by Sam Madsen

Created on: August 31, 2010   Last Updated: September 01, 2010

A houseplant ponytail palm is really pretty easy and almost death by grower proof. These things are a blessing to a person who thinks they can't grow a houseplant at all. No they are not a cactus; they “will” require some watering.

The ponytail palms are a wonderful addition to any indoors or outdoor setting. You can grow them in pots on the patio or deck in a semi shady area, and then in the winter bring them indoors. They are considered a tropical houseplant palm, so they will not tolerate temperatures below fifty five degrees.

Be forewarned, they have the ability to grow to the size of the pot you choose to plant them in. So with this in mind make sure it is large enough to accommodate strong growth in the roots, but not too big, to the point you will have a hard time moving it around.

The new growth starts coming out of the top, and as it grows longer it will drape down, thus making the look of a ponytail. The leaves are slender and actually sharp on the edges. They can cut you like a paper cut, if you're not careful when you are trimming off the dead or brown spots, which may occur.

Ponytails do not require a lot of water. As a standard rule, when they are completely dry at least an inch down in the dirt, then is when you would wet the soil thoroughly. Never over water, by keeping the soil to moist and never let them stand in water.

The base of the ponytail resembles a big bulb, which grows in diameter as the leaves grow from the top. If the base stand in water or stays too soggy, it will become mushy and kill the entire plant.

When you are trimming the leaves, make the cuts on an angle, cutting down along the length of the leaf.

This will help keep the shape of the leaf, while maintaining the overall appearance of the plant. When you cut of the dead or damaged leaves, you will be allowing new grow to be promoted more easily.

If you really want to make a nice look for an indoor setting, grow more than one, in similar pots and place them across from each other, on either side of a window or seating area. Anywhere you place your ponytails, you will be creating a more tropical scene. If that is the look and theme you are going for, these beauties are the perfect mini trees to purchase. They are virtually carefree and offer a great deal in return for the time spent on them and the initial investment.

Learn more about this author, Sam Madsen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.