Ponytail palms can survive for lengthy periods of time without water because they are succulents. That isn’t to say you shouldn’t water them, but you should avoid overwatering them. Allow the top 2 to 3 inches of soil to dry between waterings before soaking the plant. If you keep your ponytail palm indoors, you’ll have to water it every 3 to 4 weeks. If you’re letting your plants spend the summer outside, keep an eye on the weather forecast and bring them inside if there’s a chance of several inches of rain. Allowing plants to sit in standing water is not a good idea.
When should I water my Ponytail Palm?
When the earth is fully dry, water your Ponytail Palm. Fill the pot halfway with water and drain any water that has gathered in the saucer through the drainage hole at the bottom. Your Ponytail Palm, like most succulents, will thrive in dry circumstances. The more dry air there is, the better!
Should you mist Ponytail Palm?
Ponytail palms are not as picky about humidity as many tropical houseplants because they are native to arid areas. Although a weekly spritz of water on the foliage will not harm it and will assist clear any dust particles that have settled on the leaves.
Simply fill your spray bottle with rainwater or water that has been left out overnight and sprinkle the foliage thoroughly.
How do you look after a Ponytail Palm?
- Ponytail palms prefer to be in direct sunlight, so position the plant in a sunny area. It’s better to use bright, indirect sunshine.
- Keep the soil relatively dry. From spring to fall, water thoroughly, allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry fully before rewatering. Water only on occasion during the winter.
- Soak the soil in water and pour the surplus water into a dish via the bottom of the pot. Allow the pot to sit in the dish for a few minutes before draining any remaining water.
- Fertilize with a cactus/succulent fertilizer in the spring and move into a brighter room for the summer.
- For the most of the year, room temperature is good, but in the winter, keep the plant somewhat cooler (50-55°F / 10-13°C) to mimic the natural dormancy cycle.
- During the winter, keep the plant away from cold windows at night because it can be seriously injured by the cold.
Repotting a Ponytail Palm
- If kept in a small pot, ponytail palms will stay little. They can last for years without needing to be repotted. A ponytail palm only need repotting every other year at the most.
- Moving the plant to a larger container will allow it to expand in height and girth. However, if not cultivated on a lesser scale, elder plants may become challenging to handle due to their sheer size and weight.
- Choose a pot large enough to leave about an inch of space between the ponytail palm’s trunk and the pot’s rim when buying a new one.
- When handling a ponytail palm, be in mind that its leaves have small serrated edges.
How long can a ponytail palm go without water?
Because water is kept in the trunk for extended periods of time, it does not require frequent watering. Your Ponytail palm’s soil must dry thoroughly between waterings, so if you’re unsure whether or not to water the plant, wait until the following week. If your Pony tail palm develops dry, brown leaves, a shrunken stem, or dried roots, you know you’re underwatering it. Excessive watering can promote root degeneration by drowning the roots. Remember that the Ponytail Palm’s large, bulbous trunk acts as a reservoir, storing water during dry seasons and making it drought resistant. This characteristic allows the tree to go without water for up to four weeks without hurting the plant. Ponytails should be watered every two weeks or so, but there is no specific schedule. Stick your finger into the dirt to check your Bonsai on a regular basis. If the soil is damp or chilly, do not water the tree; instead, water thoroughly and deeply until the topsoil feels dry. Allow several days before watering again if yellow foliage appears, and ensure sure the soil is draining efficiently and the roots are not sitting in water. Our
Why are the ends of my ponytail palm turning brown?
My Ponytail Palm’s tips are brown! Over or underwatering is a common cause of this. Too much water causes brown tips with pronounced yellowing, while too little water causes brown and crispy leaves. With a clean pair of sheers, prune the leaves and examine the soil before adjusting the watering as needed.
Is it OK to trim ponytail palm?
Ponytail palms can be pruned at any time of year, but the optimal time is during the growing season, which runs from spring until early fall. Trim the leaves on top of the plant with clean, sharp bonsai shears. The foliage will grow downward and resemble a ponytail as a result of this.
Remove any dark or wilted leaves that have been damaged. Make sure you’re seated at eye level with the plant, and take frequent breaks to double-check your work so you don’t lose too much.
You can use pruning paint to cover cuts that have become discolored or ragged after trimming ponytail palms. Your ponytail bonsai palms will recover faster as a result of this.
How fast does ponytail palm grow?
Spring is the usual planting season for ponytail palms, however they can be planted at virtually any time. This is a species that grows slowly and lives a long time. A 1-foot-tall plant may take five years or more to double in growth.
Limp, droopy leaves
The shift will not be as apparent as some other plants due to their naturally recurved, cascading leaves, but you should see the leaves hanging a little lower.
Dry compost
Push your finger into the compost to see if it’s safe. Do you get a feeling that the top 2-3 inches are fully dry?
If this is the case, now is the time to give your plant a drink. Give it another week and examine it again if it’s still damp.
How do you save an overwatered ponytail palm?
Ponytail Palms are quite prone to root rot, and it is this condition that kills them most of the time before they reach their full potential. These can live for decades if properly cared for. It may be possible to save the plant by allowing the soil to dry out or repotting if necessary, depending on the degree of the rot.
Can a ponytail palm live outside?
Ponytail palm can be grown outside if you reside in a very warm climate, such as those found in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. They can reach a height of 30 feet (9 meters), yet they are rarely used as houseplants. Plant them in containers on the patio or as small, distinctive specimen trees.
Be patient and take your time if you start a ponytail palm indoors and decide to move it to a permanent outside position. Ponytail palm plant care in this situation necessitates progressively exposing the plant to greater light and warmth over a period of days or weeks.