How fast does ponytail palm grow?

This desert native is slow-growing, ranging in size from less than a foot tall to more than 6 feet when grown indoors. Outdoors, it can grow up to 30 feet.

Are ponytail palms safe to have around pets?

Ponytail palms are considered non-toxic and safe to have around cats and dogs.

Why is ponytail palm sometimes called "elephant's foot?"

When ponytail palm is planted, there's a large, bulbous stem that can be seen rising up from the soil. It's thought to look like an elephant's foot.

Do ponytail palms have deep roots?

No. Like many other succulents, the ponytail palm has a rather shallow root system. For this reason, they prefer shallow pots where they can absorb moisture quickly and grow a little root-bound. In ideal conditions, the fine, fibrous roots below the surface of the soil can quickly absorb moisture to store in the plant’s bulbous base.

How to Plant and Grow Ponytail Palm

This houseplant can grow to the size of a small tree indoors.

By

Sharon Greenthal

Updated on October 28, 2023

Ponytail Palm Overview

Genus Name	Beaucarnea recurvata
Common Name	Ponytail Palm
Plant Type	Houseplant
Height	1 to 3 feet
Width	1 to 4 feet
Special Features	Low Maintenance
Propagation	Division
Problem Solvers	Drought Tolerant

Where to Plant Ponytail Palm

A desert plant, ponytail palm is adapted to bright sun. Place it near a window where it will receive as much light as possible. This plant can be moved outside for the summer. Just transition it slowly from indoors to outdoors by placing it in part shade for several days before moving it to a full-sun location.

How and When to Plant Ponytail Palm

Plant ponytail palms in shallow pots. You can plant them any time as indoor plants. Choose a container with excellent drainage and fill it with balanced potting soil. Place your ponytail palm in the pot so that the majority of the bulbous base emerges from the soil and the root ball is a few inches below the edge of the pot.

If you are planting outdoors, place your ponytail palm in full sun when temperatures are between 60° and 90°F. After planting, keep your ponytail palm watered and in sunlight and it will do fine.

Ponytail Palm Care Tips

Ponytail palm is a very easy houseplant to care for. It is, however, slow-growing, so you'll need to be patient.

Light

Ponytail palm grows best in full sun. Give it as much bright light as possible when grown indoors.

Soil and Water

A quick-draining soil mix for cacti is a great choice for ponytail palm in containers. To create quick drainage, you can incorporate sand or small gravel into regular potting mix. If grown outdoors, it can be planted in sandy soil with rich organic properties.

Watering ponytail palm differs from summer to winter. In summer, water ponytail palm deeply but infrequently, allowing the plant to dry out before watering again. Reduce watering significantly in winter. In its native environment, ponytail palm receives little or no water in winter. Mimic those conditions by watering the plant deeply every few weeks in winter.

Temperature and Humidity

A little cool weather is fine for ponytail palms—but no cooler than 50ºF. It does best in dry conditions with temperatures above 60ºF.

Fertilizer

Fertilizing is rarely necessary, but plants can be fertilized once or twice during spring or summer. Use a general all-purpose plant food and follow manufacturer's instructions for the amount to use.

Pruning

Brown leaf tips are common in winter and aren't cause for alarm. Simply snip off the brown ends to clean up the plant's appearance.

Potting and Repotting Ponytail Palm

The size of your pot will determine the size of your tree. If you want to let it grow bigger, repot it after a few years to give it more room. Confining its roots will keep it healthy and limit its growth.

Pests and Problems

Ponytail palms may have the same problems as other houseplants, including spider mites and mealybugs. Use horticultural soap or oil to eliminate these pests without using chemicals.

Leaf spots, root rot, and bacterial leaf streak are unusual but possible infections. Too much water is often the cause of these issues.

How to Propagate Ponytail Palm

The easiest way to propagate ponytail palms is via pup division. The offshoots that grow at the base of a mature plant are known as pups and they can be separated in spring and early summer.

Cut the pup from the parent plant using sharp pruning shears but try to avoid severing the roots. Dip the cut end of the pup in rooting hormone and plant it in a separate container. Water the pup and place it in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Keep the soil slightly moist for a few weeks and monitor your pup until it establishes itself.

Types of Ponytail Palm

'Gold Star' Ponytail Palm

Gold Star ponytail plant — Denny Schrock

Beaucarnea recurvata 'Gold Star' is an exciting selection that has leaves streaked in chartreuse. It does best in high-light situations. It grows 8 feet tall and can be grown outdoors in zones 9-11.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does ponytail palm grow?

This desert native is slow-growing, ranging in size from less than a foot tall to more than 6 feet when grown indoors. Outdoors, it can grow up to 30 feet.
Are ponytail palms safe to have around pets?

Ponytail palms are considered non-toxic and safe to have around cats and dogs.
Why is ponytail palm sometimes called "elephant's foot?"

When ponytail palm is planted, there's a large, bulbous stem that can be seen rising up from the soil. It's thought to look like an elephant's foot.
Do ponytail palms have deep roots?

No. Like many other succulents, the ponytail palm has a rather shallow root system. For this reason, they prefer shallow pots where they can absorb moisture quickly and grow a little root-bound. In ideal conditions, the fine, fibrous roots below the surface of the soil can quickly absorb moisture to store in the plant’s bulbous base.