These eye-catching, minimal-care houseplants arent actually palms—theyre succulents. Let us show you how to grow ponytail palms!
Long-lived and easy to grow indoors, the ponytail palm (Beaucarnea) is not a palm tree at all. Instead, its a succulent. Ponytail palms are related to agaves, but while the leaves are rough to the touch, they are much less stiff and thorny than an agave. Those leaves sprout from the top of the stem in a fountain-like manner and look a bit like ponytails. Because of the plants wide, grayish base with cracking bark, ponytail palms are sometimes called “elephant foot trees.” The base of each ponytail palm tapers up to a slender, graceful trunk, which is why another common name for this plant is “bottle palm.”
The ponytail palm is an increasingly popular houseplant known for its unique, fountain-like shape and minimal care needs. But one key to keeping a ponytail palm healthy is providing it with the right amount of light. So how much light does this unique succulent require? Let’s take an in-depth look.
Native to eastern Mexico, the ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) is not actually a true palm but a succulent plant. It can grow up to 15 feet tall indoors. The ponytail palm gets its name from its swollen, bulbous base which tapers up to a narrow trunk or stem. Atop this stem sits a dense crown of long, narrow, curly green leaves that drape down like a ponytail hairstyle.
Proper lighting is essential for the ponytail palm to maintain its full, flowing ponytail of leaves. Too little light leads to yellowing, limp foliage while too much direct sun can scorch the leaves.
Ideal Light Conditions for a Healthy Ponytail Palm
In its native habitat the ponytail palm thrives in full sun. When grown as a houseplant, it does best with the maximum amount of bright indirect light possible.
Specifically most ponytail palms need
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4-6 hours of direct sun daily or intense unfiltered light from an east or west window. Filter harsh afternoon sun with curtains.
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8-12 hours of bright, indirect southern exposure from a sunny window. South facing light is gentler than east/west.
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Rotation weekly for even light distribution.
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Consistent light exposure year-round for healthy growth.
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Supplemental LED grow lights where natural light is limited.
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Protection from hot midday sun which can burn the leaves.
Choosing the Best Indoor Spot
Ideally, place your ponytail palm in front of a large, sunny south-facing window. Southern light is bright but less harsh than western or eastern exposure.
For ample direct sun, position plants a few feet back from an unobstructed east or west window. Use sheer curtains to diffuse intense afternoon rays.
If space near windows is scarce, focus on the brightest area available. Avoid low-light corners of the home.
Rotate the plant regularly for even light distribution on all sides. A quarter turn each week works well.
Using Supplemental Grow Lights
Where natural lighting is low, use full spectrum LED grow lights to provide additional illumination for your ponytail palm.
Position the grow lights 6-12 inches above the plant. Set the lights on a timer for 12-16 hours daily to simulate outdoor exposure.
Adjust the height and duration of the grow lights based on the plant’s needs. Signs it needs more light include yellowing leaves and leggy growth.
Caring for Outdoor Ponytail Palms
When grown in its hardy zone of 9-11, the ponytail palm thrives best with full sun outdoors. Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Place it where buildings, trees and shrubs won’t shade it, especially in mornings. An open, unobstructed spot is ideal.
Adjusting Light Over the Seasons
The intensity and duration of natural light changes over the course of a year. Adjust your ponytail palm’s environment accordingly.
In summer, diffuse harsh midday sun with curtains. Move plants away from hot afternoon western sun.
In winter, move plants right up to the sunniest windows and supplement with grow lights. This compensates for fewer daylight hours.
Rotate plants seasonally for balanced, even growth.
Signs Your Ponytail Palm Needs More Light
Check your plant routinely for signals it’s not getting sufficient illumination. These include:
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Lime green or yellowing leaves
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Minimal new growth
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Limp, drooping stems
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Leggy, stretched out appearance
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Shriveled, dropping leaves
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Susceptibility to pests/diseases
If you notice these issues, move your ponytail palm to a brighter location and/or use supplemental lighting.
Solutions for Scorched Leaves
If your plant’s leaf tips turn brown or the edges appear burnt, it’s likely getting too much direct sunlight. Try these fixes:
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Closing curtains to filter the sunlight
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Moving the plant back slightly from the window
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Providing shade outdoors under a cover
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Rotating the plant frequently for even light distribution
Find the right balance between ample but gentle light for your particular plant.
Keeping Your Ponytail Palm Gorgeous
The ponytail palm’s good looks depend heavily on proper sun exposure. Situate plants in the brightest indoor spots possible or give them full outdoor sun. Supplement natural lighting as needed, especially in winter. Routinely check leaves and watch for signals of too much or too little light. With the right amount of bright, sunny exposure your ponytail palm will cascade beautifully!
In Summary
- The ponytail palm is a unique succulent that needs abundant light to stay healthy.
- Indoors, provide 4-6 hours of direct sun or 8-12 hours of bright indirect light daily.
- Ideal indoor spots are near sunny south facing windows or bright east/west windows. Filter harsh sun.
- Use grow lights to supplement natural light, especially in winter.
- Rotate plants for even sun distribution.
- Too little light causes limp, yellow foliage. Too much direct sun scorches leaves.
- Adjust lighting with the seasons to match the plant’s needs.
- Keep leaves vibrant by ensuring your ponytail palm gets adequate sun!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much direct sun can a ponytail palm tolerate?
Ponytail palms can tolerate 4-6 hours of direct eastern or western sun indoors when gradually acclimated to it. Provide bright shade during harsh midday hours. Outdoors, they need a minimum of 6 hours of full sun.
What happens if my ponytail palm gets too much light?
If exposed to excessive direct sun, the tips of the leaves may become brown or burnt looking. Provide shade, filter sunlight with curtains, or move the plant back from windows to prevent leaf scorching.
Where should I place my ponytail palm in my home?
For the best results, situate your ponytail palm in front of a sunny south facing window. South light is bright but less intense than east or west. An east or west window is the next best option. Rotate the plant weekly.
Can a ponytail palm survive in low light conditions?
Ponytail palms are very adaptable and can tolerate lower light conditions. However, their growth will slow and leaves may become limp or yellow without enough sun. Give them the brightest location possible for best health.
How do I know if my plant needs more sunlight?
Signs your ponytail palm needs more light include minimal new growth, pale green or yellowing leaves, limp foliage, leggy/stretched stems, and leaves falling off easily.
Should I use a grow light for my ponytail palm?
Yes, LED grow lights are an excellent way to supplement natural sunlight, especially in winter. Use full spectrum bulbs, place 6-12 inches above the plant and set for 12-16 hours daily. Adjust duration and height as needed.
Properly lighting your ponytail palm is key to keeping it looking lush and healthy for years to come. Focus on providing the brightest location in your home and adjust over the seasons for ideal growth. With abundant light, your ponytail palm will reward you with its signature flowing, ponytail style leaves!
How to Water Ponytail Palms
Because their trunks hold water, ponytail palms can go long periods without water. That doesnt mean you shouldnt ever water them, but you dont want to overwater them. Allow the top two to three inches of soil to dry out between waterings and then give the plant a good soak. Indoors, that means youll probably end up watering your ponytail palm every 3 to 4 weeks. If youre allowing the plants to summer outdoors, keep an eye on the forecast and move plants under cover if several inches of rain are predicted. Do not allow plants to sit in standing water.
How to Repot Ponytail Palms
Ponytail palms like to be a little crowded in their containers, so choose a new pot thats only slightly larger than your plants root ball. Since theyre succulents, youll want to use Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix, which provides the excellent drainage that ponytail palms need.
- Select a pot that is no more than 1-2 inches larger than your plants current container. It should also have a drainage hole.
- Fill the container about ⅓ full with Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix.
- Gently remove your ponytail palm from its pot and tease the roots to loosen the root ball. Then put the plant in the pot so that the top of the root ball is about an inch below the rim. Do not bury any part of the stem or the plant will rot.
- Fill in around the root ball with more potting mix.
- Thoroughly water the plant and let it drain before moving it to its growing spot.