Ponytail palm
Treat it as a succulent, not a palm: sun and very occasional water.
Care
Full sun or the brightest possible light.
Very low — water thoroughly then let the compost dry out completely; monthly or less in winter.
Cactus or gritty loam-based compost in a heavy, shallow pot.
None needed. Brown leaf tips can be trimmed.
A cactus or balanced feed at half strength two or three times in summer.
Offsets from the base occasionally; mostly raised from seed commercially.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- MayCan go outside in full sun for the summer. how ›
- SeptemberBring in before nights drop below 7-8°C. how ›
- DecemberWater very rarely in winter. how ›
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- AprilCan go outside in full sun for the summer. how ›
- SeptemberBring in before nights drop below 7-8°C. how ›
- DecemberWater very rarely in winter. how ›
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. The swollen trunk softens.
What to do. Overwatering — usually fatal; water far less.
How to spot it. Dry tips.
What to do. Cosmetic; trim if wanted.
Questions
Ponytail palm: is it hardy?
H1c: Tender, needs above 5°C. It survives above 5 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes — a houseplant; repot rarely, into a shallow pot.
Ponytail palm: when do you prune it?
None needed.
When do you feed it?
A cactus or balanced feed at half strength two or three times in summer. Feeding months, UK: May, July.