A Ponytail Palm Is Not Really A Tree

By Bradley White
A ponytail palm is not a tree, contrary to its name. It is actually a flowering plant that is native to the desert in Mexico, where it is called Beaucarnea recurvata. In America, the plant has several other names including a Bottle Palm because of its thin base and as Elephant Foot because of the shape and thickness of its base.

Ponytail palms grow in a planter just as a traditional houseplant does. It should be placed in bright light to little shade and does not need to be watered as often as other plants. You can water your flora every seven to fourteen days. Watering a lot at one time is better for its growth than watering a little each day.

Just be sure not to over water and allow the pot to drain water as necessary. You can place the plant outside in the summer, but it must be moved indoors when the temperature begins to reach below the mid fifties.

Because the large plants can break plastic pots, you may want to plant it in a ceramic pot. Ponytail palms grow very slowly, so do not overcompensate for this slow growth cycle by watering too much. That will actually kill the plant. It can actually grow to be around twenty feet high with proper care.

Although it looks like a palm tree, the ponytail palm is actually a member of the lily family. Acquiring one of these floras will make an interesting addition to any decor in your home.

Bradley P. White has been a practicing pharmacist in Ohio for 14 years. He focuses his practice on healthy living and wellness. He educates people on how to correct nutritional deficiencies to avoid illness and disease.