Whoa, it’s a ponytail palm!

First, the ponytail palm is not a true palm.  In fact it is more closely related to succulents in the Agave family.  Often available as a small container plant, the slow-growing ponytail can potentially develop into a thirty foot tall specimen.  Be assured however that the ponytail palm is more commonly found maturing at around fifteen feet in our area.  This is an attractive plant which develops a tapered trunk and swollen base with strap-like leaves at the tips of the branches resembling ponytails. 

Keep your ponytail in full sun to part shade in a well-drained area.  Poor drainage sites can result in root rots.  I’ve seen one that was planted near a downspout that eventually turned into a pile of mush as a result of too much moisture!  Keep in mind also that, while this plant is only moderately salt tolerant, it is very drought tolerant.  The swollen base of this plant, almost resembling an elephant’s foot, attests to its ability to retain moisture and thrive in relatively arid areas.  If you move your plant from a more shaded condition to a sunnier location, adjust it slowly as sunburn can occur.  Remember that the ponytail palm can make an excellent container plant that may grow into a sizable specimen and a conversation piece.  As an added feature, mature specimens will produce yellow flowers up to three times a year; mostly in the spring or summer. 

Ponytails can also be part of the landscape where they often develop into spectacular multi-branched specimens.  The abstract shape of this living work of art can be the centerpiece of a rock garden, a decorative addition to a patio, or just a specimen to brag about!  Listed for Hardiness Zone 10 A, the ponytail is best planted in spots such as warmer micro-climates or in landscapes closer to the coast. Mature specimens can tolerate more cold.  If you want to grow your own ponytails, you must use seed which is usually obtained from the plants' native range of southeastern Mexico. The local availability of starter plants is relatively abundant, however.   I once purchased a pot of six small ponytails and divided them up.  Soon I had six larger specimens eventually having to be repotted several times – you can have too many ponytail palms! 

Ponytail palms are easy to grow and always interesting for all ages!  For more information on all types of fun plants to grow, please call our Master Gardener volunteers on the Plant Lifeline on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer.  Don't forget to visit our other County Plant Clinics in the area.  Please check this link for a complete list of site locations, dates and times - http://charlotte.ifas.ufl.edu/horticulture/Plant%20Clinics%20Schedule.pdf.

Resources: 

Gilman, E. F. & Watson, D. G. (2014) Beaucarnea recurvata: Ponytail. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.

Christman, S. (2004) Beaucarnea recurvate.  Floridata.com, Tallahassee, FL.