Beaucarnea recurvata
ponytail palm
Ponytail palm. Bulbous caudex (trunk) topped with thin branches and grassy leaves. Great in containers, too. Quite slow in fog belt.
 Height | 12–20ft |
|---|---|
 Width | 6–10ft |
 Tolerates | Drought |
 Water needs | Low |
Water this plant infrequently, when the top two inches or so of soil feel dry. Usually this will mean every week or two in dry weather. If you establish this pattern over several years, then you can cut back to watering every four to six weeks in dry weather. Use a slow stream of water so that it doesn't run off; allow the water to trickle all the way down through the deepest layers of soil. This plant will look more lush if given water every two to four weeks during dry weather once established. In a pot slowly water the entire surface until water comes out of the bottom of your pot. If the crown of leaves gets smaller, and smaller, and smaller... you are probably under watering. | |
 Hardy to | 30°F |
 Exposure | Full Shade – Full Sun |
 Plant traits | Caudiciform, Grassy, Sculptural, Tree, Trunking |
 Indoor / outdoor | Outdoor |
 Drainage | In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil |
 Fertilizing | All Purpose, Low Needs |
 Origin | E Mexico |
 Sunset zones | 13, 16–24 |
Growing Notes
When old lower leaves get tippy they can be tugged off to expose a smooth trunk.
If the branches of this plant are cut back hard it's about 50:50 wether or not they will regrow or not. When they do it's with many new heads. This is a way that growers get those fat, low, bushy specimens.
If planted on a tilt the trunk will grow upright, creating a bend in it.
Special Interest
This plant is not an actual palm, but the common name comes from its similar (is it really?) appearance.
Each plant is male or female, with males having a reddish pink flower and females having a creamy white flower. Flowers are exceedingly rare in cooler climates, but do occasion pop off when a heat spell comes through.
We have heard this is one of the trees growing where Dr. Seuss grew up, surely inspiring his whimsical plant characters.
Stories featuring this plant
Garden storyInspiration from Clarke de Mornay's Patio GardenIf you’ve spent any time at Flora Grubb Gardens in SF, you’ve most likely experienced the warmth, plant genius, and general fabulousness of our beloved Clarke de Mornay. Now take a peek into Clarke’s own gorgeously detailed and eclectic home garden, a paradise for plant collectors!
Garden storyPeek Inside a Super Stylish, Plant-Filled SF HomeHouseplant dreams are just what you need for a cozy weekend. Here's a peek inside a plant-filled SF house to inspire your indoor garden plans.
Garden storyHouseplant Care: Light, Water, and SoilHere at FGG, the question we hear most often from customers is “How often do I water my houseplant?” It sounds like a simple question, but the answer is actually pretty complicated.
Which store do you shop at?
The above information reflects the observations of Grubb and Nadler and our extended plant community. We always consider input from fellow horticulturists and welcome feedback from those with additional information on the culture of this plant.
© 2020–2026 Grubb and Nadler. All rights reserved.