Ponytail palm

(Beaucarnea recurvata)

August 1996

DESCRIPTION:

Terminal rosette of arching, narrow leaves up to 3 ' long and 1/2" - 1 " wide. Leaves are leathery and slightly rough.

FOLIAGE COLORS:

Green

CONTAINER:

Large container.

LIGHT:

High. Full sun (unless noted differently in "COMMENTS"), filtered light, south window, atrium, thousands of footcandles.

WATER:

Occasional. Water thoroughly, let soil dry to touch to a soil depth of 1" to 1-1/2".

TEMPERATURE:

Medium - warm. 61 - 85 (degrees F) days, 56 - 75 nights.

HUMIDITY:

Low, average

FERTILIZER:

Every 3 - 4 months.

SOIL MIX:

Compact medium of garden soil ,leafmold, and fine sand in equal parts.

PROPOGATION:

Lateral shoots

SELECTION GUIDE:

Select sturdy, shapely, healthy plant free from insect and disease damage. New leaf growth is desirable. Avoid those with yellow or brown leaf margins, wilted or water soaked leaves.

CARE:

Easy. Tolerates wide range of conditions. Good for beginners.

PROBLEMS:

Mealybugs: Wash with soapy water or wipe off with alcohol using cotton swab.
Scale insects: Scrape off. Isolate. If severe, dispose of plant.

COMMENTS:

Slow grower, growing only an inch or so a year. Use care not to overwater in winter.

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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