant's foot. Bulbous at the base and tapers towards the top with long, smoothed foliage, it is very different from other ornamental trees.

Tips for Ponytail Palm Plant Care

Indigenous to the warm regions of Mexico, ponytail palm is best suited for growing as houseplants. It is tolerant to the warm, heated conditions of the indoor environment. While planting in outdoor garden, select a sunlit area that has no water draining problems. The two main factors that negatively affect this tropical palm are too much watering and standing water for an extended period. This is because of the fact that it is a type of succulent plant. Refer to the following information to understand the essentials of ponytail palm care.

Grows in Sandy Soil
This palm tree is best grown in soil type that is well-drained and contain sand components in large percentage. Sandy soil allows easy draining of water, which is crucial for healthy maintenance of ponytail palm plant. Reduce the use of peat moss and water holding components as you usually do for growing tropical plants. Such organic matter increase water retention, and are not good for this plant. In short, prepare soil mixture in such a way that it resembles that of its natural habitat.

Very Less Watering
Water deeply and less frequently, instead of daily irrigating this plant. As said already, frequent irrigation is strictly not recommended for maintaining this tropical plant. It has a natural tendency to store water in the base, and this portion of stem acts as a water reservoir. In case, you are not sure about the frequency of irrigation ideal for ponytail palm, allow the top soil layer to dry out completely before the next watering.

Warm Temperature is Excellent
Being a tropical plant, it requires warm climatic condition, and is prone to extreme low temperature. For growing as a part of indoor gardening, place ponytail palm tree in patio, where it receives optimal sunlight. In garden, you can place in any sunlit area. However, exposure to cold winter temperature for a long period may kill the plant. Hence, with the arrival of winter in your region, or when the environment temperature goes below 55° F, do not forget to keep it inside the house.

Repot to Grow Big
Yes, it is true that the size of the tree can be controlled by growing it in specific sized pots. In its natural habitat, the roots develop in a profuse form. So, container gardening of this tropical plant can be done in a smaller pot with less soil. In small pots, the growth rate is slow and plant size is smaller. In case, you prefer a taller tree, then only consider repotting it in a larger container.

Watch for Diseases and Pests
This tropical plant is resistant to drought, and withstands dry garden soil condition for a long time. While excess water induces root rotting problems for ponytail palm. If, at all, you notice bugs and mites, pick them manually and dip in soapy water. As an effective control measure, soak cotton balls with dish soap solution and use to clean affected plant parts.

When favorable growth requirements are provided, the ponytail palm tree grows to a height of about 20 feet. Provide this tropical plant with the required conditions, and there will be fewer incidences of pest and related plant problems. A simple ponytail palm care tip is to keep the water level minimal and consider watering in alternate weeks, or after every 2 weeks in cold condition.