Beaucarnea recurvata
Commonly referred to as the “Ponytail Palm”, these are fun-looking plants that get their name from their leaves looking like hair in a ponytail. Their thick trunk holds water, making them a fairly resilient plant.
-
Ponytail Palms prefer bright indirect light. Placing them near an east-facing window or a few feet from a south or west-facing window, is often a perfect setup.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Direct, harsh sun, especially the hot afternoon sun.
However, Ponytail palms will struggle in low light conditions.
-
Ponytail palms are fairly drought-tolerant, so it's important not to overwater them. Letting the soil dry out between waterings helps prevent root rot, which is one of the most common issues with them.
Check the soil by sticking your finger about 1–2 inches deep. If it feels dry, it's time to water. If it still feels moist, wait a few more days.
When you water, make sure to water thoroughly so that the excess drains out of the bottom of the pot. This ensures the roots get a good drink.
-
Ponytail palms prefer a light, well-draining soil. A standard houseplant mix works well, but adding a little perlite or orchid bark for extra aeration can be helpful. You can also use a cactus or succulent mix.
During the growing season (typically spring and summer), you can fertilize your ponytail palm about once a month. In fall and winter, when the plant is generally in a dormant phase, it’s best to reduce fertilizing or stop altogether.
Occasionally fertilizing and repotting, you’ll encourage steady growth and keep your ponytail palm looking lush and vibrant.

