Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
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The ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) is a unique, low-maintenance plant known for its bulbous trunk and long, cascading leaves, making it an attractive choice for indoor and outdoor gardening.
For potted indoor plants, water a ponytail palm during the growing season every seven to 14 days. The bulbous stem stores water, so be careful not to overwater it. During the winter season, cut back watering to monthly.
Propagating Ponytail Palms
You can propagate ponytail palms from seed, but it is easier to wait for the plant to develop an offset to propagate. Generally, however, this is a difficult task to master because of a lack of roots on the offsets.
For potted indoor plants, water a ponytail palm during the growing season every seven to 14 days. The bulbous stem stores water, so be careful not to overwater it. During the winter season, cut back watering to monthly.
Propagating Ponytail Palms
You can propagate ponytail palms from seed, but it is easier to wait for the plant to develop an offset to propagate. Generally, however, this is a difficult task to master because of a lack of roots on the offsets.
- One the ponytail palm develops offsets ("pups") from the base, you can remove and pot them individually (you can also propagate the plant when it is about 4-5 inches in height).
- Once a root has developed, cut it away from the plant with a clean knife.
- Let the pup dry out for a day to close and prevent rot.
- Use a rooting hormone to stimulate new root growth on the offset. A ponytail palm rarely (if ever) flowers indoors to produce viable seeds.
- Place the pup in its own pot about 1/3 of the way down. Either pack the soil in or use rocks to keep it in place.