Ponytail Palm problem

Discussion in 'Caudiciforms and Pachycaul Trees' started by Patrick1, Apr 23, 2007.

  1. Patrick1

    Patrick1 Member

    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Destin USA
    I recently purchased a 3ft ponytail palm. The ends are turning brown. I live in FL and have the plant located by the patio window. It receives indirect light. Is this a watering issue...too much / too little? Is it a light issue? Please someone reply...her name is Polly (I know, I know), but I don't want her to die...
     
    Last edited: Apr 24, 2007
  2. Stone Woman

    Stone Woman Member

    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Mendocino, California, USA
    I think it's a light issue. Mine gets direct irridesent light in a planter (you know, a tube light made especially for plants) for 8 to 10 hours a day. I hear it should get at least 4 hours a day direct natual light. And it should dry out in between waterings. Being that mine is in an enclosed tererrirum, I water it about once a month.

    The ends of mine are turning brown too, but my problem is different. When I got it, it was cut at the top and it was about 1 foot tall. They had sealed the top with some black stuff on the top so it wouldn't grown from the top any longer, but it does have about 5 or 6 little perfectly little green shoots. I finally got the nerve to repot it, as it looked as if it was supposed to look like it was supoosed to be a bonsia. I cut back the brown spots, but now I wonder if I can cut the little shoots off and replant them someone. Anyway anyone can help me and or Patrick1? Thanks!
     
  3. Rima

    Rima Active Member

    Messages:
    991
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Eastern Canada
    Do let most of the soil get dry between waterings rather than the reverse.
     
  4. markinwestmich

    markinwestmich Active Member

    Messages:
    543
    Likes Received:
    9
    Location:
    Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
    This link should help. http://www.floridata.com/ref/B/beau_rec.cfm
    As will this one. http://www.bihrmann.com/caudiciforms/subs/bea-rec-sub.asp

    Drying/browning of the leaf tips on the lower foliage is totally normal for this plant. The browning/drying will creep up the individual leaves, and the leaf will drop off. It will be replaced at the top of the plant with fresh, new foliage.

    If you are having problems with yellowing or browning of the tips of the foliage on relatively new leaves, then I would suspect salt damage from fertilizer. One, these plants thrive on a relatively nutrient deficient soil in their native environment. Two, salt damage can be worsened by trying to keep the soil a little moist. As mentioned earlier, let the soil dry out totally, then give it a good soak, even if it means taking it outside or moving it to a sink basin, shower stall, or tub. This will leach the excess salts from the soil.

    Although, this popular plant is often sold as an "indoor tropical", it is anything but. Beaucarnea recurvata is a tough, desert dweller with a water-storing caudex at the base of the plant. They are often potted in moist, loamy soil then sold as a "palm". They are not palms. They need to be potted in a course mix of grit that shouldn't stay wet for any more than a day or two.

    If you have any more issues/questions. We now have a "Caudiciform and Pachycaul Tree" forum. This is a "caudiciform" plant by virtue of its caudex. We also have a culture guide posted within the forum.
     
  5. Daniel Mosquin

    Daniel Mosquin Paragon of Plants UBC Botanical Garden Forums Administrator Forums Moderator 10 Years

    Messages:
    10,574
    Likes Received:
    615
    Location:
    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    (moved to caudiciform forum)
     
  6. Stone Woman

    Stone Woman Member

    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Mendocino, California, USA
    Highly educational links Mark, and I have learned quite a bit about my little plant. I appreciate your time and trouble in helping me keep it alive. Now it'll be healthier than it was too, as now I know what to and what not to do. My best, Loralyn
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 26, 2007

Share This Page