Ponytail palm

Discussion in 'Indoor and Greenhouse Plants' started by alotofplants, Apr 12, 2007.

  1. alotofplants

    alotofplants Member

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    I just bought a ponytail palm about 12 in tall...as I was replanting it from the container it came in....it seems so wet and the roots all came off just a few remain....!!! will my new baby make it?

    Help....Thanks, Annette
     
  2. markinwestmich

    markinwestmich Active Member

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    Your "ponytail palm" (Beaucarnea recurvata) is a plant found in the deserts of Mexico, and is not a palm. When in doubt, keep it dry. It is well-adapted to long periods of drought. That is why it has that fat "bulb" on the base of the plant. It is known as a caudex and it stores water. It is a member of a large group of plants known as caudiciforms.

    That said, it has obviously suffered some serious root rot. Take the plant out of the soil and let it air dry for a day or two. It stores water in its trunk/caudex, but if it is also showing signs of rot, it may be time to send it to the "great beyond" and chalk it up as a learning experience. If the caudex appears to be in otherwise good condition, then try some rooting hormone on it before placing it in a loose, granular soil and a pot with large drainage holes. Don't water it for at least a week and then only when the soil is completely dry. Remember, this is a desert plant and it thrives on neglect.

    There are several threads on this forum regarding the care of this popular plant.
     
  3. alotofplants

    alotofplants Member

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    Thank you for your post...I was not able to get back on till today....I took the pony out of the soil... took a good look @ the bottom and it seems to not be soft or mushy.... it does have a few root on it that are intact...

    when I planted it I was not sure how deep it should be? also I planted it in very sandy soil with some slow release plant food ...


    Thank you for all your help
    Annette
     
  4. Rima

    Rima Active Member

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    It should be as deep as it was in the original pot, or else about 1/3 up the caudex (bulb).
     

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