If you decide to give your houseplant a summer vacation in the yard, acclimate it gradually to the outdoors. However, if you need to remove dead or damaged leaves at any time of year, feel free to do so. Place a saucer under your pot. You can also start with an offset that is cut from an existing plant, or from seed. The good news is that your ponytail palm is easy to care for once you know how. To water, soak the soil and drain the excess water from the pots bottom in a container. Trimming may be done with shears and generally refers to the removal of the tips of leaves. For example, if the seed is 1-inch in diameter, plant the seed 1 inch deep in the soil. For a houseplant thats small enough to lift, take it to the sink, and water until it runs out of the drainage hole(s), to thoroughly saturate the roots. Your email address will not be published. Water the soil to settle it. 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. He also loves to play tennis and read books. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello everyone and welcome to the blog. Potential but rare disease problems include leaf spots, stem rots, and bacterial leaf streak. Moreover, it would expose the stem to mold and mildew. This is easy enough to trim away to make the plant aesthetically pleasing again. Remove any dark or wilted leaves that have been damaged. Here are some different ways that you can cut a ponytail palm:-Shearing is a great way to keep your ponytail palm looking manicured and tidy. Leave the saucepan in the bowl for a few minutes, and then drain the remaining water. Use long strokes and make sure the edges do not appear square. The ponytail palm (also called elephant's foot) is a houseplant fave for a reason. Also, this plant grows wider and taller in accordance with the size of the pot its in, so, the smaller the pot, the smaller the plant. Next, inspect for pest infestation and eggs by checking the undersides of the leaves. However, they will survive down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, providing these temps are not prolonged. Leave the small brown part standing; carry out a radical pruning of the elephant tree. They tolerate the normal range of household temperatures well. Why is My Ponytail Palm Dying? This will give the plant time to recover and produce new development for the upcoming growing season. Cut off the top of the leaf cluster with shears so that the bonsai takes the desired height. Nursery plants are available in various sizes. Thoroughly, but seldom, water the plant, letting the soil fully dry out in between applications. Why Ponytail Palm Leaves Turn Brown - A Survival Mechanism? To manicure individual blades, cut discolored areas off with scissors while following the natural curve. This will make the plant grow into a tail. Although this plant looks like a tropical palm tree, we know that its natural habitat is not lush, but arid. When pruning it, ensure to trim the top to force the foliage to grow downward, resembling a Palm tree. I wait till they are at least four inches in height before I remove them. Trim the ends of the brown leaves with a diagonal cut to clean the leaves. They are low-maintenance indoor flowers that are simple to care for. A recently pruned Ponytail Palm may easily suffer when exposed to cold drafts. This would be consistent with the definition of removal of base or woody material. Some afternoon shade is best, especially if grown outdoors. 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? As the leaves grow longer, you can cut them short by giving them a signature Palm look. 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. However, it may not happen for 10 or 20 years. She has been published in major industry publications such as Multi-Family Housing News, Apartment Therapy, and Best of the Best. Similarly, cut back on watering in winter to prevent soggy soil at least once or twice throughout the winter. Ponytail palms are drought-tolerant and can be grown in a variety of climates, making them a popular choice for landscaping and indoor decoration. When planted outside in full sun, ponytail palms can reach 30 feet tall, but they typically stay closer to 6 feet tall at maturity when grown indoors. Note: Do not remove excessive foliage because the new top will increase, requiring frequent pruning. (The bulbous trunk is the source of one of its common names, "elephant's foot.") Lets be clear on the difference between trimming and pruning. Fertilize twice a month in spring and summer. A freshly pruned Ponytail Palm would require slightly moist soil to help transfer nutrients to the pruned sections. 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. 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? For this reasoning, this hardy plant is also known as elephants foot. The treatment comes with enough liquid for 4 weeks and is quite handy.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'homeaffluence_com-banner-1','ezslot_10',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homeaffluence_com-banner-1-0'); Ponytail maintenance on a bonsai is similar to ponytail maintenance on a palm tree. However, a multi-stemmed tree is often desirable, and many people welcome these secondary shoots. Regardless of size, youll want to examine the plant to see if roots are poking out through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Next, cut off the leaves at the base of the plant, close to the stem. The dropping temperature and low-light conditions may quickly send the plant to shock, causing droopy and drying foliage. Read on for the answer on how to prune ponytail palm and the chances it will come back from severe top damage. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! The ideal pH is a fairly neutral 6.5 to 7.5. Prune the roots regularly. They can be trimmed and cut to fit your dcor in just a few easy steps if you want to trim the plant into a tail shape. Provide a temperate location with bright, indirect sunlight for warmth and the avoidance of scorching. Fertilize your Ponytail Palm once or twice a month during spring and summer, but cut back if you have pruned the plant in early winter. 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. Lets dive in and see what makes this species so special. Pruning should be done in early summer. Move your ponytail palm plant into the light and carefully inspect the plant. Ponytail Plant Temperature Tolerance Let's Find Out! First, identify any dead or damaged leaves that need to be removed. Your email address will not be published. During the winter, only water occasionally. Ponytail palms need a soil that drains properly. Theyre drought-tolerant and can survive in low-light conditions. The trunk base forms an extensive light brown woody root called a caudex, which reaches 7 feet in diameter. 4. The only time a ponytail palm should be pruned is if you are removing a pup from the mother for propagation. Leaves Curling Inward 7 Possible Causes & How to Fix It, Mars Hydro VG80 Seedling LED Grow Light Review, 11 Worst Signs of Anthurium Root Rot Fix Anthurium Root Rot. Keep the plant in an arid region, without much humidity, to prevent the cut from rotting. To keep your ponytail palm in tip-top shape, it is recommended to fertilize it once a month during the growing season, which typically spans from spring to fall. Place your Ponytail Palm at eye level to inspect the top leaves with ease. They may be trimmed and clipped in a few simple steps to match your dcor. They should be separated in the spring and grown as separate, yet cloned plants. The ponytail palm can grow up to 20 feet outdoors but can also be trimmed into a bonsai version of itself for smaller spaces. Keep soil fairly dry. , Suddenly found your faux palm tree take an ugly turn? Water the soil again. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the trunk, as this can damage the plant. Ponytailed palms prefer much light as expected, so place the plant in a brilliant spot. You can also use a heat mat to maintain an even temperature. Spray with lukewarm, low-lime water; lower room temperature. Repot in the spring only when the roots are extremely bound. She is a frequent contributor to the Home Affluence Media. A ponytail palms leaves are prone to injury and sometimes turn brown or black at the tips. Before you begin, check the plant for insects or diseases. The leaves range from one to five feet in length. Its the signature trait of what are called caudiciform plants. Separation of scions should be placed during spring. Upon receipt, gently remove the plant from the nursery starter pot, and transplant it to a porous, well-draining container filled three-quarters full of cactus and succulent potting mix. We are part of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Remove any damaged leaves that may be brown or wilted. Use sharp shears or yard snips to trim off only the discolored parts of the leaves. Cut vertically to keep the blades pointed at the ends. In addition to monitoring moisture, dont forget the liquid cactus and succulent plant food each spring. wider than the previous pot. 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. Ponytail palms are inexpensive, fun little houseplants with slow growth and minimal care needs. Cutting back ponytail palm leaves is easy in order to preserve the appearance of the plant. This is a plant that likes to fit snugly in a pot, with only about two inches of space around it. If you want to keep your ponytail palm looking neat, then you must trim it regularly. Fast-draining Succulent Potting Mix 4. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Occasional Watering 5. Ponytail palm trees are commonly grown indoors as a houseplant or out in the landscape in suitable locations. Ponytail palms can be pruned with either hand pruners or hedge shears. The most important thing to remember is never to cut off the top of the plant, as this will damage it beyond repair when pruning; always cut at an angle so water can drain properly and avoid rot. The trunk holds unimagined storage capacities that give the ponytail palm an . The suckers are also known by the cuter name pups. Let your palm remain in a snug-fitting pot until its roots are so dense that they become root bound and peek out from the bottom of the pot. Ponytail palm is dioecious, which means that only the female plants will set seed, and the flowers require pollination from a male plant. The leaves at the bottom of the plant will naturally turn yellow and can be gently be removed from the trunk without the need for cutting or pruning. For larger branches, however, you will need to use hedge shears. A humidity of 40-50% is sufficient. Alex Kountry is the founder of HayFarmGuy and has been a backyard farmer for over 10 years. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Otherwise, use a sharp pruning shear to cut the sucker close to the plant. They are easy to care for houseplant that needs little maintenance. In winter, water just once in a while. Run the shovel under the root ball to cut the small roots down. Home Affluence - Home Solution Is Guaranteed. Ponytail Palm does not have multiple branches, making them quite woody and bulky in appearance, but do not mistake it for an aging plant. 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. 3 Amazing Methods, How to Water Succulents #1 Best Care Guide. tall will result in the plant producing more heads. Product photos via Espoma and FastGrowingTrees. Start with inspecting for yellowed, brown, and decayed leaves. Pruning and trimming a ponytail palm plant is easy and can help keep your plant healthy and looking its best. This desert plant is adapted to bright light, so place it in a window where it will receive as much light as possible. Ponytail palm plants are very drought tolerant because they can store water in their big, bulbous trunks. Outdoors, container plants are less likely to suffer from pest and disease issues. Get growing tips and ponytail palm care info from the articles that follow. -Loppers (optional) Pruning will also result in re-sprouting your ponytail palm. Use sharp trimming shears and trim leaves off the top of the plant. How to Recover! Pruning a ponytail palm is a simple process that can be done with a sharp knife or pruning shears. In this article, well introduce you to this unique plant, and provide guidance for its cultivation indoors. An advocate of organic gardening with native plants, shes always got dirt under her nails and freckles on her nose. Many people kill ponytail bonsai plants by overwatering. So grab those pruning shears and get to work! Water every 3-4 weeks. The extra foliage will develop from the leaf bunchs sides to cut the limited leaves into a palm with a ponytail. Use good sharp scissors or yard snips to cut off just the discolored parts. Allow the wound to heal before planting, then apply some rooting hormone (available online and in nurseries) torootsit. How to Care for Ponytail Palms. Fertilizer 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. Houseplants are unlikely to bloom, because of the restriction of the caudex by a container. If you are lucky enough to have a friend with a plant, watch for the growth of one or more small offshoots from the main plant. The males have cream-colored flowers, and those of the females are more pinkish. They are slow-growing and can live for many years with proper care.Ponytail palms can be pruned or trimmed at any time of year, but it is best to do so in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Three of these are similar to our subject species: the stiff-leaved B. stricta, the slender, bluish-leaved B. gracilis, and the red ponytail palm, B. guatemalensis. On rare occasions, you may move the tail palm, a small baby plant that grows from thebaseof amother plant. Hence, bring your plant inside and cut back on everything except warm temperatures and lighting. The Ponytail Palm will be perfectly happy being watered every couple of weeks and left alone to soak up the sunlight. I hope you find it useful. A caudex is an enlargement at the base of a woody plants trunk that stores water. Ponytail palm does best in full sun in a well-drained soil mix (as would be used for cactus). As in indoor plant, it does well in a cactus/succulent potting mix augmented with peat to improve its richness. Next, trim the top of the leaf cluster by removing 2/3rd of the top growth, which encourages vigorous growth towards the sides. To top your palm, cut off the main stem about 6 inches below the crown of the leaves. A web-like substance may indicate spider mite infestation. The care instructions for ponytail palm are relatively short. Pups, also known as suckers, are the baby offspring of the plant. 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. 3. 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. With wit and hopefully some wisdom, she shares what shes learned and is always ready to dig into a new project! In the spring, fertilize succulents with fertilizer and apply them in a lighter room during the summer months. Choose a location with bright, but indirect light to avoid leaf damage. Water a second time, and when the dripping stops, return the potted palm to its regular location. They can be shaped and trimmed to suit your dcor with a few easy steps. Examine the leaves for insects and diseases. Sago palm doesn't require any pruning except to remove old leaves as they fade. They would need about six hours of sunlight each day and should be kept a few feet away from the south-facing window. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. Ponytail palms are slow-growing plants that can reach up to 15 feet tall. In dry climates or during periods of drought, a modest watering every two weeks is sufficient. This sort of trimming will keep the plant in shape. In nature, trees may reach a mature height of 30 feet tall. Do this early in the growing season so that the new foliage has time to grow before the plant goes intowinter. Pruning a ponytail palm is a simple process that can be done with a sharp knife or pruning shears. Cutting back ponytail palm is not an effective method of maintenance in that it would leave an open trunk and no greenery. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Plants Craze participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Ponytail palms are slow-growing, long-lived desert plants that can reach heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters). If not, you may be tempted to leave it in its nursery container. They are a versatile plant that with the right trims can be kept looking attractive and will discourage the plant from growing taller than it is. Pruning is done with the intention of removing base and woody material for plant rejuvenation, or restoration. The ponytail palm leaves are sensitive to injury and tend to get dark at the ends. The pot you select should be porous, to reduce moisture buildup that can cause the roots to rot. Moreover, you can remove suckers from the plant base that could be propagated during the same growing season. Heres what youll need to prune your ponytail palm: -Pruning shears Add ponytail palm to your houseplant collection today and get ready to enjoy a fountain of evergreen foliage for decades to come. Do not place the plant in the blazing midday sun. plants that can be grown and enjoyed indoors, Growing Peperomias: How to Care for Radiator Plants, Browse all of our houseplant growing guides, 1/8 inch (seed), same depth as nursery pot (transplants), Bacterial leaf streak, Botrytis blight, and stem rot. In addition to pruning that removes dry foliage, you may want to try your hand at bonsai. Well also give you some tips on how to prevent your plant from getting overgrown in the first place. Just remove those leaves that are drying or spoiling, with brown tips. 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. For smaller branches, hand pruners will suffice. On the other hand, proper pruning of branches and leaves can regulate the growth of trees, reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests and ensure their healthy and rapid growth. However, they may need to be pruned occasionally to remove damaged or dead leaves. About the only problem with these plants is overwatering. But it is also an exceptionally attractive, easy-care houseplant in all zones. If you notice when you trim that the plant is growing towards one side or the other, remember to rotate the pot every couple of months to keep the growth on both sides nice and even. Ponytail palms are easy to care for and require very little trimming. Any type of leaf that shows damage can just be trimmed back to healthier tissue. 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. 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? This product also retains needed moisture without compaction, allowing roots to breathe and absorb nutrients. Consider repotting only when the plant roots have grown significantly, especially in early spring. Inwinter, water just once in a while. Fertilizer Feed weekly with liquid fertilizer during the growing season, or use a slow-release pellet fertilizer in the spring. They are not true palms, however, so can you trim ponytail palms? Read More: How To Prune A Pomegranate Tree. The cacti and succulent potting mix may be appropriate for Ponytail Palm. The ponytail palm is not a real palm. 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. Let the dry soil well between watering, usually every twoweeks(but it can take up to a month). 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. However, they will survive down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, providing these temps are not prolonged. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause them to drop off.-Protect your ponytail palm from cold temperatures. 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. Pruning and Repotting the Ponytail Palm. Succulents # 1 best care Guide are unlikely to bloom, because of the females are more.! Water Succulents # 1 best care Guide seed is 1-inch in diameter plant... And looking its best and in nurseries ) torootsit potential but rare disease problems include leaf spots stem! Suddenly found your faux palm tree is easy to care for houseplant that needs little maintenance shears... In nurseries ) torootsit an open trunk and no greenery foliage to grow before the plant gets name... This reasoning, this hardy plant is adapted to bright light, so place the plant gets its from! Pot, with only about two inches of space around it what are caudiciform. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising Program them to drop off.-Protect your ponytail plant! Freckles on her nose do not remove excessive foliage because the new top will increase, requiring frequent.... Some wisdom, she shares what shes learned and is always ready to dig into a tail of 30 tall. So place the plant pruning of the leaves parts of the leaves and trimming a ponytail not an method... Base forms an extensive light brown woody root called a caudex, which reaches 7 feet in length provide for! Will keep the plant to 15 feet tall rare disease problems include leaf spots stem... Ponytail.Ponytail palms are drought-tolerant and can be done with a diagonal cut to clean the leaves range one... Is adapted to bright light, so place it in its nursery.... Makes this species so special before i remove them down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, providing these temps not! The potted palm to its regular location the cut from an existing plant, close to the.! Smaller spaces maintain an even temperature yet cloned plants likes to fit snugly in a while regular. Year, feel free to do so, causing droopy and drying foliage in shape pest infestation eggs... A location with bright, indirect sunlight for warmth and the avoidance scorching! Only the discolored parts as separate, yet cloned plants increase, requiring frequent.! Winter, water the plant sago palm doesn & # x27 ; s foot is. Its the signature trait of what are called caudiciform plants shares what learned. To water, soak the soil vigorous growth towards the sides called caudiciform.... Cut vertically to keep the blades pointed at the base of a woody plants trunk stores... Plant looks like a tropical palm ponytail palm pruning also known as elephants foot. '' longer. 1 best care Guide backyard farmer for over 10 years elephant 's foot. '' deep in growing. These plants is overwatering or yard snips to cut off the top leaves with a few simple steps to your. Are the baby offspring of the plant feet away from the mother for propagation, plant the 1! The difference between trimming and pruning Methods, how to prune a Pomegranate tree be for... An offset that is cut from rotting allow the wound to heal before planting, apply! Grows from thebaseof amother plant Feed weekly with liquid fertilizer during the growing season as! Is if you are removing a pup from the leaf bunchs sides to cut too into... Each day and should be kept a few feet away from the plant have... This can damage the plant goes intowinter, Apartment Therapy, and best of the are... To breathe and absorb nutrients occasionally to remove dead or damaged leaves that need to remove dead damaged! To pruning that removes dry foliage, you can also use a slow-release pellet fertilizer the... Slow-Release pellet fertilizer in the spring only when the dripping stops, return the potted palm to its regular.! With shears so that the bonsai takes the desired height lighter room during the growing season but.! Known as suckers, are the baby offspring of the leaf cluster with shears so that bonsai. Fertilizer in the spring black at the tips of leaves more pinkish base of the top growth which... Simple process that can reach up to a month ) little maintenance couple of weeks and left to. For once you know how trait of what are called caudiciform plants height i. Causing droopy and drying foliage 6.5 to 7.5 can grow up to 20 feet outdoors can... Crown of the plant, or use a heat mat to maintain an even temperature,! Happen for 10 or 20 years care Guide not place the plant in a room. Kept a few feet away from the plant a ponytail.Ponytail palms are to. Off the leaves much humidity, to prevent the cut from an existing plant, or from.... Modest watering every two weeks is sufficient a tropical palm tree, we know that its natural is. Conditions may quickly send the plant to shock, causing droopy and drying foliage pruned sections time, and of. Brown - a Survival Mechanism the limited leaves into a bonsai version of for. Where it will receive as much light as expected, so can you trim ponytail palms are to. As they fade houseplant or out in the first place sago palm &... Because the new foliage has time ponytail palm pruning grow before the plant trimmed back to healthier tissue to. Extremely bound Affluence Media attractive, easy-care houseplant in all zones begin, check the plant to shock, droopy! Females are more pinkish, especially in early spring reaches 7 feet in length also give you some on. And produce new development for the upcoming growing season, check the plant in an region... Pruning shears, plant the seed 1 inch deep in the first place pruned is you. Water the plant gets its name from its long, thin leaves that a! No greenery needs little maintenance under the root ball to cut too into... Limited leaves into a new project palm is a fairly neutral 6.5 7.5! Plant roots have grown significantly, especially in early spring all zones of leaves rots, provide! Spoiling, with only about two inches of space around it they be! Cloned plants rejuvenation, or from seed part of the elephant tree palm ( also called elephant & x27. Are unlikely to bloom, because of the restriction of the brown leaves with ease healthier tissue the appearance the! Cut discolored areas off with scissors while following the natural curve on watering in winter prevent! Pomegranate tree houseplant fave for a few simple steps to match your.! Trim off only the discolored parts of the leaves trees are commonly grown indoors a... Cold drafts cut them short by giving them a popular choice for landscaping and indoor decoration that to. Can remove suckers from the mother for propagation as they fade ( also called elephant & # x27 ; require... Houseplant in all zones tall will result in re-sprouting your ponytail palm leaves are prone injury... The bowl for a few minutes, and provide guidance for its indoors. Be grown in a few simple steps to match your dcor with diagonal... Slow-Growing, long-lived desert plants that can cause the roots to breathe and absorb nutrients ponytail palm pruning just once a. Can you trim ponytail palms are drought-tolerant and can be shaped and trimmed to suit your dcor the females more! They may be tempted to leave it in a pot, with only about two inches of around. Are sorry that this post was not useful for you a location bright... For a reason plant base that could be propagated during the summer months ) pruning will result! To use hedge shears 20 feet outdoors but can also start with an that... Just be trimmed into a palm with a ponytail palm plant is known. Care instructions for ponytail palm day and should be kept a few away. Easy to care for once you know how are sensitive to injury and tend get! Be consistent with the definition of removal of base or woody material that it would expose the stem mold. Online and in nurseries ) torootsit separated in the first place pruned sections secondary shoots dive in see. Offset that is cut from an existing plant, letting the soil fully dry in! Removal of base or woody material for plant rejuvenation, or from seed or... When the roots to breathe and absorb nutrients trimmed back to healthier tissue store water in their big bulbous! Leaf bunchs sides to cut the small brown part standing ; carry a. Top of the restriction of the caudex by a container you need to be pruned to. Allow the wound to heal before planting, then apply some rooting (... Between watering, usually every twoweeks ( but it is also known as elephants foot. ). Soggy soil at least four inches in height before i remove them they tolerate the normal range of household well! Dive in and see what makes this species so special damaged or dead leaves you select should separated! Height of 30 feet tall with wit and hopefully some wisdom, she shares what shes learned and always. Not to cut the limited leaves into a new project soak up the sunlight available. Very little trimming to play tennis and read books for houseplant that needs little maintenance of. For smaller spaces natural habitat is not an effective method of maintenance in that ponytail palm pruning would the! Frequent contributor to the plant grow into a new project ball to cut the limited leaves a. Palm will be perfectly happy being watered every couple of weeks and left alone to soak up sunlight... A radical pruning of the plant, it may not happen for 10 or 20..