Ponytail Palm

11 years ago

About 8 months ago I inherited a ponytail palm. After planting it in a little larger container (it seemed root bound in the older one), it has continued to grow. As you can see from the picture, there are a lot of new leaves coming out from the top. Should I cut these back or will they eventually fall into a ponytail appearance like the rest of the leaves? They have been standing upright for months now, and I'm finding myself getting a little impatient with their appearance. Thanks for any help.

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Comments (7)

amcoffeegirl
11 years ago
I love these plants. You are lucky to have this specimen. I have never seen one look so tall and thin.
Yes the new leaves will eventually fall into form but it may take awhile. If the tree is happy it should always have a little top growth. Yours looks like it is now in a happy place. Enjoy it.
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
11 years ago
Looks great! Looks like it's having a revival in vigor from having space to grow new roots. Just be careful to not overwater it while there's a volume of soil without roots now. Because these can rot so easily when potting soil is used, they are often under-potted. From the looks of your plant, an unnecessary warning, keep up the great work!
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sally6340 (6a, So OH)
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for the advice, much appreciated! We planted it in a cactus potting mix, so hopefully that will help. I've been watering every 3 wks. & so far, so good. I'm mostly an outdoor plant person and get so much sun where we live, I have to water daily in the summer. This indoor plant is quite a change for me. :) I will be patient with the leaves & give them more time to fall. :)
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
11 years ago
Glad to hear it's not in potting soil. Good vibes for continued good results!
kwie2011
11 years ago
What you have is exceptionally droopy old growth contrasted against very perky new growth. I suspect it wasn't as close to a window before you got it. In any case, as that new growth fills in, the canopy will spread out a bit rather than sticking straight up and dangling straight down (those drooping leaves are creased/folded and shouldn't be like that). Don't be frustrated with the new growth. It's that old growth that's funky. When it begins growing again in the spring, it will be a very pretty plant. If you cut it, it will stay funky much longer.

I agree that the plant appears to be happier with its situation now.
teengardener1888
11 years ago
I love the long and flowing leaves these specimens often develop
orangeblossom777
11 years ago
Hi i have 3 large sized ponytail palms and i just love them i looked at your pic and your ponytail palm is very tall and a healthy size ,yes the leafs will grow large and fill the plant back out when the weather gets warm again , you have it in a perfect location in front of a big window good luck!!