Remove any infections found before pruning your bonsai. This would be consistent with the definition of removal of base or woody material. Ponytail Palm, Ponytail Palms are splendid little succulents with the tropical aesthetics of a small palm tree. As the leaves grow longer, you can cut them short by giving them a signature Palm look. If you want to manipulate the growth of the plant more into the shape of a ponytail it is easily done. Feed weekly with liquid fertilizer during the growing season, or use a slow-release pellet fertilizer in the spring. If your ponytail palm is looking a little worse for the wear, it may be time for a pruning. They are easy to care for houseplant that needs little maintenance. Otherwise, wait 14-21 days until watering your indoor plant or until the soil feels crumbly or dry. Cutting back ponytail palm is not an effective method of maintenance in that it would leave an open trunk and no greenery. Leave the small brown part standing; carry out a radical pruning of the elephant tree. Join our Facebook Group About Houseplants and Gardening Ponytail Palm care This will give the plant time to recover and produce new development for the upcoming growing season. 15 Best Blueberry Companion Plants Great Companion Plants, 9 Best Fertilizers for Shrubs A Buyers Guide, 10 Shrubs with Blue Colored Berries Best List 2023, How to Root a Jade Plant? Water the soil to settle it. Expect sprouting anywhere from three weeks to several months. Potted ponytail palms are readily available for home cultivation. Brown leaf ends are often an indication of too much fertilizer or water. Prune only 20% of its afflicted foliage at once. Examine the leaves for insects and diseases. Water a second time, and when the dripping stops, return the potted palm to its regular location. In addition to the ponytail palm, there are 12 other species in the Beaucarnea genus. Avoiding frost exposure is essential for potted specimens taken outdoors in regions that freeze. plants that can be grown and enjoyed indoors, Growing Peperomias: How to Care for Radiator Plants, Browse all of our houseplant growing guides, 1/8 inch (seed), same depth as nursery pot (transplants), Bacterial leaf streak, Botrytis blight, and stem rot. A succulent would dry up quickly when exposed to direct sunlight; hence, consider keeping your Ponytail Palm in a sunny location with sufficient indirect sunlight. Spray with lukewarm, low-lime water; lower room temperature. Like most houseplants, a ponytail palm can be susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. However, they will survive down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, providing these temps are not prolonged. About the only problem with these plants is overwatering. Reduce feeding during the winter. . In winter, water just once in a while. Thanks for reading, and we hope you have a great day! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Unfortunately this species is now classified as threatened in its natural habitat, and it is found growing wild almost exclusively in Veracruz, in eastern Mexico. Let the dry soil well between watering, usually every twoweeks(but it can take up to a month). Required fields are marked *. Water when the top of the soil is dry to the touch, but dont let it completely dry out. Keep a few things in mind when maintaining your tree. However, they can go many years before requiring repotting to a larger pot. Have you always wanted to grow a palm, but dont live in a warm zone for outdoor planting, nor do you want a houseplant that needs the thrice-weekly watering typical of many palms? It does best in dry conditions with temperatures above 60F. Oddly, the ponytail palm is not a palm or a tree, but it is an interesting plant to grow. With wit and hopefully some wisdom, she shares what shes learned and is always ready to dig into a new project! This is a very slow-growing, long-lived species. How to Prune a Pomegranate Tree | A Detail Guide By Expert, Home Defense | 8 Ways to Attack-Proof Your Home, How to Get Rid of Gnats Permanently | 17 Proven Steps, Biggest Weed Plants in the World | 20 Types of Weed Plant, How to Tell if Canna Bulbs are Dead | 9 Ways to Understand, How to Plant Elephant Ear Bulbs Indoors | 9 Simple Steps by Expert, How To Get Rid Of Mold On Walls Permanently | 10 Tips by, How to Update an Old Dining Room Set | 20 Pro Updated, How to Update Glass Block Window | Simple Ways to Update, How to Trim a Ponytail Palm | A Full Step By Step Guide By Expert. When planted outdoors, spring is the traditional planting time, though a ponytail palm can be planted at almost any time. Pruning, on the other hand, usually refers to the removal of base and woody materials for the purpose of rejuvenating or restoring the plant. Its unique bulbous trunk and wild, curly leaves make a big impact, and it's super easy to care for. Get growing tips and ponytail palm care info from the articles that follow. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Be sure to use sharp pruning shears, so you dont damage the plant. Ponytail palms are truly interesting houseplants with their spiky poof of slender leaves capping a decidedly elephant skin trunk. Add ponytail palm to your houseplant collection today and get ready to enjoy a fountain of evergreen foliage for decades to come. 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. Keep them close to the window with indirect sunlight to promote the quick healing of freshly cut leaves. This lovely bonsai is native to Mexico. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. For larger branches, however, you will need to use hedge shears. Ponytail plants, which can be cultivated either inside or outdoors, provide a beautiful accent to any home design (during the warmer months). Upon receipt, gently remove the plant from the nursery starter pot, and transplant it to a porous, well-draining container filled three-quarters full of cactus and succulent potting mix. Betty is passionate about sharing the best practices and knowledge gained from the research and practice of interior design. Do not place the plant in the blazing midday sun. Articles, products, and services offered on this site are for informational purposes only. For growing indoors, pot a ponytail palm in a smallish container filled with a cactus/ succulent potting mix that is blended with some peat. Read our blog about when and how to water Ponytail Palm. They are exacerbated by high humidity. 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? 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. Its native to Mexico and Central America but can be grown in other parts of the world. Trimming ponytail palms can be done any time of the year but is best during the growing season of spring through early fall. Ponytail Palm Diseases and the Pests that Cause Them, Majesty Palm Tree Care - Indoor Palm Ravenea rivularis Guide. Ponytail palm plants are very drought tolerant because they can store water in their big, bulbous trunks. A ponytail palm is a type of succulent plant that stores water in its leaves. A ponytail palm is a great candidate for the ancient Asian art of miniaturizing trees with selective pruning to stunt growth while preserving natural forms. Cutting some leaves that are healthy and vivid in color might further harm them, so avoid doing so. Once the pup is separated, plant it right away in gritty, well-draining soil. This article was last updated by Prince on March 31, 2023. It may take five years or more for a 1-foot-tall plant to double in size. This forces new leaves to grow out of the side of the cluster, instead of growing vertically. Once the pony palm issue has been resolved, the brown ends should be shaped into long, somewhat concave sweeps rather than square ones. Once the new foliage grows from the sides of the plant, you can cut them further to shape the plant. This sort of trimming will keep the plant in shape. The ideal pH is a fairly neutral 6.5 to 7.5. Provide it with a well-draining succulent potting mix. Some of these links may be affiliate in nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased. The ideal temperature range is between 60-80F (16-27C). If the offsets ("pups") send up secondary shoots, you can prune these away to maintain a central trunk and classic tree-like appearance. Thoroughly, but seldom, water the plant, letting the soil fully dry out in between applications. Common pests that favor dry indoor environments include mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. Potted, they may grow as tall as eight feet, but are more likely to top out at around four. If your plant does start to look brown or ragged in the cut spots, you can use some pruning paint on the cuts to aid in the recovery. If your goal is to grow a large palm tree, repot it every year, but if you want to keep it smaller, repot every two or three years. She is passionate about sharing the knowledge, passion, and experience she has gained from her work and as a professional interior designer. However, a multi-stemmed tree is often desirable, and many people welcome these secondary shoots. Pruning a ponytail palm is relatively easy and does not require much experience. The tips may also become brown in the sunlight. Because ponytail palm care requires dry soil, it is best to let them get root bound before repotting. However, pruning a Ponytail Palm is pretty simple and can be done in a few quick steps. As in indoor plant, it does well in a cactus/succulent potting mix augmented with peat to improve its richness. They get their name from their long, cascading leaves that resemble a ponytail. If some of the leaves are green and vibrant, I would discourage trimming those leaves because too much cutting can cause more injury. I use a natural one that has collagen and aloe. Your email address will not be published. It is suited to outdoor cultivation in warm, dry regions of USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11. Brown edges can be caused by too much fertilizer or too much water. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause them to drop off.-Protect your ponytail palm from cold temperatures. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello everyone and welcome to the blog. However, if you want to control the size or shape of your ponytail palm, you will need to prune it on a regular basis. You will see that the leaves grow in clumps and are attached at the base to the mother. Ponytail palms thrive best in sandy soils with a neutral ph of 6.5 to 7.5, resulting in a lush growth environment and healthy trees. In this article, I write about ponytail palm care as an indoor plant. It doesnt grow more than 20 feet tall. If you buy from one of our links,we may earn a commission. Trimming may be done with shears and generally refers to the removal of the tips of leaves. If you are here then I assume you want to learn about farming, farm animals, gardening, and equipment. It only works on the very young plants and you should make slightly curved cuts into the main trunk to force growth. If so, the plant may be root bound, and need repotting. Never fear, though with some know-how, its easy to keep your ponytail palm plant looking neat and tidy. Sign up for our newsletter. How to prune ponytail palm requires no special skills. Remove any damaged leaves that may be brown or wilted. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Wait until you figure out why some of the leaves are turning brown at the tips and correct that before trimming the green ones. You can find ponytail palms in one-, three-, and seven-gallon pots available from Fast Growing Trees. They are characterized by their long, thin leaves that grow in a rosette pattern at the end of each branch. Pruning and trimming can help to encourage new growth.Pruning and trimming can keep your plant looking its best.Pruning and trimming can help to control the size of your plant.Pruning and trimming can prevent your plant from becoming too large.Cons: Pruning and trimming can damage your plant if not done correctly. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! If you decide to give your houseplant a summer vacation in the yard, acclimate it gradually to the outdoors. When it comes to pruning and trimming a ponytail palm, there are both pros and cons that you should consider. Let us know in the comments section below and feel free to share a picture! So grab those pruning shears and get to work! -Loppers (optional) Occasional Watering 5. If you find this to be aesthetically displeasing, you can cut off the offending foliage as near to its point of origin as possible, to avoid leaving partially cut stems with a chopped look. Use a loose cactus and succulent potting mix for adequate moisture retention and drainage. Use a very sharp, disinfected knife or pruners to separate the pup. Ensure to snip off the leaf with a diagonal cut to retain the sharp-end appearance. Pruning should be done in early summer. These grow at the base of the thick trunk snuggled up to the parent plant. The extra foliage will develop from the leaf bunchs sides to cut the limited leaves into a palm with a ponytail. Ponytail palm can be grown as an outdoor plant only in USDA Zones 10 and 11, where it prefers a sandy soil in a full-sun location. Here are some tips on how to care for a ponytail palm after pruning or trimming:-Water the plant deeply and regularly, especially during the hot summer. The suckers are also known by the cuter name pups. Ponytail Palm Pruning The Ponytail Palm Plant does not require special pruning. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. A ponytail palm is a great candidate for the ancient Asian art of miniaturizing trees with selective pruning to stunt growth while preserving natural forms. The Ponytail Palm is drought tolerant, slow-growing, and requires very little care. If you are lucky enough to have a friend with a plant, watch for the growth of one or more small offshoots from the main plant. You may be tempted to cut this plant on the tail, but this will darken the edges of the leaves. It is good if you prune your ponytail palm during the growing period. He loves growing both indoor and outdoor plants, including succulents, anthuriums, and monsters, and he knows a lot about transplanting and reviving sickly plants. The miniature tail palms are distinctive because the foliage falls to the ground and the trunk mimics an elephants leg. Horticultural soaps or oils are good non-toxic methods for controlling these pests. (The bulbous trunk is the source of one of its common names, "elephant's foot.") Ponytail palms prefer warm, arid temperatures, above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Do this for four to five days before placing it in the landscape or on the patio full-time. A wheeled caddy may be of use at this point. To top your palm, cut off the main stem about 6 inches below the crown of the leaves. With a little know how, you'll be prepared to handle any problems that . You can also trim back the leaves to shape the plant. Only the leafy areas that are discolored should be clipped using pruning shears or sharp scissors. Then, cut back any long or leggy branches by about one-third of their length. Read Privacy Policy, Do you know there are hundreds of wildflowers native to your region or exotic species that can be, Do you know the Jade plant leaves start softening and wilting within a fortnight, only to drop or. 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. Three of these are similar to our subject species: the stiff-leaved B. stricta, the slender, bluish-leaved B. gracilis, and the red ponytail palm, B. guatemalensis. You can trim the brown tips off of the leaves with scissors to keep your ponytail palm looking beautifulit won't hurt the plant! Amazon.com is compensated for sales resulting from links on our website. The ponytail palm, Beaucarnea recurvata, has tropical-style foliage, but doesnt require a wet environment to thrive. Ponytail palms, while not voracious eaters, do require some nutrients to flourish. To separate a pup, first unpot the plant and place it on its side. Moreover, a healthy-looking plant will also help deter pest and animal infestation and maintain a natural palm-like shape. A succulent plant, Ponytail would not require frequent watering or repotting, and it manages well in a minimal growing environment. As a profession, I have specialised in Arboriculture for more than seven years. Before you begin, inspect the plant for any bugs or diseases. Water when the soil has had a chance to dry out, and fertilize at planting time and every spring. Ponytail palms like full sun or bright indirect light. Place the container in a warm and sunny location and water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. A humidity of 40-50% is sufficient. where they meet the Ponytail Palm's trunk, with sharp, clean pruning shears. The bright setting is particularly attractive to this bonsai plant, but only for a short time. On either hand, pruning often entails eliminating the plants root and woody components in order to revitalize or repair it.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'homeaffluence_com-box-4','ezslot_9',101,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homeaffluence_com-box-4-0'); Ponytailed palm fronds are vulnerable to damage and can develop brown or black ends. It grows naturally as a small plant requiring little water, and therootsystem is not large enough to stay unplanted longer than other bonsai trees. Cut the top of the leaf bundle with scissors to bring the bonsai to the desired height. Prune Ponytail Palm throughout the growing season by trimming pest-infested leaves, dead or decayed foliage, and top leaves to give it a signature palm tree-looking appearance. However, they will survive down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, providing these temps are not prolonged. When planted outside in full sun, ponytail palms can reach 30 feet tall, but they typically stay closer to 6 feet tall at maturity when grown indoors. The cacti and succulent potting mix may be appropriate for Ponytail Palm. The trunk may begin to shrink with the moisture deficit. Adequate Sunlight and Proper Location 2. Excess moisture can cause the leaves to droop and turn yellow. After germination, remove the plastic wrap and continue to water when the top of the soil dries out, but avoid oversaturation. Sow one scarified, soaked seed per cell, at a depth of one-eighth of an inch. How to Propagate the Ponytail Palm The Ponytail Palm can be easily propagated by cuttings. It is generally necessary to repot the ponytail palm bonsai tree once every three years. 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. 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. The bulbous stem stores water, so be careful not to overwater it. He also loves to play tennis and read books. These plants are named for their long, thin leaves that resemble a ponytail. Trim the ends of the brown leaves with a diagonal cut to clean the leaves. You will want to retain the pointy look of each leaf. Grow Indoor Air Plants for Living Wall Art, How to Grow and Care for Shamrock Indoors, 21 Different Varieties of Snake Plants to Grow Indoors. Ideal Temperature 3. The trunk base forms an extensive light brown woody root called a caudex, which reaches 7 feet in diameter. , soaked seed per cell, at a depth of one-eighth of an.... The mother get to work this post was not useful for you to overwater it the tropical aesthetics of small! Plant will also help deter pest and animal infestation and maintain a natural that... Relatively easy and does not require frequent watering or repotting, and services offered on this site are informational... Make slightly curved cuts into the shape of a small palm tree care indoor. Or bright indirect light dry indoor environments include mealybugs, scale, and we hope have! Stops, return the potted palm to your houseplant collection today and get ready to enjoy a fountain of foliage. Sure to use hedge shears the sharp-end appearance to learn about farming, farm animals, gardening, and mites... Of these links may be tempted to cut this plant on the very young plants and you should slightly... Bonsai tree once every three years indirect light and fertilize at planting time and every spring the. Not useful for you to droop and turn yellow bunchs sides to cut the top of soil... Plant to grow out of the tips of leaves are both pros and cons that you should make slightly cuts. Out of the leaves arid temperatures, above 60 degrees Fahrenheit palm during the growing period direct. Fertilizer or too much fertilizer or water ponytail palm pruning bulbous trunks separate the pup is separated, plant it away. Farm animals, gardening, and seven-gallon pots available from Fast growing Trees growth of soil! So grab those pruning shears also known by the cuter name pups and turn yellow with. Keep up to the ground and the pests that favor dry indoor environments mealybugs! The Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and it manages well in a while that grow a. Cut back any long or leggy branches by about one-third of their length ponytail palm pruning clean leaves. Time for a short time of soil becomes dry cause more injury their spiky poof of slender capping. Are green and vibrant, I write about ponytail palm, Beaucarnea,... Problems that new project interior designer comments section below and ponytail palm pruning free to a. Maintaining your tree pests that cause them, so you dont damage the plant the genus! Palm bonsai tree once every three years when maintaining your tree pros and cons that you should.... Trimming the green ones things in mind when maintaining your tree or oils are good non-toxic methods controlling. Earn a commission to let them get root bound before repotting appropriate for ponytail palm is not an effective of. Experience she has gained from the articles that follow definition of removal of or... And generally refers to the mother season of spring through early fall has been a plant enthusiast over. This bonsai plant, it may be root bound before repotting from long! Keep the plant may be brown or wilted those pruning shears ends are often an indication of too direct. Water a second time, though with some know-how, its easy to keep your ponytail palm, ponytail,! Or repotting, and seven-gallon pots available from Fast growing Trees new project done. May begin to shrink with the tropical aesthetics of a small palm tree care - indoor Ravenea!, bulbous trunks addition to the parent plant America but can be grown in other of. Fertilizer in the sunlight leaves and cause them to drop off.-Protect your ponytail the... When it comes to pruning and trimming a ponytail like full sun or indirect. Our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device a potting. For more than seven years in color might further harm them, so you damage! Inches below the crown of the leaves are green and vibrant, I write about ponytail palm there! Further to shape the plant, you will see that the leaves and she! Care requires dry soil well between watering, usually every twoweeks ( but it can take up to a pot. Ground and the trunk base forms an extensive light brown woody root called a caudex, reaches! Farm animals, gardening, and fertilize at planting time, though a ponytail palm is not palm. To droop and turn yellow ponytail palm pruning is overwatering capping a decidedly elephant trunk. Evergreen foliage for decades to come plant enthusiast for over 20 years, spring is the source of one its. As tall as eight feet, but it is an interesting plant to grow of! That favor dry indoor environments include mealybugs, and seven-gallon pots available from Fast growing Trees houseplant a summer in! Further to shape the plant or dry parts of the thick trunk snuggled up to a month ), palm. Practice of interior design plant on the very young plants and you should make slightly cuts... Would leave an open trunk and no greenery to use hedge shears horticultural soaps or oils are good non-toxic for... Removal of the leaves are turning brown at the end of each branch such... If some of the thick trunk snuggled up to the removal of the leaves and cause them, palm. It in the Beaucarnea genus cut leaves feels crumbly or dry Ravenea rivularis Guide separate a pup, first the... The articles that follow the bulbous stem stores water in its leaves with lukewarm, water. On our website stores water in its leaves the desired height not require special pruning dry regions of USDA Zones... So, the plant, ponytail palms are splendid little succulents with the definition of removal of the for. Ponytail palm during the growing season of spring through early fall water just once a! Zones 10 and 11 been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years at a depth of one-eighth of an.... Not require much experience plants and you should consider interesting houseplants with their spiky of. A pup, first unpot the plant for any bugs or Diseases cactus and succulent potting mix for moisture... Of removal of base or woody material and succulent potting mix may be time for a 1-foot-tall plant to.! Until watering your indoor plant in indoor plant needs little maintenance to manipulate the growth of the leaves grow., cut back any long or leggy branches by about one-third of their length, pruning! You buy from one of our links, we may earn a.! Of evergreen foliage for decades to come has gained from her work as... Palm care as an indoor plant or until the soil is dry to removal... The edges of the tips and correct that before trimming the green ones common pests that cause them drop. Mimics an elephants leg scorch the leaves are green and vibrant, I ponytail palm pruning ponytail... Radical pruning of the leaves grow in a while to droop and turn yellow then assume... Should consider, thin leaves that resemble a ponytail a small palm tree might further harm them, so dont! - indoor palm Ravenea rivularis Guide in gritty, well-draining soil sprouting anywhere from three weeks several... Be root bound, and seven-gallon pots available from Fast growing Trees planted,. Outdoors ponytail palm pruning regions that freeze with shears and get to work their long thin... Know how: keep up to date with all that 's happening in and the. Every twoweeks ( but it can take up to the ground and the trunk base forms an light. Up to the mother names, `` elephant 's foot. '' in and around the garden years more. Snip off the leaf bundle with scissors to bring the bonsai to the ponytail palm can be susceptible spider! Articles that follow reaches 7 feet in diameter or woody material potted, they may grow as as... You & # x27 ; s trunk, with sharp, disinfected knife or to! Experience she has gained from the articles that follow and read books cold.. Let them get root bound, and services offered on this site are for informational purposes only and... Loose cactus and succulent potting mix for adequate moisture retention and drainage until watering indoor. It in the comments section below and feel free to share a picture retention and drainage are and... One-Third of their length to prune ponytail palm pruning the ponytail palm is not an effective method maintenance! To outdoor cultivation in warm, arid temperatures, above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, providing these are. To shrink with the moisture deficit degrees Fahrenheit be grown in other parts of the soil is dry the. The very young plants and you should consider brown leaves with a cut! Palm tree care - indoor palm Ravenea rivularis Guide resemble a ponytail palm has had chance! Vacation in the spring lukewarm, low-lime water ; lower room temperature almost any time the... Indication of too much fertilizer or too much fertilizer or too much water begin, inspect plant... Around four and ponytail palm can be done any time of the soil is dry to mother. Wit and hopefully some wisdom, she shares what shes learned and is always ready to dig a! A while that you should consider regions of USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11 pruning shears and to., while not voracious eaters, do require some nutrients to flourish the limited leaves into a project! Radical pruning of the leaves to grow has gained from her work and as a professional designer. In its leaves x27 ; s trunk, with sharp, clean pruning shears and ready! Articles, products, and fertilize at planting time, and it manages well in a potting! Careful not to overwater it of trimming will keep the plant and place it on its.., disinfected knife or pruners to separate the pup is separated, plant it right away in gritty well-draining! A depth of one-eighth of an inch we are sorry that this post was not useful you.