Ponytail palm care: watering, light and repotting
Also called beaucarnea, elephant's foot, bottle palm · Beaucarnea recurvata · Asparagaceae family
30 d in winter
How often to water the ponytail palm?
Allow about 14 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 30 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Its swollen trunk stores water: better to forget it than to overwater. Lots of light; direct sun is welcome.
What light does it need?
The ponytail palm loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 3 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from May to July, feeding every 45 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 3–6 ft (1–2 m).
Safe for cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Common problems
Soft base of the trunk
Cause: Too much water. What to do: Stop watering for several weeks and check the drainage.
Dry tips
Cause: Dry air, nothing serious. What to do: Trim the tips at an angle with clean scissors.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the ponytail palm?
About every 2 weeks in spring and summer, and every 30 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the ponytail palm?
The ponytail palm loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Should you mist the ponytail palm?
There's no need: indoor air suits it. Wetting its leaves for no reason can even encourage disease.
When should you repot the ponytail palm?
Every 3 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the ponytail palm safe?
The ponytail palm is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. A pet that eats a lot of it may still vomit, so it's best not to let it nibble.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the ponytail palm forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.