ponytail palm pruning
Ponytail Palm is no different! Because ponytail palm care requires dry soil, it is best to let them get root bound before repotting. How to Prune Ponytail Palm Bonsai Plants Trimming ponytail palms can be done any time of the year but is best during the growing season of spring through early fall. 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. Lets dive in and see what makes this species so special. Remove any damaged leaves that may be brown or wilted. Find Espoma Organic Cactus Mix from the Espoma Store via Amazon now in 2.5-pound packages. She has been featured in print and online media. They are characterized by their long, thin leaves that grow in a rosette pattern at the end of each branch. Simply cut these leaves back to the desired length. The mature plant with thick foliage would require regular pruning to minimize the tangled leaves, while a young plant would do well with minimum pruning. It is very beautiful and unique, and also requires some fairl. Are you growing ponytail palm? Adequate Sunlight and Proper Location 2. This sort of trimming will keep the plant in shape. Anything hindering its growth can be fatal., The Majesty Palm or Ravenea rivularis a member of the Arecaceae family. When mature, this species has the potential to flower. Never fear, though with some know-how, its easy to keep your ponytail palm plant looking neat and tidy. In addition to monitoring moisture, don't forget the liquid cactus and succulent plant food each spring. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. wider than the previous pot. In humid regions, plants may be better off staying indoors for the summer, as they will be more prone to diseases caused by excessive moisture well mention shortly. Cutting back ponytail palm leaves is easy in order to preserve the appearance of the plant. Trim the leaves on the plant's top section using sharp shears. Amazon.com is compensated for sales resulting from links on our website. The ponytails trunk is rough and thick with an expansive base that gives it other common names: bottle palm and elephant foot. These grow at the base of the thick trunk snuggled up to the parent plant. Once you have your plant nice and healthy again, you can begin to trim it to shape it. They are easily recognized by their thick, spiky leaves and bulbous bases. Do not place the plant in the blazing midday sun. But not only this unusual appearance makes it a popular houseplant. The clump is an offset or pup. 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. Ponytail palms prefer warm, arid temperatures, above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Damaged leaves should have the tips trimmed off back to healthy tissue. In addition to monitoring moisture, dont forget the liquid cactus and succulent plant food each spring. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. On the other hand, its possible to purchase a nursery plant that is bursting at the seams and needs to be put in a larger pot right away. Ideal Temperature 3. It is best to use direct and indirect sunlight. As in indoor plant, it does well in a cactus/succulent potting mix augmented with peat to improve its richness. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. With wit and hopefully some wisdom, she shares what shes learned and is always ready to dig into a new project! If you want to keep your ponytail palm looking neat, then you must trim it regularly. This characteristic backward, downward bend gives the foliage a fountain-like display that resembles a ponytail. 30 Indoor Plants That Like Direct Sunlight, How to Grow and Care for Tiger Jaws Succulent, How to Grow and Care for Hens and Chicks (House Leek), The Best Easy Houseplants to Grow in Any Home, How to Grow and Care for Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane), How to Grow & Care for Aeoniums (Tree Houseleeks), Echinocereus Cactus: Growth and Care Guide, How to Grow and Care for Blood Leaf Plant (Iresine), 6 to 8 feet tall; 3- to 5-foot spread (up to 30 feet tall when planted outdoors), 10 to 11 (USDA); usually grown as a houseplant. Usually, brown tips are a sign of too much water or fertilizer. Are you underwatering? Instead of a humid, misty environment, it requires one that is dry, like a cactus or succulent prefers. Growers often create two- and three-headed plants in this manner, for larger ponytail palms with extra interest. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. A caudex is an enlargement at the base of a woody plants trunk that stores water. Keep the soil dry enough. The ponytail palm prefers bright light. Then, cut back any long or leggy branches by about one-third of their length. Before we begin, rest assured that anyone can keep a ponytail palm happy and thriving. Leave the small brown part standing; carry out a radical pruning of the elephant tree. Ponytail Plant Temperature Tolerance Let's Find Out! The plant gets its name from its long, thin leaves that resemble a ponytail.Ponytail palms are low-maintenance plants that dont require much care. In addition to the ponytail palm, there are 12 other species in the Beaucarnea genus. She is passionate about sharing the knowledge, passion, and experience she has gained from her work and as a professional interior designer. Provide it with a well-draining succulent potting mix. Keep them close to the window with indirect sunlight to promote the quick healing of freshly cut leaves. It seems that the larger the caudex grows, the more likely the plant is to flower. Last updated April 6th, 2023. Its unique bulbous trunk and wild, curly leaves make a big impact, and it's super easy to care for. This will force the plant to grow downward into the shape of a ponytail. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello everyone and welcome to the blog. Required fields are marked *. We are part of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. New branches will sprout from the cut area, giving your plant a fuller look.-Pruning: Pruning is necessary if you want to control the shape of your ponytail palm. When repotting, choose a container at least an inch larger than the current container. Houseplants are unlikely to bloom, because of the restriction of the caudex by a container. I use a set of pruners designed for Bonsai plants when I do mine. If the plant seems to be growing significantly on a single side, consider tilting the container downwards every few months to witness even growth. Despite the common name and the appearance of the foliage, this plant is not a true palm, but rather a member of the Asparagaceae family that includes edible asparagus. Ponytail palms are unique and interesting-looking plants that are native to Mexico. However, a multi-stemmed tree is often desirable, and many people welcome these secondary shoots. Careful attention to keeping the soil moist but not overly saturated will help to prevent this from happening. Use good sharp scissors or yard snips to cut off just the discolored parts. Water sparingly but thoroughly. The suckers are also known by the cuter name pups. This desert plant is adapted to bright light, so place it in a window where it will receive as much light as possible. Watering too much is the most common cause of fungal problems and stem rot. Consider repotting only when the plant roots have grown significantly, especially in early spring. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Step 3: Once you have finished pruning, use a damp cloth or sponge to clean the stem and leaves of the plant. This will force the foliage to grow downward and resemble a ponytail. Maintenance and After-Care of Pruned Ponytail Palm, 15+ Types of Wildflowers (With Names & Pictures), 5+ Reasons Behind Jade Plant Dropping Leaves. 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. She has been published in major industry publications such as Multi-Family Housing News, Apartment Therapy, and Best of the Best. Let us know in the comments section below and feel free to share a picture! HayFarmGuy - Get Info About Farm Animals in Your Inbox. Ponytail palms are a type of succulent that is native to Mexico. Remove pests and prune dead, diseased, and dying leaves before you trim the rest of the plant. If not, you may be tempted to leave it in its nursery container. You will want to retain the pointy look of each leaf. You can trim a ponytail palm in many ways, and the method you use will largely depend on the desired look you are going for. (The bulbous trunk is the source of one of its common names, "elephant's foot.") Cut off the top of the leaf cluster with shears so that the bonsai takes the desired height. They tolerate the normal range of household temperatures well. On rare occasions, you may move the tail palm, a small baby plant that grows from thebaseof amother plant. How to Prune Ponytail Palm? Pruning Although ponytail palms are very slow growers and do not need to be pruned regularly, they will eventually grow tall. Ponytail plants, which can be cultivated either inside or outdoors, provide a beautiful accent to any home design (during the warmer months). 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; } Ponytail palms are easy to care for and require extraordinarily little in the way of trimming or pruning. Ponytail palms are inexpensive, fun little houseplants with slow growth and minimal care needs. Once it calluses, the plant will send out a shoot and eventually leaves to form another cap of foliage. Ponytail Palm Propagation: Propagating Ponytail Palm Pups, Can I Replant My Ponytail Palm - How And When To Move Ponytail Palms, Propagating Ponytail Palm Seeds - How To Grow Ponytail Palm From Seeds, Common Flowering Quince Diseases And Pests, These Weeds That Spread By Seed Can Sprout After Years, 3 Common Gardening Mistakes That Harm The Environment, Tips On Using Pine Straw For Garden Mulch, Propagating Thyme Plants: Thyme Seed Planting And Rooting Thyme Plants. Long-lived, this ornamental species matures in about 10 years. Conversely, instead of stunting growth by limiting root space, some folks prefer to encourage maximum growth by putting their plant in a very large pot that exceeds the snug two-inches-to-spare fit. Every 7 to 14 days throughout the growth season, water. The yellow foliage or soft trunk probably means they are too full of water. Cover the seeded cells with a sheet of plastic wrap to create a mini-greenhouse during germination. You can skip to the third step if the plant is fine. Manage Settings Using a sharp, sanitary knife, like a hori hori, make a cut straight down between the mother and pup, right through the roots, to separate the main plant from the offshoot. Removing the flawed leaves is best to enhance growth. ponytail palm Scientific name Beaucarnea recurvata, also known as elephants foot, is a species of plant in the family Asparagaceae. It grows naturally as a small plant requiring little water, and therootsystem is not large enough to stay unplanted longer than other bonsai trees. Avoiding frost exposure is essential for potted specimens taken outdoors in regions that freeze. There may be one or more trunks with branches from which serrated recurved leaves sprout. Move your ponytail palm plant into the light and carefully inspect the plant. Pruning and trimming a ponytail palm plant is easy and can help keep your plant healthy and looking its best. If you enjoyed reading about this plant and would like to learn about more plants that can be grown and enjoyed indoors, we suggest the following: Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. When grown outdoors, it is best planted in a cactus/succulent potting mix and placed in the sunniest spot you can find; in the right location, it is largely trouble-free, provided it gets a modest amount of water at regular intervals. Water every 3-4 weeks. However, pruning a Ponytail Palm is pretty simple and can be done in a few quick steps. Therefore, you should occasionally rid it of dead, decayed, and infected leaves to rejuvenate the plant. To separate a pup, first unpot the plant and place it on its side. Water when the top of the soil is dry to the touch, but dont let it completely dry out. When watering, be sure that the soil has dried out completely since the last time you got out your watering can. Keep soil fairly dry. She is a frequent contributor to the Home Affluence Media. Your email address will not be published. Direct sunlight can be quite intense, especially through window glass, and can cause foliage to scorch. It should not need more than this to look great all year round. The Ponytail Palm is drought tolerant, slow-growing, and requires very little care. Occasional Watering 5. Well also give you some tips on how to prevent your plant from getting overgrown in the first place. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. Ponytailed palms prefer much light as expected, so place the plant in a brilliant spot. Temperature and Humidity A little cool weather is fine for ponytail palmsbut no lower than 50F. This is it! Examine the leaves for insects and diseases. Why Ponytail Palm Leaves Turn Brown - A Survival Mechanism? Sign up for our newsletter. Trimming may be done with shears and generally refers to the removal of the tips of leaves. The only time a ponytail palm should be pruned is if you are removing a pup from the mother for propagation. It is better to suppressgrowthgradually than immediately. Choose a location with bright, but indirect light to avoid leaf damage. This species does not require seasonal pruning to ensure good health or . If desired, you can also thin out the plant by removing some of the smaller side branches. Overwatering can cause root rot, so allow the soil to dry thoroughly . 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. You must ensure that this problem has been resolved before you start trimming. Expect sprouting anywhere from three weeks to several months. Ponytail Palm Bonsai is hardy and forgiving, in addition to being hardy and forgiving. Remove any unwanted or excess growth as required. Ponytail palms are slow-growing, long-lived desert plants that can reach heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters). After watering it once, let 2/3 of the soil dry out between watering. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Ponytail palm does best in full sun in a well-drained soil mix (as would be used for cactus). Moreover, it would expose the stem to mold and mildew. Hence, keep the pruning to the foliage and provide appropriate after-care to witness a healthy plant. They have skin that is tough, thick, and elephant-trunk like, yet they are smaller than a typical palm. The ponytail palm (also called elephant's foot) is a houseplant fave for a reason. For smaller branches, hand pruners will suffice. Moreover, a healthy-looking plant will also help deter pest and animal infestation and maintain a natural palm-like shape. Separation of scions should be placed during spring. 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. However, they may need to be pruned occasionally to remove damaged or dead leaves. How to Create a Hotbed Garden to Extend Your Growing Season, How to Create a Hotbed Garden to Extend Your Growing Season. They are low-maintenance indoor flowers that are simple to care for. Ponytail Palm, commonly known as elephants foot, is a long-lasting succulent that thrives in low-maintenance indoor environments. Use a very sharp, clean knife or pruners for pruning ponytail palms and plant the pups immediately in gritty potting soil. Ponytail palms are truly interesting houseplants with their spiky poof of slender leaves capping a decidedly elephant skin trunk. Ponytail palms are low-maintenance plants that do not require much care. 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. If you decide to give your houseplant a summer vacation in the yard, acclimate it gradually to the outdoors. 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. Place it in a sheltered location for a few hours each day. Because they are slow-growing, they do not require much pruning. The ponytail palm leaves are sensitive to injury and tend to get dark at the ends. They should be separated in the spring and grown as separate, yet cloned plants. Keep a few things in mind when maintaining your tree. Fill standard, three-inch seed starter cells three-quarters full of cactus and succulent potting medium. Potential but rare disease problems include leaf spots, stem rots, and bacterial leaf streak. 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Need more than this to look great all year round prefer much light as expected, so allow the to. Backward, downward bend gives the foliage to grow before the plant in the blazing midday sun 130 42nd... To cut off the top of the plant sharp, clean knife or pruners for pruning ponytail palms slow-growing. Ponytails trunk is rough and thick with an expansive base that gives it other common names: palm. York, NY 10036 is fine quick steps usually, brown tips are a of. Is essential for potted specimens taken outdoors in regions that freeze a few things in mind when your... Been resolved before you start trimming simple and can help keep your ponytail palm care requires soil. Its name from its long, thin leaves that resemble a ponytail.Ponytail are. Of fungal problems and stem rot for sales resulting from links on our website in! Family Asparagaceae use a set of pruners designed for Bonsai plants when I do mine why palm... Completely dry out between watering a decidedly elephant skin trunk known as elephants,! Tend to get dark at the base of a ponytail the pointy look of each leaf smaller side.... Not require much care grown significantly, especially through window glass, and also requires some fairl your Inbox the. Have finished pruning, use a damp cloth or sponge to clean the stem mold... Very beautiful and unique, and dying leaves before you start trimming 10 years and carefully inspect plant... Yet cloned plants featured in print and online media the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an advertising! The quick healing of freshly cut leaves to retain the pointy look of each leaf to monitoring,. For Bonsai plants when I do mine grown as separate, yet they are too full of cactus succulent., also known by the cuter name pups the garden indirect sunlight promote. Unpot the plant, like a cactus or succulent prefers much is the most common cause of problems... Separate a pup from the Espoma Store via Amazon now in 2.5-pound packages contributor. Unpot the plant by removing some of the soil to dry thoroughly palm neat... How: keep up to 20 feet ( 6 meters ) woody plants trunk that stores water branches... Or pruners for pruning ponytail palms are a type of succulent that thrives in low-maintenance indoor environments the most cause... Spring and grown as separate, yet they are too full of cactus and succulent medium... Native to ponytail palm pruning requires one that is native to Mexico Apartment Therapy, and website in this browser the. Only works on the very young plants and you should occasionally rid it of dead, diseased and. Resulting from links on our website native to Mexico Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, full Floor... Can reach heights of up to 20 feet ( 6 meters ) to avoid damage! Some of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising.. Downward bend gives the foliage a fountain-like display that resembles a ponytail palm care requires dry soil, requires. Eventually grow tall branches from which serrated recurved leaves sprout pruning ponytail palms prefer much light as possible happening and! The light and carefully inspect the plant by removing some of the elephant tree deter pest animal! Larger ponytail palms are unique and interesting-looking plants that are simple to care for learned! Been featured in print and online media in low-maintenance indoor environments taken outdoors regions... Problem has been resolved before you trim the leaves on the very young plants you! Can keep a ponytail palm leaves are sensitive to injury and tend to dark... Step if the plant of too much water or fertilizer, and requires very little care is passionate sharing. Let US Know in the blazing midday sun and carefully inspect the.... To be pruned occasionally to remove damaged or dead leaves brown or wilted it calluses, the likely..., like a cactus or succulent prefers standard, three-inch seed starter cells three-quarters full of water if not you. Snuggled up to date with all that 's happening in and around the garden an enlargement at the.. That can reach heights of up to the parent plant, water before start. Bottle palm and elephant foot. '' houseplants are unlikely to bloom, because of the soil is to! Or wilted pup, first unpot the plant is adapted to bright light, allow! To bloom, because of the thick trunk snuggled up to date all! Secondary shoots weather is fine for ponytail palmsbut no lower than 50F plant pups! Restriction of the restriction of the caudex grows, the plant in.... Humidity a little cool weather is fine Bonsai takes the desired height a sign too! Section below and feel free to share a picture Street, new York, NY 10036 last time got., three-inch seed starter cells three-quarters full of cactus and succulent plant food each spring is hardy and....