Ponytail plant is very popular as a houseplant and is known in many other names like ponytail palm, bottle palm, bottle tree, elephant's foot tree, etc. The name ponytail plant is derived from its leaves, that cascade from the top. Even though, it has a tall and tapering trunk with leaves emerging from the top, it is not a palm tree, but, belongs to the genus Beaucarnea in the family Ruscaceae. This plant is native to some parts of Mexico. Ponytail plant can be kept both indoors and outdoors. They require very less maintenance and are very easy to care for.
More About Ponytail Plant
As mentioned above, this plant resembles a palm tree in appearance, but, is not a real palm. Its popularity is due to various reasons, including the unusual features that make the plant unique. A ponytail plant has a broader bulbous base and a long trunk that ends in cascading leaves. The leaves are long and evergreen with a leathery texture and finely serrated margins. Only established and older plants produce flowers. The tiny flowers are greenish white in color and develop on large panicles. While, the plant can grow to a height of six to ten meters, the bulbous base may have a maximum diameter of three meters. The leaves have a length that can range between 0.5 to 2 meters. These attractive features make this plant one among the popular houseplants. Apart from that, the plant can survive adverse conditions for a longer time, as compared to most of the other plants. Ponytail plants being xerophytic, they can survive without water for longer spells. They require very less maintenance and can be planted either indoors or outdoors. Even though, they are easy to grow plants, there are some basic requirements, that have to be met with, for healthy growth.
How to Care for Ponytail Plants
These plants love bright sun and can be planted in locations that provide full sun. If you want to keep them indoor, go for locations with bright light and warm conditions. Another requirement is well-drained and fertile soil. As ponytail plant can store water, frequent watering is not necessary. Water the plants as and when necessary. Over watering may result in rotting of the trunk. During the summers, water the plant more frequently, than in winters. Another important point to be noted is that this plant has to be shifted inside, as the temperature drops below 55 F. A ponytail plant is slow-growing and if you want it to grow taller, re-pot it in a larger pot. During the growing season, you may use a liquid fertilizer once every week. Feeding is not recommended during winters and a slow release pellet fertilizer will be good during spring.
In short, ponytail plants are among the easiest plants to grow. They are slow-growing and may take more than ten years for flowering. But, this plant is mainly grown for its unique features, rather than the flowers. So, if you are interested, contact the local nursery and get a ponytail plant for yourself.
