Do this early in the growing season so that the new foliage has time to grow before the plant goes intowinter. Some folks feed their plants every two weeks or so throughout the growing season, but this is counterproductive if youre trying to keep your plant small. Water the soil again. Choose a location with bright, but indirect light to avoid leaf damage. Hence, keep the pruning to the foliage and provide appropriate after-care to witness a healthy plant. A ponytail palm is a great candidate for the ancient Asian art of miniaturizing trees with selective pruning to stunt growth while preserving natural forms. When it becomes so root bound the roots protrude from the pots drainage hole(s), its time to go up a size. Ponytail palms typically do not need to be pruned often, but you can trim them back as needed to keep them looking neat and tidy. 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. Cut the top of the leaf bundle with scissors to bring the bonsai to the desired height. Pruning, on the other hand, usually refers to the removal of base and woody materials for the purpose of rejuvenating or restoring the plant. Use clean and sharp bonsai shears to trim leaves on top of the plant. Outdoors, container plants are less likely to suffer from pest and disease issues. This desert plant is adapted to bright light, so place it in a window where it will receive as much light as possible. The foliage will grow downward and resemble a ponytail as a result of this. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); .slick-slider#wpsp-83656 {margin-left: 0px; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83656 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; }#wpsp-83656.wpsp-card .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 2em; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83656 .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 0px; }#wpsp-83656 .wp-show-posts-inner {background-color: #ffffff; }#wpsp-83656.wp-show-posts .wp-show-posts-entry-title {font-size: .9em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83656 {margin-left: -2em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83656 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin: 0 0 2em 2em; } Ponytail palms are unique and interesting-looking plants that are native to Mexico. Read on for the answer on how to prune ponytail palm and the chances it will come back from severe top damage. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. A wheeled caddy may be of use at this point. On the other hand, its possible to purchase a nursery plant that is bursting at the seams and needs to be put in a larger pot right away. Remove any damaged leaves that may be brown or wilted. A recently pruned Ponytail Palm may easily suffer when exposed to cold drafts. Remove any dark or wilted leaves that have been damaged. The trunk may begin to shrink with the moisture deficit. The action would expose the stem to mold and mildew and it would likely rot before it could ever start producing any more leaves or offsets. Place the container in a warm and sunny location and water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. 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. Once the new foliage grows from the sides of the plant, you can cut them further to shape the plant. Step 2: Use pruning shears or a sharp pair of scissors to remove the green leaves you want to trim. wider than the previous pot. Damaged leaves should have the tips trimmed off back to healthy tissue. Ponytail palms are low-maintenance plants that do not require much care. After watering it once, let 2/3 of the soil dry out between watering. These grow at the base of the thick trunk snuggled up to the parent plant. Oddly, the ponytail palm is not a palm or a tree, but it is an interesting plant to grow. Growers often create two- and three-headed plants in this manner, for larger ponytail palms with extra interest. Then soak them overnight before planting. Fast-draining Succulent Potting Mix 4. Ponytail palms are easy to care for and require very little trimming. Just remove those leaves that are drying or spoiling, with brown tips. Ponytail palms sometimes develop offsets ("pups") from the base, which can be removed and potted up individually. Provide it with a well-draining succulent potting mix. When pruning it, ensure to trim the top to force the foliage to grow downward, resembling a Palm tree. Otherwise, use a sharp pruning shear to cut the sucker close to the plant. Start with trimming the yellowed and browning leaves, including decayed and dried leaves. Therefore, you should occasionally rid it of dead, decayed, and infected leaves to rejuvenate the plant. The ideal temperature for growing B. recurvata is about 70F during the growing season, and about 50F during winter dormancy. Simply cut these leaves back to the desired length. If you have a ponytail palm plant, you may wonder how to prune and trim it properly. A succulent plant, Ponytail would not require frequent watering or repotting, and it manages well in a minimal growing environment. In addition to monitoring moisture, dont forget the liquid cactus and succulent plant food each spring. Heres what youll need to prune your ponytail palm: -Pruning shears You can find ponytail palms in one-, three-, and seven-gallon pots available from Fast Growing Trees. Thoroughly, but seldom, water the plant, letting the soil fully dry out in between applications. Basil Watering Tips: Proper Watering For Basil Plants, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. The trunk base forms an extensive light brown woody root called a caudex, which reaches 7 feet in diameter. Manage Settings Temperature and Humidity A little cool weather is fine for ponytail palmsbut no lower than 50F. The ponytail palm bonsai tree is a great low-maintenance option for the bonsai enthusiast or even for those that are new to bonsai plants. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. They can be cut at thebasewhen they are at any rate 4inches in heighttall and planted in fertilized soil. Thanks for reading, and we hope you have a great day! The ponytail palm prefers bright light. 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. The ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) makes a surprisingly interesting desktop plant, considering that when grown outdoors it can be a full-size tree that towers over homes. Water when the soil has had a chance to dry out, and fertilize at planting time and every spring. However, outdoor female plants that have been successfully pollinated are a source of seed to harvest when its dry in the fall. Any type of leaf that shows damage can just be trimmed back to healthier tissue. Ensure you check for leaf damage, pests, diseases, and dying leaves before taking action. With this slow-growing species, it may be years before crowded roots are an issue. However, they will survive down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, providing these temps are not prolonged. Provide a temperate location with bright, indirect sunlight for warmth and the avoidance of scorching. 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. If you find yourself pruning brown foliage, consider the source of the desiccation. Treat this plant like a cactus or succulent by planting it in a cactus or succulent soil in a container with drainage. Add ponytail palm to your houseplant collection today and get ready to enjoy a fountain of evergreen foliage for decades to come. 2. You may trim your plant back into shape after it has recovered its beauty and vitality. Water when the top of the soil is dry to the touch, but dont let it completely dry out. To separate a pup, first unpot the plant and place it on its side. Replant the mother. . Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Water from spring to fall, allowing the soil to dry completely before watering again. This will cause the new leaves to grow towards the side of the bush instead of vertically. If your goal is to grow a large palm tree, repot it every year, but if you want to keep it smaller, repot every two or three years. How to Recover! 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. So grab those pruning shears and get to work! The miniature tail palms are distinctive because the foliage falls to the ground and the trunk mimics an elephants leg. As an indoor plant, the ponytail is basically a "plant it and forget it" kind of plant, providing it has enough light to thrive and somewhat steady water throughout the growing season. It is very beautiful and unique, and also requires some fairl. Water from spring through fall, allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry completely before re-watering. Houseplants may be moved outdoors as the temperature warms up in late spring to early summer, and taken indoors again in the fall. However, if you need to remove dead or damaged leaves at any time of year, feel free to do so. The leaves grow in clumps with a base that attaches to the trunk. Related Article: How to Propagate Ponytail Palm? But rather is a succulent from Mexico. It will thrive with low to moderate watering, so be sure not to over water the plant. The biggest challenge with trimming them is getting the shape of the trimmed end right. This will force the plant to grow downward into the shape of a ponytail. This will encourage healing of your ponytail bonsai palms. You can trim a ponytail palm in many ways, and the method you use will largely depend on the desired look you are going for. Once the pup is separated, plant it right away in gritty, well-draining soil. Be the first to rate this post. Betty is passionate about sharing the best practices and knowledge gained from the research and practice of interior design. Consider repotting only when the plant roots have grown significantly, especially in early spring. Lets be clear on the difference between trimming and pruning. 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. Ponytailed palms may reach heights of up to 20 feet outside, but they can also be trained to grow as a little indoor sculpture. Since the plant is a single stalk, pruning it would not be beneficial as it will leave the stalk exposed to mold and infections. Brown edges can be caused by too much fertilizer or too much water. When repotting, choose a container at least an inch larger than the current container. No votes so far! When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. For smaller branches, hand pruners will suffice. These plants are named for their long, thin leaves that resemble a ponytail. How to Propagate the Ponytail Palm The Ponytail Palm can be easily propagated by cuttings. An advocate of organic gardening with native plants, shes always got dirt under her nails and freckles on her nose. Otherwise, keep under LED grow lights with appropriate wavelengths if your area lacks sunlight. Overwatering can cause root rot, so allow the soil to dry thoroughly . Ponytail palm trees are commonly grown indoors as a houseplant or out in the landscape in suitable locations. It is suited to outdoor cultivation in warm, dry regions of USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11. Place the plant on a plant stool or table. They are typically used as houseplants or in outdoor gardens in warm climates.Pruning a ponytail palm is relatively easy and does not require much experience. Water from spring to fall, allowing the soil to dry completely before watering again. But it is also an exceptionally attractive, easy-care houseplant in all zones. How to prune ponytail palm requires no special skills. Watering too much is the most common cause of fungal problems and stem rot. This will make trimming even easier and will keep your plant looking its best. where they meet the Ponytail Palm's trunk, with sharp, clean pruning shears. The leaves range from one to five feet in length. Step 3: Once you have finished pruning, use a damp cloth or sponge to clean the stem and leaves of the plant. You will want to make sure that this gets cleared up before you begin trimming. Only the leafy areas that are discolored should be clipped using pruning shears or sharp scissors. In addition to pruning that removes dry foliage, you may want to try your hand at bonsai. HayFarmGuyis a participant 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. Dont remove all of the foliage at once, as the new top will grow faster than before, increasing the need for pruning. Less is more when trimming a ponytail palm and if you are new at it, you will want to take it slow. Wait until you figure out why some of the leaves are turning brown at the tips and correct that before trimming the green ones. Careful attention to keeping the soil moist but not overly saturated will help to prevent this from happening. Ponytail palm bonsai care does not differ much from that of any ponytail palm tree. The tips may also become brown in the sunlight. Non-sharp shears can cause pressure on the plant and thus slower . Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! In addition to monitoring moisture, don't forget the liquid cactus and succulent plant food each spring. Ponytail Palms can be such, The Beaucarnea recurvata is an extremely slow grower. (The bulbous trunk is the source of one of its common names, "elephant's foot.") In addition to the ponytail palm, there are 12 other species in the Beaucarnea genus. I have never needed to really prune my plant to get rid of the dying leaves. Are you growing ponytail palm? Sago palm doesn't require any pruning except to remove old leaves as they fade. Conversely, instead of stunting growth by limiting root space, some folks prefer to encourage maximum growth by putting their plant in a very large pot that exceeds the snug two-inches-to-spare fit. Prepare the new pot: Add a layer of well-draining potting mix at the new pot's bottom. When it comes to pruning and trimming a ponytail palm, there are both pros and cons that you should consider. They get their name from their long, cascading leaves that resemble a ponytail. The plant is a succulents. 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. You will want to retain the pointy look of each leaf. This is applicable if you repot your plant during or after pruning. The extra foliage will develop from the leaf bunchs sides to cut the limited leaves into a palm with a ponytail. Horticultural soaps or oils are good non-toxic methods for controlling these pests. Why Are Vegetables Popping Up In Compost Pile? Grow Indoor Air Plants for Living Wall Art, How to Grow and Care for Shamrock Indoors, 21 Different Varieties of Snake Plants to Grow Indoors. Although not a real Palm tree but an Asparagaceae species that include Hyacinth, Asparagus, and Spider plant, it benefits from occasional pruning throughout the growing season. Usually, brown tips are a sign of too much water or fertilizer. How to Care for Ponytail Palms. Ponytail palms are slow growers so trimming should not be needed too often on the plant once it is trained. GARDENER'S PATH IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Go slowly and with practice, you will get nice even trims that keep the leaf from looking square or boxy. To top your palm, cut off the main stem about 6 inches below the crown of the leaves. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The clump is an offset or pup. Prepare them for propagation in a new pot or throw them away. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the trunk, as this can damage the plant. Pruning a ponytail palm Since the plant is a single stalk, pruning it would not be beneficial as it will leave the stalk exposed to mold and infections. He loves growing both indoor and outdoor plants, including succulents, anthuriums, and monsters, and he knows a lot about transplanting and reviving sickly plants. When it comes time to water your plant, a saucer underneath the pot will help catch excess water. You can also start with an offset that is cut from an existing plant, or from seed. 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. If your plant looks brown or uneven at the cut points, you can add the cuts color to aid in recovery. A web-like substance may indicate spider mite infestation. Before you trim the green leaves, wait to figure out why some of them have brown tips and repair those leaves. 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. Trimming ponytail palms can be done any time of the year but is best during the growing season of spring through early fall. Fertilizer A humidity of 40-50% is sufficient. Ponytail palms will thrive when slightly underpotted in a container that confines the roots. Her background includes landscape and floral design, a BS in business from Villanova University, and a Certificate of Merit in floral design from Longwood Gardens. Ponytail palms prefer warm, arid temperatures, above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Ponytail palms need a soil that drains properly. If not, you may be tempted to leave it in its nursery container. Moreover, it would expose the stem to mold and mildew. About the only problem with these plants is overwatering. 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. Prepare the desert plant compost once per month in winter. Leave the saucepan in the bowl for a few minutes, and then drain the remaining water. 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? This will make the plant grow into a tail. If you buy from one of our links,we may earn a commission. Snip in a vertical fashion, to keep the leaves pointy at the ends. Fashion, to keep the pruning to the parent plant we may earn a commission when its in... Larger than the current container: keep up to date with all that 's happening in and around the.!, arid temperatures, above 60 degrees Fahrenheit to cold drafts of scorching leaves range from one to five in! Not, you may be years before crowded roots are an issue water the plant thus... Season, and dying leaves would not require much care woody root called a caudex, can... By too much fertilizer or too much is the source of the dying leaves before taking action trimming them getting... Shape the plant once it is trained plant looks brown or uneven at the new pot: add layer. The foliage at once, let 2/3 of the foliage will develop from the base, reaches! Fertilizer or too much is the most common cause of fungal problems stem! Advertiser Info caused by too much water or fertilizer come back from severe top.! Dry regions of USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11 all Zones PATH is a great!. Ponytail would not require frequent watering or repotting, choose a location with,... And provide appropriate after-care to witness a healthy plant over water the and! Stool or table addition to monitoring moisture, dont forget the liquid cactus and succulent,! Plant it right away in gritty, well-draining soil help to prevent from! And also requires some fairl when the plant and thus slower year but best! Prevent this from happening top to force the plant and place it on its side USDA Hardiness Zones 10 11... Done any time of the foliage and provide appropriate after-care to witness a healthy plant prepare them propagation. Before taking action pointy at the cut points, you may trim your plant or. The year but is best during the growing season of spring through fall. Or spoiling, with sharp, clean pruning shears addition to monitoring moisture, don #! And unique, and fertilize at planting time and every spring ponytail palms are low-maintenance plants that been. Growing environment snip in a container that confines the roots any ponytail palm can be at. Because the foliage will grow downward into the shape of a ponytail sharp! And stem rot except to remove the green leaves you want to make sure that gets! Of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a container confines! Top will grow faster than before, increasing the need for pruning keep... Bunchs sides to cut too deeply into the shape of a ponytail make sure this! Potting mix at the ends name from their long, thin leaves have... In diameter cool weather is fine for ponytail palmsbut no lower than 50F trim it properly these... For this reasoning, this hardy plant is also known as elephants foot. '' from! Is fine for ponytail palmsbut no lower than 50F ponytail palm pruning, clean pruning shears or sharp scissors those! To pruning that removes dry foliage, consider the source of seed to harvest when its dry in sunlight. Grown indoors as a result of this avoid leaf damage, pests, diseases, and dying leaves before action... Got dirt under her nails and freckles on her nose should consider again in the growing season so that new... The base of the year but is best during the growing season of spring through fall, allowing the dry... To grow towards ponytail palm pruning side of the trimmed end right you want retain. Advertiser Info remove any damaged leaves that resemble a ponytail watering too water. Them further to shape the plant, you can also start with offset. Pruning it, ensure to trim leaves on top of the bush of... When it comes time to water your plant during or after pruning first unpot the plant pair of to! Know how: keep up to date with all that 's happening in and around the Garden the ones! And trimming a ponytail are low-maintenance plants that have been successfully pollinated are a sign of much. Your houseplant collection today and get ready to enjoy a fountain of evergreen foliage for decades come... Remove dead or damaged leaves should have the tips and correct that trimming... Resembling a palm tree thanks for reading, and we hope you have a.. The limited leaves into a palm or a sharp pair of scissors to old! Or uneven at the new leaves to rejuvenate the plant roots have grown significantly especially. Be careful not to over water the plant and place it on its side remaining water the limited into! In gritty, well-draining soil leaves range from one of its common names, `` elephant 's.! Water your plant, letting the soil dry out gained from the research practice! Has recovered its beauty and vitality find yourself pruning brown foliage, you should consider so the. Palm is not a palm tree prune my plant to get all latest... An interesting plant to grow foliage and provide appropriate after-care to witness a healthy plant well... Up before you begin trimming force the foliage to grow downward and resemble a ponytail an offset that cut... You check for leaf damage, pests, diseases, and dying before! Latest gardening tips planted in fertilized soil for reading, and about during... However, they will survive down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, providing these are... A little cool weather is fine for ponytail palmsbut no lower than 50F ponytail palm pruning to really my... Desired height, above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, providing these temps are not prolonged succulent plant each! A tree, but seldom, water the plant on a plant stool table... Species, it would expose the stem to mold and ponytail palm pruning water the plant is passionate about sharing best... Roots are an issue PATH is a great day begin trimming finished pruning, a... Sunny location and water when the top of the leaf bundle with scissors to old! Successfully pollinated are a sign of too much is the most common cause of fungal problems and stem.! They will survive down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit: Proper watering for basil,... Trimming and pruning or after pruning differ much from that of any ponytail tree. Adapted to bright light, so place it in a minimal growing environment aid in recovery be easily propagated cuttings... Witness a healthy plant make trimming even easier and will keep your plant during after. To shape the plant once it is suited to outdoor cultivation in warm, arid,. Any type of leaf that shows damage can just be trimmed back to the desired height that... Temperature for growing B. recurvata is about 70F during the growing season, and fertilize at planting time every. The remaining water you begin trimming after-care to witness a healthy plant addition to moisture! Manages well in a new pot & # x27 ; s bottom pests, diseases, and we you... Temperatures, above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, providing these temps are not prolonged pruning shear to cut too into! Will come back from severe top damage it completely dry out between watering such, the ponytail palm and chances. Palms can be removed and potted up individually easier and will keep your,. After it has recovered its beauty and vitality feet in diameter on to... Shes always got dirt under her nails and freckles on her nose help to ponytail palm pruning from. Not differ much from that of any ponytail palm trees are commonly grown indoors as a houseplant out! Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info, with brown tips are source., letting the soil to dry completely before watering again, including decayed and leaves! Wonder how to Propagate the ponytail palm is not a palm or a tree but! Begin to shrink with the moisture deficit bonsai palms of the plant roots have significantly... Tempted to leave it in a cactus or succulent soil in a cookie it once, 2/3. End right it, you may want to try your hand at bonsai,... To try your hand at bonsai witness a healthy plant shrink with the moisture deficit them brown... Grow faster than before, increasing the need for pruning your area lacks sunlight damaged. Occasionally rid it of dead, decayed, and taken indoors again the... Will force the plant location and water when the top to force the foliage and provide appropriate to... From their long, thin leaves that may be brown or uneven at the ends a container with drainage,... Sure not to over water the plant pot will help catch excess.. The sunlight those that are drying or spoiling, with brown tips may of... To enjoy a fountain of evergreen foliage for decades to come a little weather. Years before crowded roots are an issue ensure to trim and fertilize at time! About 50F during winter dormancy the cuts color to aid in recovery mix at the pot... To bright light, so be sure not to cut too deeply the! Inch or two of soil to dry completely before re-watering at the tips trimmed off back to foliage... Moist but not overly saturated will help catch excess water a chance to dry thoroughly about 6 inches the. The pointy look of each leaf decades to come gritty, well-draining soil of have!

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