Beatriz Garces of Nature’s Way Farms explains, “The ponytail palm is a popular houseplant for its drought-tolerant nature and adaptability to almost any environment. It stores water in its unique trunk, which is why it is so easy to maintain.” While it first became popular in the 1970s, Garces describes the plant’s recent moment in the sun, “We have seen a resurgence in popularity of the Ponytail Palm due to its unique appearance. Its exposed, unique, slender trunk paired with thin, green, curly fronds makes the ponytail palm a statement piece on any table.” Now, you can find ponytail palms at most garden stores that sell houseplants. They’ll rarely reach over 4 feet when grown inside and are simple to keep at a manageable indoor size. As with any plant, do your best to keep to a consistent watering schedule with your ponytail palm and dump out any water left over in its saucer so it’s not sitting in moisture. Have to leave town for a few weeks? No big deal. Your ponytail palm will be waiting for you when you get back—and it should be as green as ever. Ayelet Faerman of Verdant Lyfe describes the ponytail palm as, “A great starter houseplant and easy to care for with the ability to leave it for vacation or other travel with no worries.” Just give it a thorough watering before you head off, get rid of any standing water, and you’ll be good to go. Faerman adds that when ponytail palms are exposed to brighter light and full sun exposure, there’s an added benefit. The plant will take on some red coloring and add a vibrant pop of crimson color to your home garden. Faerman adds, “I would recommend only repotting it once its roots have maximized the pot.” You’ll know it has reached this point, which may occur biannually, when you push on the outside of the pot and it doesn’t give. Look for a pot that’s no bigger than 2 inches larger than the bulbous trunk. Faerman says, “New growth ‘pups’ can be carefully cut from the trunk, rooted, and will eventually form their own trunk over time.” It is not as simple a process as some other succulents and plants where a simple cutting quickly turns into a new plant, but it is something to look forward to as you take care of your ponytail palm over the years.
