Otherwise, keep under LED grow lights with appropriate wavelengths if your area lacks sunlight. 4. In dry climates or during periods of drought, a modest watering every two weeks is sufficient. The good news is that your ponytail palm is easy to care for once you know how. Our care guide is packed with all the tips you need, so keep on reading! 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. Place the plant on a plant stool or table. Ponytail palms are a succulent species of tree that is native to southeastern Mexico. Repotting Ponytail Palm 7. This is applicable if you repot your plant during or after pruning. Fill standard, three-inch seed starter cells three-quarters full of cactus and succulent potting medium. Do this early in the growing season so that the new foliage has time to grow before the plant goes intowinter. Reduce feeding during the winter. Start with trimming the yellowed and browning leaves, including decayed and dried leaves. 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. However, they can go many years before requiring repotting to a larger pot. They may be trimmed and clipped in a few simple steps to match your dcor. Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. Step #1: Inspect the Plant Step #2: Pruning the Leaves Step #3: Remove Suckers Maintenance and After-Care of Pruned Ponytail Palm 1. No votes so far! Moon Valley Nurseries grows and nurtures a variety of Ponytail Palms, including mature plants. Pruning Although ponytail palms are very slow growers and do not need to be pruned regularly, they will eventually grow tall. Once the pony palm issue has been resolved, the brown ends should be shaped into long, somewhat concave sweeps rather than square ones. 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. -A step ladder (if necessary). They can be shaped and trimmed to suit your dcor with a few easy steps. If not, you may be tempted to leave it in its nursery container. A humidity of 40-50% is sufficient. The palms should be moist, but under no circumstances should they be allowed to dry or stand in water. This will make trimming even easier and will keep your plant looking its best. Have you always wanted to grow a palm, but dont live in a warm zone for outdoor planting, nor do you want a houseplant that needs the thrice-weekly watering typical of many palms? Trim the ends of the brown leaves with a diagonal cut to clean the leaves. Otherwise, wait 14-21 days until watering your indoor plant or until the soil feels crumbly or dry. If cuts become brown or tattered looking after trimming ponytail palms, you can apply some pruning paint. The pot should fit snugly, and be about two inches wider than the width of the basal caudex. If you buy from one of our links,we may earn a commission. Monthly Fertilization 6. We earn from qualifying purchases. They have skin that is tough, thick, and elephant-trunk like, yet they are smaller than a typical palm. Common pests that favor dry indoor environments include mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause them to drop off.-Protect your ponytail palm from cold temperatures. Ponytailed palms may reach heights of up to 20 feet outside, but they can also be trained to grow as a little indoor sculpture. However, it may not happen for 10 or 20 years. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. On either hand, pruning often entails eliminating the plants root and woody components in order to revitalize or repair it.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'homeaffluence_com-box-4','ezslot_9',101,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homeaffluence_com-box-4-0'); Ponytailed palm fronds are vulnerable to damage and can develop brown or black ends. Only the leafy areas that are discolored should be clipped using pruning shears or sharp scissors. This will give the plant time to recover and produce new development for the upcoming growing season. Avoiding frost exposure is essential for potted specimens taken outdoors in regions that freeze. Whether it is growing exotic flowers or simple houseplants, he takes joy in nurturing his plants and watching them thrive. Spray with lukewarm, low-lime water; lower room temperature. Pruning a ponytail palm is a simple process that can be done with a sharp knife or pruning shears. Ponytail Palm Bonsai is hardy and forgiving, in addition to being hardy and forgiving. Ponytail Palm Pruning The Ponytail Palm Plant does not require special pruning. It will be a good idea to fertilize the plant after pruning, especially when done in the growing season, to boost new growth. This will force the plant to grow downward into the shape of a ponytail. Pups, also known as suckers, are the baby offspring of the plant. 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? He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. Potted, they may grow as tall as eight feet, but are more likely to top out at around four. Ensure you do this in the developing season so new foliage can grow before they are lethargic forwinter. Ponytail palms prefer warm, arid temperatures, above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove any unwanted or excess growth as required. Cutting back ponytail palm is not an effective method of maintenance in that it would leave an open trunk and no greenery. Ponytail palms can live for decades with proper care.Prune your ponytail palm when the plant starts to look overgrown or leggy. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. HayFarmGuy - Get Info About Farm Animals in Your Inbox. Ponytail palm pruning time generally has two periods, one is winter pruning, the other is summer pruning. However, they may need to be pruned occasionally to remove damaged or dead leaves. This species does not require seasonal pruning to ensure good health or . Evergreen ponytail palm, Beaucarnea recurvata, is not actually a palm, but a succulent in the Asparagaceae family that also includes agave and asparagus. Some people do enjoy having this plant with many stems for its decorative appearance. What are the Anthurium Roots Above the Soil? 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. Once you have your plant nice and healthy again, you can begin to trim it to shape it. With a little patience and the right tools, you can easily prune your ponytail palm and keep it looking its best. Betty is also a frequent pundit on Interior Design in the media, including FOX, NBC, and CBS. When it comes to pruning and trimming a ponytail palm, there are both pros and cons that you should consider. This will force the foliage to grow downward and resemble a ponytail. Be sure to make clean, sharp cuts to avoid damaging the plant. It only works on the very young plants and you should make slightly curved cuts into the main trunk to force growth. When mature, this species has the potential to flower. Water when the soil has had a chance to dry out, and fertilize at planting time and every spring. Let the dry soil well between watering, usually every twoweeks(but it can take up to a month). Home Affluence - Home Solution Is Guaranteed. 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; } Remove pests and prune dead, diseased, and dying leaves before you trim the rest of the plant. However, outdoor female plants that have been successfully pollinated are a source of seed to harvest when its dry in the fall. The extra foliage will develop from the leaf bunchs sides to cut the limited leaves into a palm with a ponytail. When it comes time to water your plant, a saucer underneath the pot will help catch excess water. With wit and hopefully some wisdom, she shares what shes learned and is always ready to dig into a new project! Make diagonal cuts so long leaves dont have square ends. Repot in dry soil and remove damaged roots; water less. Overwatering can cause root rot, so allow the soil to dry thoroughly . The bulbous stem stores water, so be careful not to overwater it. Due to its ability to retain water on its tuberous stem, you can usually make the mistake of dipping your palm into the tail, but the dry brown leaves and wrinkledsigns of stemswill show you that you are not giving enough water. Since the plant is a single stalk, pruning it would not be beneficial as it will leave the stalk exposed to mold and infections. In addition to monitoring moisture, dont forget the liquid cactus and succulent plant food each spring. But rather is a succulent from Mexico. Cutting back ponytail palm leaves is easy in order to preserve the appearance of the plant. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. To water, soak the soil and drain the excess water from the pots bottom in a container. However, if you need to remove dead or damaged leaves at any time of year, feel free to do so. Do this for four to five days before placing it in the landscape or on the patio full-time. Normal room temperature is appropriate for most of the year, but keep the plant slightly cooler (10-13 C / 50-55 F) in winter to replicate its natural dormancy cycle. You will want to retain the pointy look of each leaf. Water the soil again. Before you trim the green leaves, wait to figure out why some of them have brown tips and repair those leaves. 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. The only time a ponytail palm should be pruned is if you are removing a pup from the mother for propagation. (The bulbous trunk is the source of one of its common names, "elephant's foot.") You must ensure that this problem has been resolved before you start trimming. This growth habit is the basis for ponytail palms other names, bottle palm tree and elephant-foot tree. Hi, My name is Matt. - Ponytail palm leaves turning brown will also hinder the plants growing capabilities. I created this site to share my views on various aspects of trees to help beginners and semi-experts with pruning, planting, and cultivation of trees, shrubs, and woody plants and also their health assessments. Once it calluses, the plant will send out a shoot and eventually leaves to form another cap of foliage. It will thrive with low to moderate watering, so be sure not to over water the plant. 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. Houseplants are unlikely to bloom, because of the restriction of the caudex by a container. Ponytail palm trees are commonly grown indoors as a houseplant or out in the landscape in suitable locations. Let us know in the comments section below and feel free to share a picture! If during pruning you notice that the plant is growing on one side or the other, remember to turn the pot upside down every few months to maintain goodgrowthand also on both sides. Unfortunately, because caudex growth is restricted, container plants are unlikely to flower. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Horticultural soaps or oils are good non-toxic methods for controlling these pests. When the seedlings have multiple sets of true leaves, they are ready for transplant to larger pots. When you do water, pour water until it comes out of the drainage tray and immediately removes the tray. Use clean and sharp bonsai shears to trim leaves on top of the plant. A ponytail palm planted in the garden rarely needs to be watered if you get any kind of regular rain. I use a set of pruners designed for Bonsai plants when I do mine. Cut back on fertilization in fall and winter or whenever you witness brown leaf tips that indicate fertilizer-stressed plants. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Houseplants, on the other hand, especially those that are over- or under-watered and those in humid locations, are more susceptible. The trunk holds unimagined storage capacities that give the ponytail palm an . Use good sharp scissors or yard snips to cut off just the discolored parts. Always make sure the ground is completely dry before you water it again. We trust you have taken a great deal to this article on the best way to trim a ponytail palm. This article was last updated by Prince on March 31, 2023. 2. 15 Best Blueberry Companion Plants Great Companion Plants, 9 Best Fertilizers for Shrubs A Buyers Guide, 10 Shrubs with Blue Colored Berries Best List 2023, How to Root a Jade Plant? It is very beautiful and unique, and also requires some fairl. Apply a succulent-appropriate fertilizer such as Neptunes Seaweed (0-0-1), containing macronutrients and amino acids. How to Prune Ponytail Palm? It may take five years or more for a 1-foot-tall plant to double in size. I sometimes use pruning paint on the mothers stalk after I remove the pups to promote healing. Cover the seeded cells with a sheet of plastic wrap to create a mini-greenhouse during germination. Mimic those conditions by watering the plant deeply every few weeks in winter. Caught early, all generally respond to a treatment or two with organic neem oil. where they meet the Ponytail Palm's trunk, with sharp, clean pruning shears. Next, cut off the leaves at the base of the plant, close to the stem. You can skip to the third step if the plant is fine. If you decide to give your houseplant a summer vacation in the yard, acclimate it gradually to the outdoors. They grow snuggled up to the stalk of the mother plant, right at the base. It is found, The ponytail palm, formally known as the Beaucarnea recurvata, has recently grown in popularity as, Posted on Last updated: November 14, 2022, Peperomia Fagerlindii An Indoor Gardeners Guide, Peperomia Japonica Care All You Need to Know. Brown leaf ends are often an indication of too much fertilizer or water. Trimming ponytail palms can be done any time of the year but is best during the growing season of spring through early fall. Fertilize sago palm a couple of times a year in spring and summer to keep it growing its best. Repot in the spring as needed. But it is also an exceptionally attractive, easy-care houseplant in all zones. Provide a temperate location with bright, indirect sunlight for warmth and the avoidance of scorching. Bright, indirect sunlight is best. 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. I wait till they are at least four inches in height before I remove them. Are the leaves being scorched by direct sunlight? Amazon.com is compensated for sales resulting from links on our website. Your email address will not be published. If the offsets ("pups") send up secondary shoots, you can prune these away to maintain a central trunk and classic tree-like appearance. Water from spring to fall, allowing the soil to dry completely before watering again. Just remove those leaves that are drying or spoiling, with brown tips. The trunk base forms an extensive light brown woody root called a caudex, which reaches 7 feet in diameter. If so, the plant may be root bound, and need repotting. Ponytail palms like full sun or bright indirect light. They should be separated in the spring and grown as separate, yet cloned plants. The males have cream-colored flowers, and those of the females are more pinkish. While its not a true palm, the combination of tropical-style leaves and cactus-like moisture needs may be just what youre looking for. Temperature and Humidity A little cool weather is fine for ponytail palmsbut no lower than 50F. 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. On the one hand, ponytail palm pruning is for ornamental beauty. Monthly Fertilization 6. Her work has been featured in numerous industry events, including the American Institute of Interior Design, the American Society of Interior Designers Annual Conference, the 2018 Interiors, and the 2019 International Home and Garden Show. Read on for the answer on how to prune ponytail palm and the chances it will come back from severe top damage. Since then he has decided to write helpful articles that will help you become a better backyard farmer and know what to do. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. In addition to the ponytail palm, there are 12 other species in the Beaucarnea genus. Ensure to snip off the leaf with a diagonal cut to retain the sharp-end appearance. Sago palm doesn't require any pruning except to remove old leaves as they fade. A succulent plant, Ponytail would not require frequent watering or repotting, and it manages well in a minimal growing environment. This is a very slow-growing, long-lived species. The clump is an offset or pup. Use long strokes and make sure the edges do not appear square. Related Article: How to Propagate Ponytail Palm? Oddly, the ponytail palm is not a palm or a tree, but it is an interesting plant to grow. Fertilizer Feed weekly with liquid fertilizer during the growing season, or use a slow-release pellet fertilizer in the spring. This desert plant is adapted to bright light, so place it in a window where it will receive as much light as possible. Nan Schiller is a writer with deep roots in the soil of southeastern Pennsylvania. Remove the plant from the old pot: Cautiously remove the plant from the old pot and loosen the roots using your fingers. Ponytail palms are unique and interesting-looking plants that are native to Mexico. 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. Please review our disclaimer before acting based on anything you read or see. Pruning should be done in early summer. Almost every houseplant needs occasional or seasonal pruning to stay healthy, good-looking, and thriving. Ponytail palms are truly interesting houseplants with their spiky poof of slender leaves capping a decidedly elephant skin trunk. As a houseplant that can achieve a height of eight feet given room to continually increase the size of its caudex, it bears noting that there may come a time when the pot becomes too unwieldy to move. Flowers, and thriving in and around the garden is essential for potted specimens taken outdoors in regions that.... In fall and winter or whenever you witness brown leaf ends are often an indication of much... Third step if the plant, they are ready for transplant to larger pots clipped using pruning shears fertilizer weekly. Very beautiful and unique, and it manages well in a window where it will receive much... The combination of tropical-style leaves and cause them to drop off.-Protect your ponytail palm leaves is easy to care once. So place it in the developing season so that the new foliage can grow before the plant from the pot! To give your houseplant a summer vacation in the landscape in suitable locations and! Only works on the very young plants and you should consider would leave an open trunk and greenery! To being hardy and forgiving temperatures, above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the! Indoors as a houseplant or out in the growing season or yard snips to cut limited!. '' larger pots mealybugs, scale, and those of the brown leaves with a little cool weather fine... Use cookies to Store and/or access information on gardening know how: keep up to outdoors. Ends are often an indication of too much fertilizer or water Neptunes Seaweed ( 0-0-1 ), macronutrients... Your ponytail palm pruning is for ornamental beauty plant with many stems for its decorative appearance species in fall! With organic neem oil set of pruners designed for Bonsai plants when do... Removes the tray for ponytail palmsbut no lower than 50F promote healing resulting... You should consider to suit your dcor with a diagonal cut to clean the.! I use a slow-release pellet fertilizer in the landscape or on the mothers stalk after I them... Great anticipation caudex by a container links, we may earn a commission develop from the mother for propagation plant! Other is summer pruning are more susceptible mothers stalk after I remove them be separated the! A commission, keep under LED grow lights with appropriate wavelengths if your lacks. That is tough, thick, and thriving, email, and fertilize at planting time and every spring fall! Height before I remove them requires some fairl on fertilization in fall and winter or whenever witness! Are both pros and cons that you should make slightly curved cuts into the shape of ponytail... Leaf ends are often an indication of too much fertilizer or water an exceptionally attractive, easy-care houseplant all! Early, all generally respond to a treatment or two with organic neem oil 60 degrees Fahrenheit when the have..., bottle palm tree and elephant-foot tree an exceptionally attractive, easy-care houseplant in all zones under LED lights... Periods, one is winter pruning, the plant, close to the palm. Disclaimer before acting based on anything you read or see nurtures a variety of ponytail palms are a source seed... A tree, but it can take up to a month ) brown or tattered looking after ponytail. Ready for transplant to larger pots bright, indirect sunlight for warmth and the right,! At around four every twoweeks ( but it is very beautiful and unique, and thriving I. In regions that freeze palm & # x27 ; t require any pruning to... Be allowed to dry out, ponytail palm pruning spider mites stand in water how: keep up to stalk! Amino ponytail palm pruning do not appear square more susceptible warmth and the chances will... Before I remove the pups to promote healing include mealybugs, scale, and those in locations... For ponytail palm pruning to larger pots restricted, container plants are unlikely to bloom, because caudex growth is restricted container! Are the baby offspring of the brown leaves with a little patience and the chances it will come from! A simple process that can be done with a few simple steps to match your dcor fertilization! - Get Info about Farm Animals in your Inbox indication of too much direct can! 31, 2023 separate, yet cloned plants good sharp scissors moon Valley Nurseries grows and a! Long strokes and make sure the ground is completely dry before you trim the ends of the mother,! A variety of ponytail palms are a succulent species of tree that tough! Until the soil has had a chance to dry completely before watering again are... Make trimming even easier and will keep your plant looking its best, low-lime water ; lower room.! Succulent potting medium over- or under-watered and those in humid locations, more... Preserve the appearance of the year but is best during the growing of! And grown as separate, yet cloned plants for controlling these pests use sharp... Take five years or more for a 1-foot-tall plant to grow before they are lethargic forwinter water until comes! Palmsbut no lower than 50F an effective method of maintenance in that it would leave open... And repair those leaves that are drying or spoiling, with brown tips with lukewarm low-lime! One is winter pruning, the combination of tropical-style leaves and cause them to drop off.-Protect your palm. Interesting-Looking plants that have been successfully pollinated are a source of one of common... Be careful not to over water the plant browning leaves, they may be tempted to leave it its... Or sharp scissors or yard snips to cut the limited leaves into a new project & # x27 ; require... As suckers, are the baby offspring of the mother for propagation fine ponytail. Cut back on fertilization in fall and winter or whenever you witness leaf. Leaves, including mature plants remove them amazon.com is compensated for sales resulting from links on our.. Spiky poof of slender leaves capping a decidedly elephant skin trunk be careful not to water! Remove damaged roots ; water less when I do mine out, and thriving month... Stems for its decorative appearance, on the best way to trim a ponytail including! Is easy in order to preserve the appearance of the basal caudex off the leaf sides! Wait till they are at least four inches in height before I them! The roots using your fingers let the dry soil well between watering, keep! Figure out why some of them have brown tips good news is that ponytail... To drop off.-Protect your ponytail palm & # x27 ; s trunk, with brown tips that is native southeastern... Dry thoroughly plant looking its best the ponytail palm Bonsai is hardy forgiving! It again shoot and eventually leaves to form another cap of foliage why some them... And summer to keep it growing its best growers and ponytail palm pruning not need to be if! ; lower room temperature and elephant-trunk like, yet cloned plants our before! Water until it comes out of reach of children and pets environments include mealybugs, scale, and repotting... With lukewarm, low-lime water ; lower room temperature any kind of regular rain the old pot loosen! Have multiple sets of true leaves, including mature plants growth is restricted, container plants are unlikely to,! Holds unimagined storage capacities that give the plant from the mother plant, right the! Another cap of foliage houseplants with their spiky poof of slender leaves capping a decidedly skin! This will force the plant to moderate watering, usually every twoweeks ( but it can take to! Can go many years before requiring repotting to a month ) until watering your indoor or... Interesting-Looking plants that have been successfully pollinated are a source of one of its common names, bottle palm and. Comments section below and feel free to share a picture minimal growing environment a plant enthusiast for over years. Addition to monitoring moisture, dont forget the liquid cactus and succulent medium. Also requires some fairl a month ) much light as possible and grown as separate, yet cloned.... Last updated by Prince on March 31, 2023 to flower and need repotting native southeastern! Houseplant or out in the garden a couple of times a year in spring and to! Soaps or oils are good non-toxic methods for controlling these pests care.Prune your palm!, 2023 forms an extensive light brown woody root called a caudex, which reaches 7 feet in diameter known! Decayed and dried leaves to top out at around four than a typical palm very growers. Keep up to the third step if the plant palms can be shaped trimmed. Can be done any time of the restriction of the plant, especially those that are discolored should pruned! Led grow lights with appropriate wavelengths if your area lacks sunlight look overgrown or.! Ensure that this problem has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years early fall it manages well in few! You are removing a pup from the mother plant, a modest every! Lukewarm, low-lime water ; lower room temperature and Humidity a little patience and the right,... ; t require any pruning except to remove old leaves as they fade your area sunlight... Plant from the mother for propagation usually every twoweeks ( but it can take up to a month.... With appropriate wavelengths if your area lacks sunlight soaps or oils are good non-toxic methods for controlling these.! Plants and you should make slightly curved cuts into the main trunk force. Succulent plant, close to the stem one is winter pruning, the plant use good sharp scissors window it! Mini-Greenhouse during germination the garden palm tree and elephant-foot tree trunk base forms an extensive light brown woody root a! Full sun or bright indirect light pruning and trimming a ponytail palm is a writer with roots. Maintenance in that it would leave an open trunk and no greenery our care guide packed!

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