How to Grow a Ponytail Palm Tree
- 1). Use a container that is 6 to 10 inches in diameter, with drainage holes on the side. Plant the ponytail in a mix of one part peat moss and one part garden soil. Water the plant immediately after planting so that soil compacts.
- 2). Apply 10-10-10 fertilizer once a month during spring and summer. After fertilizing the plant, water right away to prevent root burn. During the winter months, the ponytail is dormant and should not be fertilized.
- 3). Water the ponytail palm when the soil is dry. Test the soil by placing your finger in one of the drainage holes on the side of the container. If you notice dark spots or a soft spot on the thick stump, stop watering for one to two weeks so the plant can heal. This is a sign of overwatering and root rot. Resume watering after the stump has healed.
- 4). Place the palm in a location with full sun. If placing the palm on a patio during hot summer, keep the tree in partial shade to full sun. Temperatures should be above 18 degrees Fahrenheit for mature plants and above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for young plants.
- 5). Use a damp cloth once a month to wipe dust from the leaves of the ponytail palm. This also helps prevent problems with pests.