Hello! I'm a

Beaucarnea recurvata “Ponytail Palm”

Ponytail Palm, or Beaucarnea recurvata, is an easy-care houseplant.

Latin name
Beaucarnea recurvata

Pronunciation
(“bo-CAR-nee-ah ree-kurv-AH-ta”)

Common name
Beaucarnea recurvata

Origin
Mexico

This species’ most distinctive feature is its swollen stem base, which may reach two metres in diameter. This is topped by a whorl of thin, green, pendulous leaves that have a graceful arching habit, and which may be up to two metres long.

It is a slow growing species, and some examples are known to be over 350 years old. Mature plants can produce a swollen base that can grow up to two metres in diameter.

So much moisture can be stored in the tissues of the plant that it can survive for several months without water in the wild. Its unusual shape and wide spread of its canopy means that this plant should be displayed on its own. Like Yuccas and Dracaenas, it can be made to branch by cutting the tip off the plant – whorls of new leaves (which eventually fuse to form the stem or branch) emerge from dormant buds that break once the top is removed.

Did you know?

Beaucarnea recurvata isn’t a true palm at all—it’s actually a member of the asparagus family!

Beaucarnea recurvata is non-toxic to pets and humans. It is safe for cats, dogs and children, making it a popular, low-maintenance choice for households and offices alike.

caring for your plant

Light

Medium high – high.

Watering

The soil should be moist and allowed to dry out a little between watering. If you forget to water, don’t worry – it will go several weeks without suffering.

Pruning

Not necessary unless a branch is out of shape or growing in the wrong place. If you remove a branch, new growth will appear below the where you cut the old growth off.

Feeding

Needs very little in the way of fertilizer – a weak solution in the water every time you water the plant will be all that is needed.

pest & diseases

Mealybugs, scale insects and two-spotted spider mite may sometimes appear, but they are easily removed by cleaning the plant with a damp cloth or paper towel. Over watered plants and those kept in humid places are prone to fungal infections such as mildew or Botrytis.

Our plants are grown in Ecoponic, an alternative to soil. Officially known as a vulkaponic substrate, it replaces traditional compost with a clean, mineral-based medium that helps protect peatlands.

According to the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, “A loss of only 5% of UK peatland carbon would be equal to the UK’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.” As well as storing carbon, the natural wetlands where peat is found are critical to the survival of plants and wildlife. Ecoponic also improves plant health and uses water more efficiently.

Find out more about Ecoponic here.

Buy one of my cousins from the nursery

Did you know?

Research from the University of Exeter found that offices with plants can increase productivity by up to 15% while also improving concentration and job satisfaction.