Ponytail Palm is an Elegant Plant That’s Easy to Grow Indoors

Ponytail palm isn’t really a palm, but its long ribbons of dark green leaves atop its single trunk give it the look of a palm. It’s actually a member of the lily family, yet unlike garden lilies, it can grow to six feet indoors.

Known botanically as Beaucarnea recurvata, it goes by several other names, as well, including bottle palm, elephant foot and monja.

A native of the arid regions of southeastern Mexico, it stores water in the base of its trunk, making it a low-maintenance indoor plant. Miss a few waterings and it will do just fine. In fact, overwatering is the major problem to beware of with this plant: soggy soil will kill it.

Small Plants Enhance a Table Top; Tall Ones Make a Dramatic Decorating Statement

Ponytail palm is a very slow grower. It may be purchased small – six to 10 inches tall – for placing on a table top, desk or bookcase. When purchased small, it will stay that size for many years. It likes to be root bound and won’t grow taller unless it’s replanted into a larger pot.

Small ponytail palms are often sold in shallow containers for cultivation as Bonsai plants.

With its exotic look, a larger plant installed in a floor pot adds a dramatic touch the home or office décor. The branchless trunk curves gracefully inward from the swollen base to tufts of long slender leaves on top that cascade downward, curling slightly. Its shape, somewhat like a slender jug or bottle, suggests its other name, bottle palm.

Grows Best in a Warm, Dry Environment

This plant is easy to care for. It does best in potting soil mixed with sand and even fine gravel to allow for plenty of drainage. It should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Generally watering every two to four weeks will be adequate. When overwatered, the leaves begin to lose their deep green color.

However, if leaves appear to wilt or the stem shrivels, it’s likely an indication the plant needs a good watering.

Ponytail palm is a good indoor plant for bright sunlight, although it can tolerate lower light conditions. In summer it can be placed outdoors.

Temperatures should not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Misting is not necessary, as this plant prefers dry conditions.

Cleaning the Leaves Helps Discourage Pests

Leaves should be wiped with a damp cloth periodically to clean them. To keep pests at bay, the cloth can be rinsed frequently in a small container of water to which a few drops of non-detergent soap and a few drops of alcohol have been added.

New leaves will grow back relatively quickly to replace any yellowed ones that are removed.

References:

Miracle-Gro Guide to Growing Healthy Houseplants, Edited by Denny Schrock, Meredith Books, Des Moines, Iowa, 2005.

Complete Houseplants: A Foolproof Growers’ Guide, by Jack Kramer, Creative Homeowner, Upper Saddle River, N.J., 2008.

Pony Tail Palms