Care Sheet - Beaucarnea “Ponytail Palm”
Beaucarnea sp. - “Ponytail Palm”
Light: Thrives near full, direct sun (southern / western exposure) or directly in morning sun (eastern window). Ponytail palms prefer to have as much light as possible. To ensure even foliage growth, rotate regularly.
Water: Check for water every 10-14 days, allowing the soil to dry one-third to one-half of the soil’s depth before watering. Avoid over-watering as ponytail palms do not like to sit in moist soil for long periods of time. Occasional misting will help prevent leaf edges from drying out, and is a good way to clean off dust. In the winter and in less-intense light, it will require much less water.
Environment: Beaucarnea are actually a desert/succulent plant, more similar to Yucca or Agave, not palms. They prefer mild humidity. Keep away from drafts and heat or a/c vents.
Toxicity: Reported to be non-toxic to humans and pets but not to be considered edible.
Of Note:
- Using a fast draining soil, such as cacti and succulent specific potting mix and a planter with drainage holes is beneficial.
- If the tips of the leaves turn brown, they can be trimmed off. Brown tips are usually caused by too much water, too little water, or too much fertilizer. So be aware of your care patterns.
*When planting in a pot without a drainage hole, avoid over watering by estimating 25% of the container’s overall volume, with appropriate drainage materials incorporated when planting.