Beaucarnea recurvata aka Ponytail
Taxonomy
Beaucarnea recurvata, commonly known as the elephant's foot or ponytail palm, is a species of plant in the family Asparagaceae native to Mexico. Despite its name, it is not a palm but a tropical perennial with a thick swollen stem (caudex) that stores water and rich green, linear leaves that drape nearly to the ground. In nature, it can reach heights of up to 26-33 ft (8-10 m), while indoor plants can reach up to 6 ft (2 m). The Ponytail Plant blooms with cream or pink flowers, though this may not happen in home conditions. Ponytail palms prefer bright light and regular watering, with a preference for dry winters and indoor heated air. It has become popular in Europe and worldwide as an ornamental plant and can have a lifespan as long as 350 years.
Common names
Ponytail, Bottle Palm, Elephant Foot Tree, Ponytail PalmHow to care for Ponytail
Difficulty
Ponytail requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Water
Ponytail does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
Ponytail loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Ponytail prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
Ponytail is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
Humidity
Ponytail thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
The growth of Ponytail is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.
Region of origin
Ponytail’s native range is Central America.
Flower
If you provide your Ponytail with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.
More info:
Wikipedia
