Ponytail Palm
Beaucarnea recurvata
An evergreen perennial with a distinctive bulbous, water-storing trunk base (caudex) and a crown of long, narrow, recurved green leaves that cascade down like a ponytail.
- Light
- Bright indirect light to full sun; prefers at least 4-6 hours of bright light daily.
- Water
- Low water requirements; allow the entire pot of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Growth
- Slow-growing evergreen perennial that can reach 15-30 feet in its native habitat, but typically stays 3-6 feet tall when grown indoors.
Care instructions
Provide bright indirect light or full sun. Use well-draining succulent soil and water only when the soil is completely dry. Feed sparingly with a liquid fertilizer during the spring and summer growing seasons.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright indirect light to full sun; prefers at least 4-6 hours of bright light daily.
Watering
Low water requirements; allow the entire pot of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Soil
Fast-draining soil, such as a cactus or succulent mix, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0 to 7.0).
Hardiness zone
USDA Zones 9-12; it is not frost-tolerant and should be kept above 50°F (10°C).
Growth habit
Slow-growing evergreen perennial that can reach 15-30 feet in its native habitat, but typically stays 3-6 feet tall when grown indoors.
Bloom season
Rarely blooms indoors; mature outdoor plants may produce panicles of small creamy white flowers in summer.
Propagation
Propagate by removing and potting the offsets (pups) that grow from the base, or by seed in spring.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to spider mites, scale, and mealybugs. Brown leaf tips can occur from underwatering or low humidity, while yellow leaves often indicate overwatering.
Similar species
Beaucarnea guatemalensis, which has flatter, thinner leaves and a less pronounced bulbous trunk.