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Ponytail Palm click pic to enlarge |
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Zone 9-11 First off, Ponytail palm is not a palm so that's why this article is in the TREE section of our website Said to be native to Mexico, the keys for Ponytail are (1) abundant sun/light/hours and (2) dry sandy soil very well drained. Once established in Florida (say year two) you never have to water. Rainfall is plenty and can be too much unless you insure perfect drainage so as to not rot the roots
click pics to enlarge Before Hurrican Andrew killed the main specimen at Fairchild Tropical Gardens in MIami on August 24, 1992, their oldest Pontail had a showcase location with a circle sidewalk all around. We would estimate it took 25-30 paces to go around that mega-trunk. When visiting, we always went there first stop. The tree was over 100 years old. Sadly, we never took a picture, sorry Notice in the right picture above the younger Ponytail that has just started to branch. It takes some years before branching so be patient with the single-stem upright look Ponytail shows in early years Here are two even younger not yet branched
click pic to enlarge Folks don't realize that Ponytail has a very showy flower display. In South Florida, May-June, you see a huge inflorescene
click pics to enlarge Ponytail palm handles periods of drought exceptionally well, and food needs are minimal, but a regular fertilization program during all warm and hot months keeps health good and growth at peak performance Also popular as a houseplant, Ponytail wants maximum sun/light/hours indoors, loose sandy soil and very little water. Feed with time released pellet food during warm and hot months |
