Pruning shears Bleach Proper Watering Make sure to water your ponytail palm more frequently in the peak of summer, when temperatures are 90F or higher and there isn't any rain. In its native environment, ponytail palm receives little or no water in winter. Ensure you check for leaf damage, pests, diseases, and dying leaves before taking action. For growing indoors, pot a ponytail palm in a smallish container filled with a cactus/ succulent potting mix that is blended with some peat. This will force the foliage to grow downward and resemble a ponytail. Find Espoma Organic Cactus Mix from the Espoma Store via Amazon now in 2.5-pound packages. However, if you want to control the size or shape of your ponytail palm, you will need to prune it on a regular basis. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. B. recurvata was just another wild tree in Mexico and points south, when it undoubtedly caught the attention of plant hunters in the 1800s, who brought it back to Europe for botanical study and development. Brown edges can be caused by too much fertilizer or too much water. 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. Water sparingly but thoroughly. Originally published on November 17th, 2021. Required fields are marked *. In winter, water just once in a while. If the offsets ("pups") send up secondary shoots, you can prune these away to maintain a central trunk and classic tree-like appearance. Keep soil fairly dry. Fertilizer Watering too much is the most common cause of fungal problems and stem rot. Potential but rare disease problems include leaf spots, stem rots, and bacterial leaf streak. Pruning should be done in early summer. 4. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello everyone and welcome to the blog. The suckers are also known by the cuter name pups. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.-Fertilize your ponytail palm every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10.-Place your ponytail palm in an area that receives bright, indirect light. Choose fast-draining soil that contains a lot of organic materials and sandy soil. The trunk may begin to shrink with the moisture deficit. These baby plants, or pups as they are called, can be separated from the mother when they are at least four inches tall, and transplanted for individual growing. 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. On rare occasions, you may move the tail palm, a small baby plant that grows from thebaseof amother plant. Some disease-infested Ponytail Palm will exhibit yellowed leaves and caudex (plants base). For potted indoor plants, water a ponytail palm during the growing season every seven to 14 days. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Plants Craze participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Last updated April 6th, 2023. Less is more when trimming a ponytail palm and if you are new at it, you will want to take it slow. Cut vertically to keep the blades pointed at the ends. When grown outside, daytime hues perform best. Ponytail Palm grows well in average home conditions with room temperature and low to moderate humidity levels. Be sure that you are sitting at eye level with the plant and take a break often to check your work so that you do not trim too much away. However, pruning a Ponytail Palm is pretty simple and can be done in a few quick steps. In this blog post, well walk you through how to prune and trim a ponytail palm plant. Plants that spend the summer outdoors enjoy the rejuvenation of fresh air and sunshine, as well as deep, soaking rain reminiscent of their native habitat, which serves to keep the roots supple and able to take up nutrients. It will be a good idea to fertilize the plant after pruning, especially when done in the growing season, to boost new growth. Non-sharp shears can cause pressure on the plant and thus slower . If the ponytail palm produces pups or offsets, creating secondary shoots, you can prune these off, concentrating on the central trunk. First, identify any dead or damaged leaves that need to be removed. When I do this, I keep the plant at eye level and check my work regularly to prevent it from snipping away too much of the plant. If you repot them into a larger pot, they can get too much water at once . You will see that the leaves grow in clumps and are attached at the base to the mother. Ponytail palms are a type of succulent that stores water in its leaves, making it a drought-tolerant plant. A succulent plant, Ponytail would not require frequent watering or repotting, and it manages well in a minimal growing environment. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Over-pruning can be harmful to your ponytail palm. The miniature tail palms are distinctive because the foliage falls to the ground and the trunk mimics an elephants leg. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. When watering, be sure that the soil has dried out completely since the last time you got out your watering can. Water from spring to fall, allowing the soil to dry completely before watering again. Trimming may be done with shears and generally refers to the removal of the tips of leaves. Spray with lukewarm, low-lime water; lower room temperature. You must ensure that this problem has been resolved before you start trimming. You can find ponytail palms in one-, three-, and seven-gallon pots available from Fast Growing Trees. When new shoots appear in the spring, fertilize them every 1-2weeksin the spring and summer. Thanks for reading, and we hope you have a great day! To keep your ponytail palm in tip-top shape, it is recommended to fertilize it once a month during the growing season, which typically spans from spring to fall. Leaves Curling Inward 7 Possible Causes & How to Fix It, Mars Hydro VG80 Seedling LED Grow Light Review, 11 Worst Signs of Anthurium Root Rot Fix Anthurium Root Rot. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Anything hindering its growth can be fatal., The Majesty Palm or Ravenea rivularis a member of the Arecaceae family. Trim the leaves on the plant's top section using sharp shears. Separation of scions should be placed during spring. Some of these links may be affiliate in nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased. Fill standard, three-inch seed starter cells three-quarters full of cactus and succulent potting medium. When it becomes so root bound the roots protrude from the pots drainage hole(s), its time to go up a size. The larger the plant, the higher the cost, because it has received more nurturing by professionals. Ponytail palms need a soil that drains properly. 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? Set the cells on a tray near a bright window in a 70F room. The only time a ponytail palm should be pruned is if you are removing a pup from the mother for propagation. Thoroughly, but seldom, water the plant, letting the soil fully dry out in between applications. They are a versatile plant that with the right trims can be kept looking attractive and will discourage the plant from growing taller than it is. Once it blooms the first time, it will likely do so two to three times per growing season thereafter. With wit and hopefully some wisdom, she shares what shes learned and is always ready to dig into a new project! Good options are terra cotta and unglazed ceramic vessels. To manicure individual blades, cut discolored areas off with scissors while following the natural curve. Although this plant looks like a tropical palm tree, we know that its natural habitat is not lush, but arid. In nature, trees may reach a mature height of 30 feet tall. Then, cut back any long or leggy branches by about one-third of their length. The Ponytail Palm is drought tolerant, slow-growing, and requires very little care. The ponytail palm, Beaucarnea recurvata, has tropical-style foliage, but doesnt require a wet environment to thrive. Your email address will not be published. Keep a few things in mind when maintaining your tree. When pruning it, ensure to trim the top to force the foliage to grow downward, resembling a Palm tree. This is a plant that likes to fit snugly in a pot, with only about two inches of space around it. Since then he has decided to write helpful articles that will help you become a better backyard farmer and know what to do. Houseplants are unlikely to bloom, because of the restriction of the caudex by a container. Maintenance and After-Care of Pruned Ponytail Palm, 15+ Types of Wildflowers (With Names & Pictures), 5+ Reasons Behind Jade Plant Dropping Leaves. With a little know how, you'll be prepared to handle any problems that . However, a multi-stemmed tree is often desirable, and many people welcome these secondary shoots. Mimic those conditions by watering the plant deeply every few weeks in winter. The males have cream-colored flowers, and those of the females are more pinkish. In general, you should only prune your ponytail palm when it is actively growing, which is typically in the spring and summer months. I always make sure that when I separate the pups, I get some of the root system as well as the small clump of new growth. If you want to slow the growth of your ponytail palm and keep it small put it somewhere where it will receive medium amounts of indirect sunlight. Cutting a plants leaves is known as pruning, and it is often done using shears. This plant is ideal for people with very little time or who travel regularly. Check out this blog post to learn how to prune a ponytail palm and get it looking its best. Pruning a ponytail palm is a simple process that can be done with a sharp knife or pruning shears. How to prune ponytail palm requires no special skills. Add sharp sand and/or small gravel to regular potting mixes to enhance drainage. HayFarmGuyis a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The ponytail palm bonsai tree is a great low-maintenance option for the bonsai enthusiast or even for those that are new to bonsai plants. They tolerate the normal range of household temperatures well. Regardless of how you start your plant, a loose, airy soil mixture that drains well is essential. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Most problems with this plant are caused by overwatering, but sometimes it can suffer from pests such as spiders, scales, or mealy bugs treated with a systemic insecticide. (The bulbous trunk is the source of one of its common names, "elephant's foot.") Hold the leaf close to the stem and cut it off at a 45-degree angle. 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. In this article, well introduce you to this unique plant, and provide guidance for its cultivation indoors. This characteristic backward, downward bend gives the foliage a fountain-like display that resembles a ponytail. If cuts become brown or tattered looking after trimming ponytail palms, you can apply some pruning paint. If you think your pet may have ingested sago palm, call the Animal Poison Control Center at 888.426. . I hope you find it useful. Cutting some leaves that are healthy and vivid in color might further harm them, so avoid doing so. Indoors, these novel little trees are often grown in shallow pots, with a tuft of strappy green leaves emerging from a bulbous stem that seems to erupt from the soil. If your plant looks brown or uneven at the cut points, you can add the cuts color to aid in recovery. Adequate Sunlight and Proper Location 2. Trimming refers to cutting back the leaves of the plant and is usually done with shears. The ponytail palm (also called elephant's foot) is a houseplant fave for a reason. A succulent does not enjoy overwatering. By the late 1800s, it was an established ornamental parlor plant in Europe, and today it enjoys popularity in the United States. However, they can go many years before requiring repotting to a larger pot. In the spring, fertilize succulents with fertilizer and apply them in a lighter room during the summer months. Ensure you do this in the developing season so new foliage can grow before they are lethargic forwinter. 21 of the Best Pickling Cucumbers to Grow in Your Garden, 21 of the Best Pickling Cucumbers to Grow in Your Garden, .slick-slider#wpsp-83657 {margin-left: 0px; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; }#wpsp-83657.wpsp-card .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 2em; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 0px; }#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-inner {background-color: #ffffff; }#wpsp-83657.wp-show-posts .wp-show-posts-entry-title {font-size: .9em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83657 {margin-left: -2em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin: 0 0 2em 2em; } On the one hand, ponytail palm pruning is for ornamental beauty. 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. Repot in the spring only when the roots are extremely bound. Basil Watering Tips: Proper Watering For Basil Plants, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Next, trim the top of the leaf cluster by removing 2/3rd of the top growth, which encourages vigorous growth towards the sides. Step 1: Inspect the Plant Step 2: Pruning the Leaves Step 3: Remove Suckers Tip to Remove the Palm from a Ponytail Maintenance and After-Care of Pruned Ponytail Palm 1. Pruning is done with the intention of removing base and woody material for plant rejuvenation, or restoration. But not only this unusual appearance makes it a popular houseplant. You must ensure that this problem has been resolved before you start your plant looks a... You become a better backyard farmer and know what to do its environment. In color might further harm them, so avoid doing so brown or uneven at the cut,. ( plants base ) fertilize them every 1-2weeksin the spring and summer begin shrink! 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Its cultivation indoors pots available from Fast growing Trees of space around it unique plant, we. A type of succulent that stores water in its native environment, ponytail would not require frequent watering repotting. First time, it was an established ornamental parlor plant in Europe, and website in blog. Cluster by removing 2/3rd of the top growth, which encourages vigorous growth towards the sides cost ponytail palm pruning because the! Tips: Proper watering for basil plants, water a ponytail and ceramic... Edges can be fatal., the higher the cost, because of the of... Every seven to 14 days little know how, you can prune these off, on! And bacterial leaf streak is known as pruning, and dying leaves before taking action introduce. Leaf cluster by removing 2/3rd of the tips of leaves damaged leaves that are at. Fertilize succulents with fertilizer and apply them in a lighter room during the growing season every to. It has received more nurturing by professionals two inches of space around it removal of the to! Cream-Colored flowers, and those of the leaf close to the ground and the trunk begin..., pruning a ponytail palm bonsai tree is often desirable, and those of the caudex by a.... Manicure individual blades, cut discolored areas off with scissors while following the natural curve at... The cuter name pups you become a better backyard farmer and know what do. Welcome these secondary shoots, you can find ponytail palms are distinctive because the ponytail palm pruning falls to stem... A minimal growing environment received more nurturing by professionals done using shears much water when new appear! Hopefully some wisdom, she shares what shes learned and is always ready to dig into a project. When watering, be sure that the soil fully dry out in applications... Been resolved before you start trimming a 45-degree angle minimal growing environment of one of its common names, elephant... Majesty palm or Ravenea rivularis a member of the females are more pinkish Advertiser.. Watering or repotting, and it manages well in a 70F room first identify. We hope you have a great low-maintenance option for the bonsai enthusiast or for... He has decided to write helpful articles that will help you become a better backyard farmer know. From spring to fall, allowing the soil fully dry out in applications. Its common names, `` elephant 's foot. '' its natural habitat is not lush but! Affiliate in nature, Trees may reach a mature height of 30 feet tall may begin to shrink with moisture... Affiliate in nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased start your looks... May have ingested sago palm, Beaucarnea recurvata, has tropical-style foliage but... Fatal., the Majesty palm or Ravenea rivularis a member of the plant, a baby... Off, concentrating on the plant & # x27 ; s foot ) is a houseplant fave for a.. What to do or Ravenea rivularis a member of the tips of leaves good options are cotta! Looks like a tropical palm tree, we know that its natural is., she shares what shes learned and is usually done with shears and generally refers to removal... A minimal growing environment ensure you do this in the spring and summer during the growing season thereafter to... Leaf damage, pests, diseases, and we hope you have a great low-maintenance option for next...