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Are you on the lookout for a striking and low-maintenance plant to elevate your indoor space? Look no further than the ponytail palm, known as Beaucarnea recurvata. Another common name for this plant is "elephant's foot palm" because of its enlarged lower trunk, which resembles an elephant's foot.  

This stunning succulent boasts unique features such as long, slender leaves that cascade gracefully from its bulbous trunk and nocturnal pure white flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. 

The ponytail palm is a unique indoor plant that is neither a palm nor a ponytail. Ponytail palms are actually succulents, despite popular belief. Whether it's a succulent or a true palm itself, it adds a touch of tropical flair and botanical fascination to every area of your home. 

The Ponytail Palm is a well-known plant with a distinctive appearance and a thick, bloated brown stem that carries water at its thick swollen stem and trunk base, often called a bulb or caudex.   

But before you add this beauty to your collection, it's important to know about its sun exposure requirements, water needs, toxic properties, and other essential details. 

So, read on for everything you need to know about this fascinating ponytail palm plant! 

Watering Needs

The ponytail palm as a succulent is drought-tolerant by nature, and its fleshy, water-storing stems can hold a lot of water.  However, their root structure is easily susceptible to overwatering so make sure that you don't overwater as it can lead to root rot and fungal infections.

When the succulent is dormant in the winter, water it less, soaking it completely.  In spite of the right watering frequency of about 2-3 weeks, ponytail palm beaucarnea recurvata roots can be damaged if the soil is not fast draining. Let the soil dry out thoroughly between waterings.

Light Requirements

The ponytail palm can withstand full sun, but it prefers to grow in areas with some partial shade not in direct sunlight. Learn to adjust your ponytail palm plant to avoid burns if the location where you have the plant is exposed to a lot of sunlight. Gradually increase the exposure until it can handle full sun.  

It's critical to remember that during a heatwave or periods of extreme heat, your Beaucarnea recurvata - ponytail palm could still sustain sun damage or get sunburned. In this situation, you can protect the plant by moving it indoors or to a shaded area. 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

When it comes to choosing the right soil for your adorable ponytail palm, you need to be careful! It's like picking out the perfect outfit for a date - you want to make sure everything is just right so there no surprises later on. 

You see, the amount of moisture in the soil can literally make or break your little green friend. Too much water and BAM! You've got root and stem rot faster than you can say "cactus." That's why we at Planet Desert have got your back with ours specialized succulent potting mix. This organic mycorrhizahelps grow a healthy root system that makes all those thick swollen stems stand up tall and proud.  As an okay alternative, you can create your own potting mix by combining equal portions of perlite, coarse sand, and good natural potting soil. 

Ideally, you should look for a natural fertilizer with an approximate blend of 5-10-15 that is higher in phosphorus than nitrogen. The best choice is to use a Natural fertilizer as they last longer and keeps your soil alive by adding other beneficial compounds and microbes that encourage plant health and nutrient absorption. 

Hardiness Zones & More

The ponytail palms as slow grower species can't stand frost or too much humidity, therefore it needs warm, dry conditions. A well-draining potting mix and drainage holes in the potting container will help you maintain temperatures and prevent too much moisture.

They can therefore be cultivated outside in USDA zones 9 through 11. The ideal temperature for ponytail palms is 60 - 75 degrees Fahrenheit. These succulents can survive moderate winter temperatures as long as the soil is not wet, and the temperature does not drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. They ought to be overwintered or grown indoors to prevent harm from freezing weather. 

Don't miss out on this opportunity to add something truly exceptional to your garden. Order your very own Beaucarnea recurvata - ponytail palm today!

Bloom Season Late spring - early summer
Bloom Season Spring or summer
Botanical Name Beaucarnea recurvata
Common Name Ponytail Palm
Common Name Ponytail Palm, elephant foot palm
Dormancy Winter
Family Asparagaceae
Flower Color Nocturnal, pure white, dark green, pink
Flower Color Creamywhite
Genus Beaucarnea
Growth Habit Caudiciform
Growth Habit Columnar
Hardiness Zone 9, 10, 11
Mature Size 10 – 20 ft tall
Mature Size 6 - 11 in. tall, 4 - 6 in. wide
Native Area Mexico
Native Area Southern Brazil, Argentina
Plant Type Perennial succulent
Propagation By seeds, offsets
Resistance 18f
Resistance Drought tolerant, mild frost tolerant, pest resistance, disease resistance
Soil PH 6.5, Acidic, Neutral
Soil Type specialized succulent potting mix
Special Features Bulbous base, showy flowers
Sun Exposure Full sun, partial shade
Toxicity Toxic for humans, toxic for pets
Watering Needs Low

Pests & Common Problems of Ponytail Palms

Most of the growing issues that ponytail palm plants encounter is due to poor growing conditions. A variety of factors can cause brown tips. To avoid overwatering or fertilizing at all in the autumn and winter, remember to water more frequently and only fertilize during the growing season. Your ponytail palm plant may grow more slowly or develop brown, singed leaf tips or bacterial leaf streaks when under improper lighting conditions. 

Additionally, the ponytail palm can lessen its capacity to absorb fertilizer and water, which might result in pest and disease problems. Whenever possible, place your ponytail palm in the room with the most sunlight in your home, but not so much that the tips turn brown. 

Indoor plants are frequently attacked by scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. If they are present at all, they all feed on the sap of ponytail palm plants which often develop sooty mold. Don't be worried if you find any of these pests on your succulent. They can be eliminated with ease. 

For mealybugs: To get rid of them, simply dab the insects with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Until they are gone, repeat this procedure every week. 

For scale insects: Using a pair of heavy gloves, you can remove scale insects from the plant.

FAQs - Ponytail Palms Plants 

What is the lifespan of a ponytail palm? 

The Ponytail palm tree has a reputation for living for more than 150 years, so it might outlive you by several generations. The ponytail palm is a slow-growing plant that can reportedly live for decades or even centuries, so it should come as no surprise that it is a popular choice for indoor plants.  

Does ponytail palm an indoor or outdoor plant? 

The ponytail palm is a desert plant that can withstand intense sunlight. Put it close to a window so it can get as much light as possible. For the summer, you can move this plant outdoors. By putting it in partial shade for a few days before moving it to a location with full sun, you can gradually transition it from indoors to outdoors. 

Does a ponytail palm need sun or shade? 

To prevent leaf damage, pick a location with indirect light that is also bright. Foliage can become scorched by direct sunlight, especially when it comes through window glass.  

The season affects the brightness of the light. In the summer, when the light is stronger, plants that thrive in a southern exposure during the winter may need to be moved to an east or north-facing window. 

How to Propagate Ponytail Palm? 

Ponytail palms can be propagated from seed, but it is usually more practical to wait for a plant to produce a "pup," which you can then separate from the parent plant. Cut it free from the parent plant with a clean knife once it has begun to grow roots, and then place it in its own pot.

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Customer Reviews
5.0 Based on 7 Reviews
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Filter Reviews:
P
07/02/2020
Paula
United States United States

Beautiful Palm

My plant is beautiful.

CB
01/13/2021
Charlie B.
United States United States

Excellent

Very nice! Packaged very well. Love the way their plants look.

TT
01/04/2022
Thuytram T.
United States United States

Fast shipping. Great packaging.

Shipped in container with soil and pot. Ready to use on arrival

NA
07/23/2021
Nikolas A.

I love this little guy. Will definitely bu...

I love this little guy. Will definitely buy here again.

KH
03/09/2021
Kymberli H.

Beautiful healthy plant, packaged very wel...

Beautiful healthy plant, packaged very well.

Ponytail palm 'Beaucarnea Recurvata'

sku: 1151

7 reviews
Regular price$ 11.99
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Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size
Height: Height: Height: Height:

Please note: All Landscape Ready plants that are in a 6-inch pot or larger WILL NOT come with a pot as it will be shipped bare root.

  • In stock, ready to ship
  • Inventory on the way

If you live in a cold climate and are expecting temperatures below 40 degrees within the next five days after placing your order, we highly recommend adding a heat pack to your order. If you do not order a heat pack, we do not send one with your order.

BUY HEAT PACKS HERE

**FREE HEAT PACK WITH ORDERS OVER $50 before taxes and shipping- BY REQUEST ONLY, PLEASE MAKE A NOTE ON YOUR ORDER.

To prevent plants from freezing while in transit, orders placed for areas with extreme severe freezing temperatures will be held for shipment until it is safe to ship.

Plants that are in 3.5" pots and smaller will be shipped in its pot to prevent any damage to the roots. Any plant that is 6" and larger WILL NOT come with a pot as it will be shipped bare root.

Depending on the species and season, you will receive a very similar plant to the one in the picture. It may or may not be blooming at the time of your purchase.

We ship via USPS Priority Mail, and we calculate the shipping cost based on the weight and volume of your purchase. Care instructions are included in every package you order. Please allow us up to 3 business days to process your order. Depending on your location, we will ship the plants on a certain day to avoid transit time during weekends or holidays. If you wish to receive your order on a specific date, or have special instructions, please add a note on your order. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at any time.

  • Description
  • Features

Are you on the lookout for a striking and low-maintenance plant to elevate your indoor space? Look no further than the ponytail palm, known as Beaucarnea recurvata. Another common name for this plant is "elephant's foot palm" because of its enlarged lower trunk, which resembles an elephant's foot.  

This stunning succulent boasts unique features such as long, slender leaves that cascade gracefully from its bulbous trunk and nocturnal pure white flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. 

The ponytail palm is a unique indoor plant that is neither a palm nor a ponytail. Ponytail palms are actually succulents, despite popular belief. Whether it's a succulent or a true palm itself, it adds a touch of tropical flair and botanical fascination to every area of your home. 

The Ponytail Palm is a well-known plant with a distinctive appearance and a thick, bloated brown stem that carries water at its thick swollen stem and trunk base, often called a bulb or caudex.   

But before you add this beauty to your collection, it's important to know about its sun exposure requirements, water needs, toxic properties, and other essential details. 

So, read on for everything you need to know about this fascinating ponytail palm plant! 

Watering Needs

The ponytail palm as a succulent is drought-tolerant by nature, and its fleshy, water-storing stems can hold a lot of water.  However, their root structure is easily susceptible to overwatering so make sure that you don't overwater as it can lead to root rot and fungal infections.

When the succulent is dormant in the winter, water it less, soaking it completely.  In spite of the right watering frequency of about 2-3 weeks, ponytail palm beaucarnea recurvata roots can be damaged if the soil is not fast draining. Let the soil dry out thoroughly between waterings.

Light Requirements

The ponytail palm can withstand full sun, but it prefers to grow in areas with some partial shade not in direct sunlight. Learn to adjust your ponytail palm plant to avoid burns if the location where you have the plant is exposed to a lot of sunlight. Gradually increase the exposure until it can handle full sun.  

It's critical to remember that during a heatwave or periods of extreme heat, your Beaucarnea recurvata - ponytail palm could still sustain sun damage or get sunburned. In this situation, you can protect the plant by moving it indoors or to a shaded area. 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

When it comes to choosing the right soil for your adorable ponytail palm, you need to be careful! It's like picking out the perfect outfit for a date - you want to make sure everything is just right so there no surprises later on. 

You see, the amount of moisture in the soil can literally make or break your little green friend. Too much water and BAM! You've got root and stem rot faster than you can say "cactus." That's why we at Planet Desert have got your back with ours specialized succulent potting mix. This organic mycorrhizahelps grow a healthy root system that makes all those thick swollen stems stand up tall and proud.  As an okay alternative, you can create your own potting mix by combining equal portions of perlite, coarse sand, and good natural potting soil. 

Ideally, you should look for a natural fertilizer with an approximate blend of 5-10-15 that is higher in phosphorus than nitrogen. The best choice is to use a Natural fertilizer as they last longer and keeps your soil alive by adding other beneficial compounds and microbes that encourage plant health and nutrient absorption. 

Hardiness Zones & More

The ponytail palms as slow grower species can't stand frost or too much humidity, therefore it needs warm, dry conditions. A well-draining potting mix and drainage holes in the potting container will help you maintain temperatures and prevent too much moisture.

They can therefore be cultivated outside in USDA zones 9 through 11. The ideal temperature for ponytail palms is 60 - 75 degrees Fahrenheit. These succulents can survive moderate winter temperatures as long as the soil is not wet, and the temperature does not drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. They ought to be overwintered or grown indoors to prevent harm from freezing weather. 

Don't miss out on this opportunity to add something truly exceptional to your garden. Order your very own Beaucarnea recurvata - ponytail palm today!

Bloom Season Late spring - early summer
Bloom Season Spring or summer
Botanical Name Beaucarnea recurvata
Common Name Ponytail Palm
Common Name Ponytail Palm, elephant foot palm
Dormancy Winter
Family Asparagaceae
Flower Color Nocturnal, pure white, dark green, pink
Flower Color Creamywhite
Genus Beaucarnea
Growth Habit Caudiciform
Growth Habit Columnar
Hardiness Zone 9, 10, 11
Mature Size 10 – 20 ft tall
Mature Size 6 - 11 in. tall, 4 - 6 in. wide
Native Area Mexico
Native Area Southern Brazil, Argentina
Plant Type Perennial succulent
Propagation By seeds, offsets
Resistance 18f
Resistance Drought tolerant, mild frost tolerant, pest resistance, disease resistance
Soil PH 6.5, Acidic, Neutral
Soil Type specialized succulent potting mix
Special Features Bulbous base, showy flowers
Sun Exposure Full sun, partial shade
Toxicity Toxic for humans, toxic for pets
Watering Needs Low

Pests & Common Problems of Ponytail Palms

Most of the growing issues that ponytail palm plants encounter is due to poor growing conditions. A variety of factors can cause brown tips. To avoid overwatering or fertilizing at all in the autumn and winter, remember to water more frequently and only fertilize during the growing season. Your ponytail palm plant may grow more slowly or develop brown, singed leaf tips or bacterial leaf streaks when under improper lighting conditions. 

Additionally, the ponytail palm can lessen its capacity to absorb fertilizer and water, which might result in pest and disease problems. Whenever possible, place your ponytail palm in the room with the most sunlight in your home, but not so much that the tips turn brown. 

Indoor plants are frequently attacked by scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. If they are present at all, they all feed on the sap of ponytail palm plants which often develop sooty mold. Don't be worried if you find any of these pests on your succulent. They can be eliminated with ease. 

For mealybugs: To get rid of them, simply dab the insects with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Until they are gone, repeat this procedure every week. 

For scale insects: Using a pair of heavy gloves, you can remove scale insects from the plant.

FAQs - Ponytail Palms Plants 

What is the lifespan of a ponytail palm? 

The Ponytail palm tree has a reputation for living for more than 150 years, so it might outlive you by several generations. The ponytail palm is a slow-growing plant that can reportedly live for decades or even centuries, so it should come as no surprise that it is a popular choice for indoor plants.  

Does ponytail palm an indoor or outdoor plant? 

The ponytail palm is a desert plant that can withstand intense sunlight. Put it close to a window so it can get as much light as possible. For the summer, you can move this plant outdoors. By putting it in partial shade for a few days before moving it to a location with full sun, you can gradually transition it from indoors to outdoors. 

Does a ponytail palm need sun or shade? 

To prevent leaf damage, pick a location with indirect light that is also bright. Foliage can become scorched by direct sunlight, especially when it comes through window glass.  

The season affects the brightness of the light. In the summer, when the light is stronger, plants that thrive in a southern exposure during the winter may need to be moved to an east or north-facing window. 

How to Propagate Ponytail Palm? 

Ponytail palms can be propagated from seed, but it is usually more practical to wait for a plant to produce a "pup," which you can then separate from the parent plant. Cut it free from the parent plant with a clean knife once it has begun to grow roots, and then place it in its own pot.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Customer Reviews
5.0 Based on 7 Reviews
5 ★
100% 
7
4 ★
0% 
0
3 ★
0% 
0
2 ★
0% 
0
1 ★
0% 
0
Write a Review Ask a Question

Thank you for submitting a review!

Your input is very much appreciated. Share it with your friends so they can enjoy it too!

Filter Reviews:
P
07/02/2020
Paula
United States United States

Beautiful Palm

My plant is beautiful.

CB
01/13/2021
Charlie B.
United States United States

Excellent

Very nice! Packaged very well. Love the way their plants look.

TT
01/04/2022
Thuytram T.
United States United States

Fast shipping. Great packaging.

Shipped in container with soil and pot. Ready to use on arrival

NA
07/23/2021
Nikolas A.

I love this little guy. Will definitely bu...

I love this little guy. Will definitely buy here again.

KH
03/09/2021
Kymberli H.

Beautiful healthy plant, packaged very wel...

Beautiful healthy plant, packaged very well.

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