Ponytail palm care

Beaucarnea recurvata needs direct sun. Check the soil before you water.

This is general care advice. Check the label of your plant. Keep toxic plants away from pets and children.

Care at a glance

Botanical name: Beaucarnea recurvata
Other names: Elephant's foot, Bottle palm
Light: Direct sun. Put it at a bright south or west window. It needs several hours of direct light.
Soil check: Every 14 to 28 days in the growing season. The app learns the real time.
Humidity: Normal room air is fine
Feeding: Feed rarely. Once or twice a year is enough. Do not feed in winter.

How does the soil feel near the bottom of the pot?

Push a wooden skewer or a pencil to the bottom of the pot. Pull it out. Look at it and feel it.

Dry: the skewer is clean and dry, all the way down. Water the plant.
Damp: the skewer has a little dark soil on the lower part. Do not water yet.
Wet: the skewer is dark and wet, with soil that sticks to it. Do not water. Check the drainage.

Do not water on a fixed day. Test the soil first. Read the soil check guide.

Use cactus mix. Add perlite or coarse sand and use a shallow pot with drain holes.

A soft, mushy trunk base means too much water. Water less and let the soil dry fully.
Brown leaf tips are common. Trim only the brown part.
The swollen base stores water. A plant with a firm base can go for weeks without water.

Not toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it away from pets that chew plants.