Beaucarnea recuruata is a slow-growing plant native to Central America. The plant is also known as the Ponytail Palm, but is actually from the Asparagaceae family. A long-living plant, when grown outdoors it will reach the height of most tree species.
Beaucarnea Recurvata Appearance
Beaucarnea recurvata, when grown outdoors, will reach a height of 30 feet (9.2 meters). As a houseplant, expect heights of between 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) tall and 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters) wide. The plant features long, bulbous stems with tufts of foliage at the tops. The leaves grow up to 6 feet long but only an inch wide. Several leaves grow from each branch and cascade down in a spiral pattern. Blooms are rare when the plant is grown indoors. As the plant is dioecious, male plants form creamy-white blooms and female plants’ blooms are pink.
Light Requirements for the Beaucarnea Plant
Provide full sun or bright, indirect light for optimal growth. A spot in a South-facing window is ideal. Growing your plant in a sunny room with all-day light is also acceptable.
Beaucarnea Recurvata Care: Watering Your Plant
Water your plant, during spring and summer, once every one to two weeks. The plant stores water, so use a combination of the soil’s moisture level and the plant’s appearance as your guide. Reduce watering to once per month during the fall and winter months.
Soil and Fertilizer Requirements
For proper Beaucarnea recurvata care, grow your plant in a succulent or cactus soil mix amended with peat for added nutrients. Use a pot with drainage holes to allow excess moisture to drain from the soil. For feedings, provide a liquid fertilizer once a week in the spring and summer. One dose of a slow-release pellet fertilizer once in the spring also works well. Reduce feedings in the winter when growth is slowed.
Temperature and Humidity Levels
Bearcarnea prefers a warm and dry environment for optimal growth. Temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 Celsius) are ideal, but the plant will tolerate 50 F (10 C) for short periods of time. Keep humidity levels low for a healthy plant.
Propagating Your Beaucarnea Recurvata
Propagation occurs by planting offsets, also called pups. The process can be difficult as the offsets don’t produce their own root system. Choose a healthy offset and apply a rooting hormone, as directed. Plant the pup in a pot filled with a cactus or succulent soil and keep the soil lightly moist until the pup is established.
Common Pests and Diseases
Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, and scale on your Beaucarnea recurvata. Inspect your plant regularly for signs of pests, including sticky honeydew residue and fine webs. Treat your plant with horticultural oil, as directed.
Leaf fungus presents as black or brown spots on the foliage, a result of water sitting on the leaves for extended periods of time. Ensure you don’t pour water onto the foliage during waterings, and wipe away that remains. Remove infected leaves and treat the plant with a houseplant fungicide.
Beaucarnea Recurvata stands out among houseplants thanks to its unique growth and foliage formation. The plant’s size makes it an excellent choice for a floor plant. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant with a tropical vibe, this is an excellent choice.
Beaucarnea Recurvata FAQ
The plant does well in USDA zones 10 and 11.
This plant has a slow growth rate. It can take over 5 years for a one-foot-tall plant to double its size.
Repot your plant in the spring for best results. Repot every year if you wish to increase the size of your plant. To retain the plant’s current size, repot every 2 to 3 years.
Prune any damaged or dying foliage or stems to redirect the plant’s energy into healthy growth.
Not necessarily. The plant actually does well if it becomes root bound for a while.