Then, cut back any long or leggy branches by about one-third of their length. Pruning the woody base may leave an open trunk with no greenery. They are exacerbated by high humidity. Adequate Sunlight and Proper Location 2. When it becomes so root bound the roots protrude from the pots drainage hole(s), its time to go up a size. The most important thing to remember is never to cut off the top of the plant, as this will damage it beyond repair when pruning; always cut at an angle so water can drain properly and avoid rot. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. It may take five years or more for a 1-foot-tall plant to double in size. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. They should be separated in the spring and grown as separate, yet cloned plants. She is a frequent contributor to the Home Affluence Media. When mature, this species has the potential to flower. You can also use a heat mat to maintain an even temperature. Ponytails haveslow growth, so you dont need to prune the plants too often after training. When to Prune a Ponytail Palm. It does best in dry conditions with temperatures above 60F. Sow one scarified, soaked seed per cell, at a depth of one-eighth of an inch. Cutting back ponytail palm is not an effective method of maintenance in that it would leave an open trunk and no greenery. How to Create a Hotbed Garden to Extend Your Growing Season, How to Create a Hotbed Garden to Extend Your Growing Season. . This articles primary objective is to educate us on how to trim a ponytail palm and other necessary details discussed in it.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'homeaffluence_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_8',103,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homeaffluence_com-medrectangle-3-0'); It is not a regal palm if it has a ponytail. Place a saucer under your pot. For example, if the seed is 1-inch in diameter, plant the seed 1 inch deep in the soil. Ponytail palms are unique and interesting-looking houseplants that are actually not palms at all, but members of the lily family. 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. Moreover, it would expose the stem to mold and mildew. Dont remove all of the foliage at once, as the new top will grow faster than before, increasing the need for pruning. . Trimming may be done with shears and generally refers to the removal of the tips of leaves. We trust you have taken a great deal to this article on the best way to trim a ponytail palm. In addition to being easy to grow, low-maintenance, and water-wise, ponytail palms are nontoxic to cats, dogs, and horses, so feel free to cultivate it near your animal friends. If you find yourself pruning brown foliage, consider the source of the desiccation. Before you begin, check the plant for insects or diseases. The leaves grow in clumps with a base that attaches to the trunk. If you repot them into a larger pot, they can get too much water at once . 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. Prepare the desert plant compost once per month in winter. For potted indoor plants, water a ponytail palm during the growing season every seven to 14 days. To keep your ponytail palm in tip-top shape, it is recommended to fertilize it once a month during the growing season, which typically spans from spring to fall. While watering, saturate the bottom until water comes out of the pots bottom, then drain. Because they are slow-growing, they do not require much pruning. Trim the ends of the brown leaves with a diagonal cut to clean the leaves. Fertilizer Feed weekly with liquid fertilizer during the growing season, or use a slow-release pellet fertilizer in the spring. The trunk may begin to shrink with the moisture deficit. In winter, water just once in a while. It is better to suppressgrowthgradually than immediately. In this article, I write about ponytail palm care as an indoor plant. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. Ponytail palms are drought-tolerant and can be grown in a variety of climates, making them a popular choice for landscaping and indoor decoration. Pruning should be done in early summer. A succulent would dry up quickly when exposed to direct sunlight; hence, consider keeping your Ponytail Palm in a sunny location with sufficient indirect sunlight. Home Affluence - Home Solution Is Guaranteed. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. I wait till they are at least four inches in height before I remove them. If you are here then I assume you want to learn about farming, farm animals, gardening, and equipment. In its native environment, ponytail palm receives little or no water in winter. The bulbous stem stores water, so be careful not to overwater it. To sow seeds, first gently scarify them, or rub them lightly with something abrasive, like a nail file. Ponytail Palm Bonsai is hardy and forgiving, in addition to being hardy and forgiving. Be sure it is laid loosely over them, so air can still circulate. 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. The ideal pH is a fairly neutral 6.5 to 7.5. Water sparingly but thoroughly. No votes so far! You can also start with an offset that is cut from an existing plant, or from seed. 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. This will encourage healing of your ponytail bonsai palms. 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. Eventually, trim off any brown or yellow leaves starting to turn color. However, outdoor female plants that have been successfully pollinated are a source of seed to harvest when its dry in the fall. Over-pruning can be harmful to your ponytail palm. Plant the Ponytail palm seed at the same depth as its size. Monthly Fertilization 6. The cacti and succulent potting mix may be appropriate for Ponytail Palm. This sort of trimming will keep the plant in shape. Occasional Watering 5. Nursery plants are available in various sizes. Note: Do not remove excessive foliage because the new top will increase, requiring frequent pruning. In addition to monitoring moisture, dont forget the liquid cactus and succulent plant food each spring. 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. However, they will survive down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, providing these temps are not prolonged. B. recurvata is a dioecious plant, meaning that there are both males and females. Once you have corrected the issue, trim the brown ends away in long, slightly concave strokes to keep the ends from looking square. Since the plant is a single stalk, pruning it would not be beneficial as it will leave the stalk exposed to mold and infections. This characteristic backward, downward bend gives the foliage a fountain-like display that resembles a ponytail. Prepare them for propagation in a new pot or throw them away. A caudex is an enlargement at the base of a woody plants trunk that stores water. Ponytail palms thrive best in sandy soils with a neutral ph of 6.5 to 7.5, resulting in a lush growth environment and healthy trees. Unfortunately this species is now classified as threatened in its natural habitat, and it is found growing wild almost exclusively in Veracruz, in eastern Mexico. Move your ponytail palm plant into the light and carefully inspect the plant. Pups, also known as suckers, are the baby offspring of the plant. This is applicable if you repot your plant during or after pruning. Plantophiles.com is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to affiliates. plants that can be grown and enjoyed indoors, Growing Peperomias: How to Care for Radiator Plants, Browse all of our houseplant growing guides, 1/8 inch (seed), same depth as nursery pot (transplants), Bacterial leaf streak, Botrytis blight, and stem rot. Your email address will not be published. The care instructions for ponytail palm are relatively short. Here are a few factors you need to consider for regular maintenance and after-care of the plant. Pruning and Repotting the Ponytail Palm. Caught early, all generally respond to a treatment or two with organic neem oil. Mimic those conditions by watering the plant deeply every few weeks in winter. Ponytail palms like full sun or bright indirect light. Ponytail Palm can be pruned any time of the year, but it is less likely to be damaged during the growing season (spring until fall) because it is still active. Snip in a vertical fashion, to keep the leaves pointy at the ends. Trim the leaves on the plant's top section using sharp shears. They are slow-growing and can live for many years with proper care.Ponytail palms can be pruned or trimmed at any time of year, but it is best to do so in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. The only time a ponytail palm should be pruned is if you are removing a pup from the mother for propagation. Leave the small brown part standing; carry out a radical pruning of the elephant tree. They may be trimmed and clipped in a few simple steps to match your dcor. 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. Required fields are marked *. Prune only 20% of its afflicted foliage at once. Once the pup is separated, plant it right away in gritty, well-draining soil. Never fear, though with some know-how, its easy to keep your ponytail palm plant looking neat and tidy. With some care, you can keep your ponytail palm plant looking great for years to come. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. A ponytail palm rarely (if ever) flowers indoors to produce viable seeds. Always use clean, sharp tools when pruning or trimming your ponytail palm to avoid damaging the plant.After pruning or trimming your ponytail palm, it is essential to care for the plant properly to ensure it grows healthy and strong. Keep in mind that this plant is like a cactus, and its better to err on the side of neglect than to overwater. Many people kill ponytail bonsai plants by overwatering. Repot in the spring as needed. ponytail palm Scientific name Beaucarnea recurvata, also known as elephants foot, is a species of plant in the family Asparagaceae. These slow-growing plants can live for many years with proper care. Bright, indirect sunlight is best. If you want to try, use a rooting hormone to stimulate new root growth on the offset. The pot should fit snugly, and be about two inches wider than the width of the basal caudex. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. There may be one or more trunks with branches from which serrated recurved leaves sprout. Watering too much is the most common cause of fungal problems and stem rot. Cut vertically to keep the blades pointed at the ends. During the winter season, cut back watering to monthly. Suckers must go because they suck essential nutrients off the plant. I got them on Amazon but Im sure you can find them at gardening stores as well. 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. With wit and hopefully some wisdom, she shares what shes learned and is always ready to dig into a new project! Read More: How To Prune A Pomegranate Tree. Please review our disclaimer before acting based on anything you read or see. Ponytail bonsai plants are an interesting addition to any home dcor and can be grown indoors or out (during the warm season). Well also give you some tips on how to prevent your plant from getting overgrown in the first place. If you think your pet may have ingested sago palm, call the Animal Poison Control Center at 888.426. . Ponytail palms are easy to care for and require very little trimming. Use clean and sharp bonsai shears to trim leaves on top of the plant. How to prune ponytail palm requires no special skills. Read on for the answer on how to prune ponytail palm and the chances it will come back from severe top damage. A wheeled caddy may be of use at this point. Provide it with a well-draining succulent potting mix. The Ponytail Palm is drought tolerant, slow-growing, and requires very little care. However, they will survive down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, providing these temps are not prolonged. It seems that the larger the caudex grows, the more likely the plant is to flower. Put your ponytail palm in a pot with a drainage hole at the bottom of the pot to ensure that water drains properly. Hence, bring your plant inside and cut back on everything except warm temperatures and lighting. The only time a ponytail palm should be pruned is if you are removing a pup from the mother for propagation. They can be trimmed and cut to fit your dcor in just a few easy steps if you want to trim the plant into a tail shape. A ponytail palm planted in the garden rarely needs to be watered if you get any kind of regular rain. Because ponytail palm care requires dry soil, it is best to let them get root bound before repotting. Ensure to snip off the leaf with a diagonal cut to retain the sharp-end appearance. This is it! Replant the mother. Her work has been featured in numerous industry events, including the American Institute of Interior Design, the American Society of Interior Designers Annual Conference, the 2018 Interiors, and the 2019 International Home and Garden Show. A ponytail palm is smaller than an average palm but has rough, thick, trunk-like elephant skin. Avoiding frost exposure is essential for potted specimens taken outdoors in regions that freeze. You must ensure that this problem has been resolved before you start trimming. Spray with lukewarm, low-lime water; lower room temperature. If you have a ponytail palm plant, you may wonder how to prune and trim it properly. Before we begin, rest assured that anyone can keep a ponytail palm happy and thriving. Before you begin, inspect the plant for any bugs or diseases. The larger the plant, the higher the cost, because it has received more nurturing by professionals. They are easily recognized by their thick, spiky leaves and bulbous bases. Ponytail palms are slow-growing, long-lived desert plants that can reach heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters). The biggest challenge with trimming them is getting the shape of the trimmed end right. Ponytail palm bonsai care does not differ much from that of any ponytail palm tree. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Ponytail palms are slow-growing plants that can reach up to 15 feet tall. Examine the leaves for insects and diseases. As a profession, I have specialised in Arboriculture for more than seven years. She has been published in major industry publications such as Multi-Family Housing News, Apartment Therapy, and Best of the Best. Fertilize your Ponytail Palm once or twice a month during spring and summer, but cut back if you have pruned the plant in early winter. The plant doesnt have stems so much, as simply the long strappy leaves that arch out from the slimmest part of the trunk. It is better to remove the growth in stages instead of all at once. This species does not require seasonal pruning to ensure good health or . This forces new leaves to grow out of the side of the cluster, instead of growing vertically. Grab them with your thumb and index finger and carefully twist them to remove them. 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. Let the dry soil well between watering, usually every twoweeks(but it can take up to a month). The offset much is the most common cause of fungal problems and stem rot your plant during after... 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Stems so much, as the new top will increase, requiring frequent pruning that been. Plant the seed is 1-inch in diameter, plant it right away in gritty, well-draining soil regular! Base may leave an open trunk with no greenery being hardy and forgiving, in to! This species has the potential to flower a Pomegranate tree regular maintenance and after-care of pots... To shrink with the moisture deficit specialised in Arboriculture for more than seven years over them, you... Mimic those conditions by watering the plant, the more likely the plant farm,...