Caring for and Pruning a Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

That feeling when you finish a video and upload it only to find one tiny typo...

[@judyhummel9889]

I have a 20 yr old ponytail pla t with offshoot branches. If I cut them off do I just repot them?

[@SamAlcoff]

This is the best video. We are fortunate that you are helping us with plants and not a cult leader because I can feel myself being educated/lulled into following you as the supreme green leader.

[@nabilnassery]

Very helpful video you know you are plants perfectly 👌 🙏 thank you we appreciate you👍

[@broadwaywes]

Thank you for showing us your cat chewing. A much needed chuckle

[@mommayanna]

I appreciate the information. I learned a lot. Thanks!

[@CT-rf1jh]

I have 3 8 ft tall pony tail palms, had them all since 1975, they were in q in pots then, now they are in 22 in pots, it is the year 2024 now, what are these worth? I need to sell them, they are too big for my house now....

[@mayzhangful]

thanks for the video. love the way you talk whilst pruning your plants. I am getting a ponytail palm soon!

[@_MissLoLo]

I'm a new plant mom and everything I bring home, you have a video for! I love it, you're so helpful :)

[@_MissLoLo]

@I-serve-you-tea I am! And some of the ones I had back then are still alive. I think you'll enjoy them for quite some time 🌱

[@lovemyne22]

Kitties and plants!!!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@rssmith289]

Thank you for this video. I have learned so much. I have had this small plant for about a month now and it is very beautiful. I appreciate you showing how to prune the plant.

[@aquacat_]

I've always wanted a ponytail palm so thanks for this video!! :)

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Great plant to own! Be careful though, the leaves can cut. Since I made this video I cut my eyelid when I carried the plant offset, and then I cut my cheek when I carried it back outside. They can live a very long time too, but that's a good thing!

[@rowenaphilbeck1919]

Thanks for the video. I have had a ponytail palm for several years. I thought it died once when a dog got a hold of it but I kepted the bulb and now its huge. I probably need to get a bigger pot as its about 1/2 from sides. Thanks so much. Nice to learn about them.

[@Rubyellaxoxoxo1919xo]

I’m 30 and I’ve had my pony tail palm since I was 16. I’ve come across your video due to desperation because I’m in fear I may lose her. I have a pony tail and a jade plant who is a clipping off a plant that is 30 years old, I’ve had it for 7 years. Seeing yours in this video makes me very sad and embarrassed!! Mine has never stood that tall and hangs over the pot almost a foot in length 😅 these are my only plants I’ve ever had I’m shocked they are still alive LOL well who knows for how much longer 😅 this video has helped a lot though so thank you!!

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Hmmmm. If you think you're gonna need some help with it, take some pictures of your plants and their containers and send them to me. [e-mail] and I'll try and see what's going on, or what you may be doing wrong with them. If you have any questions just let me know on here. Either way, good luck. Plant prudently.

[@emmyashbaugh]

Gosh dang your plant scapes are EPIC sir!!!

[@jayke9300]

Thank you so much for this video I learned so much! I just ordered a ponytail palm for my house. I can't wait they are beautiful!

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

They are beautiful! I love mine, the leaves are spectacular and they're just leaves, lol! I can't wait to see how big mine gets. He's put on some decent mass this past year. But I'm glad 2020 was decent for somebody! I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and let me know if you ever need any help with your new potted plant pal!

[@bobbiechinn9578]

I'm from N. Ky. too! I just got my first ponytail and I love it. Thanks for the great info! New subber too!

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Kentucky proud! That's too cool, small world! Thanks for checking out my channel! Let me know if you have any questions on your palm. Plant Prudently!

[@cynthiacollett6233]

I absolutely love your channel. You provide really great information and you’re easy to understand. I just wish when you were showing the plant, that you wouldn’t have quite so many others on your table. It’s hard to see what you’re doing with so much around the plant you’re working on. Thank you for sharing your experiences and expertise with us.

[@snick3896]

Just got one from my mom. It was my great grandmas, it’s a little over 50 years old 😳 crazy

[@RustuPai]

Thank you, I just got one of those babies today, here in Brazil. Thanks for the tip.

[@3Kitais]

Love that cat!!!

[@marienotareschi5946]

Ur advice is great i come here before i do anything to my plants

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Thank you, I appreciate hearing that! If you ever have any questions or concerns about any one of your plants look me up on insta ytgreenalchemist. I get to those messages fastest. 🌺

[@Styxxxxxxx]

This was a super informative video. Thank you

[@6733hbr1]

When I got my ponytail palm about a year and a half ago it had dark green, study leaves that stuck up and out like Phyllis Diller's hairdo. (Google her if you don't know who she is). But now the look of the palm has changed. The leaves are light in color, very thin and floppy and hang down but there is always new growth from each of the 5 "branches." Is that a result of not enough light? My windows face east but the sun is blocked and I get very little direct sunlight although the window is somewhat bright. If not enough light is the culprit, can I use a plant light to simulate the sun? Thanks for listening....

[@sarahaley4340]

Wonderful video. My ponytail palm is one of my favorites. I feel terrible but I have overwatered it and it is has signs of root rot. I found this video for advice. I am planning a large re-pot, root rot mitigation day tomorrow and I will use cactus soil thanks to your video. Thanks from Anchorage, Alaska!

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

I hope I've caught you in time. I've had to deal with root rot plenty of times in the past. The best way to beat it is to take your plant into the bathroom. You'll need sharp sanitized pruning shears and bleach. Take him out of his pot and remove every speck of dirt around the roots. Once you get to the roots wash the rest of the soil off with water. You need to be able to see all of the roots. You want to be on the lookout for mushy or discolored (typically black) or even roots that smell bad. Any of these would indicate rot. If you find any rot you need to cut the infected areas away. If it's not too much I flush the infected roots down the drain or toilet. If it's a good amount put them in a bag and seal them up. Root rot can spread similar to how mold spores travel so don't take a chance of infecting other plants in or outside of your home. After you have removed all the infected areas you'll need to make a solution of about half a cap of bleach per gallon of warm water. It may be easier to keep track of in a five-gallon bucket as opposed to your tub. Next, submerge all of the roots in the solution for about three or four minutes. Following this rinse the roots off under warm (not hot) running water for two to three minutes. Next, if you are going to use the same container that the plant was previously in you'll need to clean it out inside and out with hot water, bleach, and a scrub brush. After all this use all new soil, preferably what you said you were going to use and if necessary keep a water log to help you in the future. Good luck!

[@suzannegraves5483]

I have one that is pushing 30 and is on its way to 8 feet tall. How can I prune to slow vertical growth. What sort of fertilizer do I use to encourage blooming? Thanks!

[@mainjframe]

Thank you Justin. I appreciate the information.

[@aprilbarnes7885]

My first one is coming today this helped a lot

[@H3arme3r0ar]

My grandmother had one that’s at least 6 feet tall. It’s grows outside in Hawaii . It’s got to be pretty old by now

[@audreymuratore]

Can the offshoots at the top of the ponytail be removed and rooted for a new plant?

[@dotrossi6631]

Very informative. Love your accent. From Queensland. Thnx

[@bymilani]

I live in AZ and it was doing great until the triple digit heat started now the leaves are combo of dry and crispy ends while tops are turning white so don't know if it's from over or underwater I do prune the dead leaves.

[@suegilbert8903]

Is the ponytail plant safe in a room with a heater on

[@marymclean6103]

How would you prune one that has several heads and leaves are overlapping? Loved the segment.

[@cynthiaowens1639]

Thanks for all the great tips! You mentioned Northern Kentucky. We used to live in Southwest Ohio. I miss the area.

[@mommayanna]

Wondering what that burgundy colored plant is on your table

[@JDeanMurray]

Awesome video. Learned alot.

[@kruugxr]

Can you start a new plant from offsets growing on trunk? Any insight would be appreciated

[@bymilani]

So how do I fix this I also reported it once from pot I bought it in as when I took it out of old pot the bottom was all roots

[@itsamodernmess]

I can’t tell if a few leaves that are brown are burnt because it’s in direct light in an apartment in nyc? It can get very hot by my south window. Should I move it?

[@coolman000099]

Same situation

[@jaynebaldwin3521]

My ponytail palm leaves have all dried out. What can I do to bring her back? Should I cut it all back?

[@marythomas1877]

What if your ponytail plant have no leaves on it so when I got it I cut all the leaves off of and then having no need yet is it still worth saving I just have the stump

[@nicolecrocker7159]

I have to know, is that a plant in the little tree stump pot, and if so what kind is that?

[@mrsomarswife144]

I love getting my information from you.

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Thank you, that means a lot. Thanks for watching. Plant prudently!

[@maryvanslooten8044]

Mine has leaves that are 3 1/2 in long an are so heavy there bending the leaves down, should I cut them shorter ? Theyare not dry but to long should I cut them shorter , so they don't bend over.

[@maryvanslooten8044]

3 1/2 feet imeat

[@SamGarza]

Thanks for all the great info.

[@josesoto9099]

Can you pull off the green leaves or Do you just wait until they brown up

[@Dragonkller-mg5og]

How to overwinter them? Do they need to be overwintered at all?

[@Oma2Nine]

I have a 20 year old baby from a friends pony tail palm. Propagating from the babies (sprouts) is very easy! That being said, my 20 year old has become sick and lost most of its leaves. Not sure what else I need to do to save it. I transplanted.

[@amberyoder2229]

I recently got this ponytail palm. I only watered once but it must have been wet and held moisture from the store. The bulb is a little soft but the roots seem ok?! What do I do? Can I send you a picture? I was going to do the bleaching but wanna make sure that’s what I should do

[@dfwlu2]

My palm got blown over by the wind and it broke both stocks off my palm now I have a bulb with no leaves will it survive?

[@spooky91107]

Hi...Live in NV where temps go up to 1110-118 F in the summer. Would morning sun for 3-4 hrs ( under a patio) be enough?

[@tarcisiorodriguez5602]

1110 F is definitely a problem for almost every living thing on Earth

[@treacyvogstad6717]

my ponytail plant is 50 years old but tall and thin what can I do to thiken it. It''s leaves are also droopy

[@pattipayton1163]

My ponytail palm lost all its leaves ... there isn't new ones coming out on it what do you suggest ??

[@susanbaty2034]

My elephant foot is about 35-40 yrs. Old. Last summer I had a cat scratch the outside single trunk.it hasn't done well since. I realized that the leaves are all dead and the trunk has rotted inside down about a foot. The tree is about 4 1 /2 feet tall. Can it be saved by cutting the trunk off and see if it will start new leaves? I'm sick about it... I've had it so long!! I've never had any trouble with it until now. The bulb is huge but the trunk has never been very big around...maybe an inch and a half thick. Any ideas? I've always had it outside all summer and brought it back in the house for winter. We live in Kansas. It always thrived in Summer.

[@BullieDad100]

I just purchased a Ponytail palm in a 10 inch growers pot. It needs repotted so I bought a 12 inch clay pot and some Black Gold Cactus Soil. Haven't got the chance to repot yet. I left the plant on the back patio for some sun and would bring it in at night. I fell asleep and the plant got caught in a heavy rain. I left it outside on sunny days to dry out: apparently too much. The middle of the crown of leaves is brown now and although the rest of the plant is green, it is mainly made of of those off shoots all around the top. If I take those off and trim the brown and repot the plant all I will have left is the base. Is this advisable? Great video: learned a lot. Thanks.

[@lynettebell8534]

can i removenand trim the roots.my plants roots are growing on top.I also need to know how to remove tje babies.

[@tusharprasad2734]

Starts at 11:19

[@Doris-y5v]

Very nice the Bamboo decoration . Does it have soil?

[@krystal45029]

Your plant so Beautiful ;0 :)

[@SisStephanie7]

haha, i have a black cat also that looooves my ponytail palm! lol

[@djavolak82]

Hello, great video ..My Nolina is getting red, brown leaves...Day by day I have to cut one:( Why is that ??? Everything was fine and now I don't know what to do...Help me please???!!!

[@waynegrayson5854]

I'm from nk y also do you use any special dirt I am looking to buy my first ponytail palm

[@jane-nq1hd]

Will offshoots root? My ponytail plant is lush and beautiful and often has new offshoots appear. I like having several "Ponytails" and it cascades down over my pot and creates a gorgeous waterfall appearance. However, I've often considered taking one of the little offshoots and trying to root it. What do you think?

[@swmkhwrbotanist]

Thank you for shared video wonderful information new friend here

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Thank you for checking out my video! I'm glad that you liked it and I hope you enjoy my channel! I love to make new plant friends. I'll nerd out over them at any time! Plant prudently!

[@azoreanblue7906]

How do you get bushier? With more “ponytails “? I learned so much watching your video , I adore this trees I have 4 in different sizes . My cats love them to. I am going to search your videos on how clean out the roots . Thank you 💜

[@shirleysweetee408]

About "SAND" DO NOT USE PLAY SAND! That sand in the bag for kids play areas contain salt. Not knowing I used in all my plants mixed with soil and the salt killed them!

[@mikkihirschler3104]

My pony tail palm is not getting new leaves. It is brown and not looking very healthy. What am I doing wrong?

[@margaretann464]

My Pony tail was given to me so I am not savvy to a lot of care Thanks for your insight it was helpful

[@jennywhite3508]

I’m from Texas and I love ur accent haha

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Thank you. I've always been told I have a Kentucky twang. lol

[@musclemanawesomeness5550]

@@TheGreenAlchemist Im most fascinated with your accent. Where is that coming from? In other comments. This video was edited to hell. but I appreciate your scenes for the need of tempo. Now the only thing holding down is your Southern Draw. ha ha ha... Nice video.

[@miak.1860]

Hi! Im concerned about my ponytails leaves turning brown constantly…, the trunk seems healthy, and i give her water once 2weeks. The problem is when my plant shop repotted her, i think they repotted her in a pot thats too large (the same height as herself) my window is facing west so i gave her LED grow light. I do see new growth constantly, but leaves are brown…. What do you suggest? 😢

[@juliachang6933]

Can you propagate the offshoots. If so how? Thank you

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Yes. Use a clean and sharp knife or pruning shears to just cut the pup off the plant. I think cuttings should be about 4+inches to have the best success. You should let the cutting callous over before you plant it.

[@juliachang6933]

I will try that. Thank you so much.

[@braden2233]

Ok so we went on vacation once this was a few months ago and my palm started turning brown so i tried watering more and it worsened watered less and it worsened right now most of the leaves are dead what can I do do revive it?

[@crystalnetworkproductions6977]

burn it

[@terrygraham5711]

Hello Justin. I must have over-watered my ponytail palm, as after the watering it had a significant growth spurt, and the new growth is very light green and sagging. Looks really bad. Can I cut that off to the base?

[@curlsbynat9763]

I just purchased my 1st Ponytail palm. I have 2 cats, and I know that the plant is safe for them just in case they think its food🤦🏾‍♀I have a question how do I know if I have a female ponytail?

[@christieparden1985]

My kittens had climbed mine and flattened them. Do I cut them off or what?

[@SkeensSeattleUSA]

Thank you

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Thank you for watching

[@finnster6582]

You are so amusing.

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Thank you, I hope you enjoy!

[@kanchandeshpande5411]

Hi! I have one that has been with me since 1992 and is about 7 feet tall. Lives in a pot and is often neglected because we travel a lot and are out of the country months at a time. We live in Pune, India, so we have a hot summer, a monsoon season, and a mild winter. My question - I would like to prune the top, shorten it. How does one do that? I look forward to finding out from you. Thanks.

[@Cookiejug1]

Can you prune them right in the top? Mine is getting so tall it’s pushing on the pool cage screening. It is in container and over 7 feet tall. Wish I could show you a pic. Should I crop it?

[@kval1015]

I just got a very baby small one of these, but I have heard of you have a baby plant, you can make it sprout a second growth point from the top but cutting into the trunk. Have you heard this or could you direct me to where I can get some info on how do this?

[@davidanalyst671]

Is there a rule for trimming once the leaves reach the floor outside the pot? I may look into plant food. I repotted once, and never used any food. It gets direct sunlight when the sun goes down, and I use a water meter to make sure it dries a little then load it up with water. Its inside, but during the summer i hit it with water once every two weeks, and during the winter, it takes 3-4 weeks. If only I can remember to turn it so it doesn't grow sideways. lolz.

[@stephanyr6473]

Should I use purified, spring, or distilled water to water ? I don’t have access to rainwater

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

I never use rain water, I'm right next to a very large city. I use distilled water. Simply put it is the cleanest water you can get. All filtered water except for the Zerowater filter leaves contaminates behind. Zerowater is the only one out there that removes harmful (to the sensitive plants) elements like chlorine and flouride which will mess up the leaves of yuccas, peace lilies, african violets and some ferns and orchids. It also removes sediments and other assortments effectively leaving behind clean sterile water. Distilling does the same thing. Spring water is good for most plants because it has minerals in it, but it can bother your sensitive plants.

[@amandaprewitt949]

Okay but how is the trunk of your jade so thick?!

[@msw785]

Is there a way to start the plant to grow again? I have the Bulb and a little bit of green at the top but it won't do anything. I have another one that has babies growing out of the Bulb. I heard you say only females germinate -could it possibly be this is a male? Should I plant it with another pony? At one time it was full. I can't remember what happened during a moving situation or why I had to cut it way back.. Please help if you can!!

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Where do you have your ponytail? This time of year, if you are in the northern hemisphere like I am the plant really should be outside. Ample light will encourage new leaf growth. They need as much sunlight as they can get. My larger one gets at least 10 hours of unobstructed sunlight a day. My smaller one is inside in a south facing window so he gets about 8 hours but it's not as unobstructed. They are semi-desert dwellers so they do thrive on neglect. They don't need a bunch of water and if they do get a bunch they will succumb to rot quick. Always let them dry out fully in between waterings. I said you could feed them once a month with cacti fertilizer which is a very low type of fertilizer nutrient wise but really you could do every other month. So make sure you aren't feeding with a general all purpose fertilizer. I also meant that females will produce seeds and that was more of a way to sex it if you see any. As long as you adhear to these general guidelines your plant sound start growing in new leaves. If not I want to see some pictures of the plant to see if I can't tell exactly what's going on. If they are growing babies, ones that are at least 4 inches tall are growing a root base and can be removed with a sharp and sanitized knife. [e-mail] Insta ytgreenalchemist if you need to send pics. Good luck and let me know if you have anymore questions or concerns!

[@msw785]

Thank you for answering! I'll send a pic! I'm in Ohio.

[@bharathig9201]

Hellow my ponytail palm shed al of it leaves. Its been with m e for 5 yrs.can i rescue it.

[@makoheart83]

My ponytail palm is 17 years old. I line in Minnesota so he’s only outside 3-4 months of the year. I moved him outside about two weeks ago when the temps have been consistently above 50 at night. He’s really brown right now! I hope I can revive him! Maybe shock from inside to outside? It’s also been very hot this week 100 degrees today. ( i named him Gilbert, lol)

[@eleanorpanico4098]

Hi! I’ve had my ponytail palm about a year it was doing really well then I had it by the window and think cold drafts got to it - it seems very dry and perhaps dehydrated because it started leaning and none of the leaves look green anymore - I have hydrated the plant and repotted in moist soil in the hopes it will perk back up . Can I prune almost all the leaves (will they grow back?) - is there anything else you would suggest to salvage this plant?

[@donmarsh1676]

My root ball isn't showing in pot. Is that a problem? Do I have too much dirt in the pot?

[@timmholl9238]

We live in windy Zone 7 (Southern Plains). Our ponytail palm began as a tiny tabletop display at the orange Big Box Store, 18 years ago. Don't ask me how, but we put him outside the front porch, full sun, and holy crap! He loved being outside, and took off! He's maintained the same pot for the past ten years, but he's nearing eight feet tall. Tthat wind, that I mentioned earlier. Poor guy's been knocked down so many times this spring and last, that we FINALLY figured out that he had to go to the backyard to avoid the southern gusts. He's top heavy. And he has to be turned sideways just to get him into the house (for that spring and fall migration, where the temps drop to 50-degrees Fahrenheit). Because he's been knocked over by the wind, he looks scalped. My wife was worried that we'd have to give him away, because we only have 12-foot ceilings in the living room - until we found a video where someone cut the "tower" of their tall palm, and it regrew from the root base. "Offsets" Tl;dr : 18 yrs old Ponytail Palm (from orange Big Box Store) 8 ft tall Same pot Zone 7 (windy Southern Plains) LOVES the sun Avoid wind gusts of over 25 mp / protect from wind Outside ALL summer Lows (or outside temps) of 50-degrees Fahrenheit, the palm comes inside (the semi-annual migration rotation of inside/outside)

[@edmundosherrera]

Where do the seed comes out .. ? Is it from the flowers

[@joyceandrews8094]

I'd like to know why the leaves on my plant are excessively long. I have it on a tall plant stand and the leaves hang many inches lower that the pot bottom, but since the stand is two feet tall, they don't reach the floor yet. It is very healthy and has been repotted; is in direct eastern sunlight for just a few hours a morning. The dead dried old leaves at the bottom I have been just pulling off rather than cutting them off. They just willing separate. Have done this for years and have not had any problems, but seeing here where I should be cutting them off.

[@ambergreene-tessanne6581]

Hello! I found this so incredibly helpful. I do have a specific situation that I am hoping you or someone can help me with. I inherited a ponytail palm and found that it is actually 5 plants in one container that doesn't have drainage. I'm assuming I should try to get them out of the container, separate them and see if the roots are healthy and get them into individual pots, does that sound correct?

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Thank you for reaching out. I'm glad you enjoyed my video! It means a lot! I have a ponytail palm just like yours but it has 9 plants all grouped essentially on top of one another in the same container. I have not separated them and I've had them for year's and they are just as happy as can be in their pot. When the plant is ready for a transplant I'll do a video on it to show you what you need to know. In the mean time if you have any questions or concerns about your plant message me on here. Plant Prudently!

[@cheftabthecook]

Good video so much info thank you I've had mine for a month now. Quick question I purchased mine with sealed rocks on top. How do I water it. It has grown massively but there is no drainage holes.

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Ah, yes. What they do is use a glue to hold the rocks in place so you don't have to look at dirt all the time. I'm not sure what the problem was with the dirt, it comes with the territory when you buy a plant. With regular (regular for a ponytail palm) waterings the glue will disappear over time. Just pour the water right over top of the pebbles. Yes I will usually check a plant before I buy to make sure they have a drainage hole. Not having one makes taking care, especially of a desert plant, that much harder. What kind of a container is it in? If it's plastic, thinner metal, clay or terracotta you can add a drainage hole with an electric drill. Just don't press super hard and mostly let the drill do the work. Good luck and plant prudently!

[@bobbiechinn9578]

I would definitely put a hole n the pot or repot it into one with holes. It probably needs dif soil too if its not gritty with lots of pebble type material.

[@sophiebrown3544]

Thank you good stuff

[@kenstaggs4582]

Isopropyl alcohol does a great job on scale. Same treatment as for spider mites.

[@aprilmay3439]

What is the name of that gorgeous little tree on the far left???

[@peterclark8248]

Jade plant.

[@3Kitais]

What do you think about misting the ponytail palm with peppermint essential oil (of course a few drops in water). I’ve been using it on mine who had some type of bug (grayish in color very small). Seemed to work since most bugs hate peppermint. Great video. Thanks.

[@jeffreyfizer9581]

If I've under watered a palm, how much water should I give it without over doing it?

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

So what you want to do with these guys is give them a plethora of water but infrequently. Give them a bunch of water at a time, enough to let the excess run out, and then let them dry out completely before watering again. Indoors this usually means watering every 3-4 weeks. Also, if you keep a saucer underneath make sure you empty it after about 20 minutes. Being from arrid regions in nature they don't get much water. Don't forget though, as the heat index goes up the water intake levels need to increase too.

[@patrickknuth8850]

Great video. Can I use miricle gro indoor plant food spikes on my Ponytail Palm for fertilizer?

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

So I don't feed mine that often. These guys are desert dwellers and they thrive on neglect. I like a liquid cacti and succulent fertilizer that I dilute by about half. If you look online I believe they'll tell you to feed every two weeks. That is a bit much but once a month or every other month can be effective.

[@rutiwit]

Thank you for your great video! Question: my plant is about 20years old and has reached well over 6 feet at this time and has reached the ceiling. Can I cut it down? Will it harm it? Thanks for any advice xo

[@TheGreenAlchemist]

Wow I'm impressed! I haven't seen a 6ft tall ponytail palm since I was at my aunt's house in Florida back in 2004. It was huge, I never knew they could get so tall. But yes, cut it back. Take a very sharp and very clean knife/pruning shears or whatever you plan on using, though I'd probably stay away from serrated blades, because it will crack and tear up the steam pretty bad. Cut it back about an inch or two below the crown, but realistically you could cut it basically anywhere you wanted to. After you cut it you can place 100% cinnamon over top of the cut area to keep the plant from getting infected. Cinnamon in a natural antibiotic. Put the plant in a brightly shaded area where it will get adequate light without burning the plant out and thereby creating more problems. Water as normal and feed it just like normal too. It will take about a month or two to see new growth but after two months if you don't see any new green I would consider tossing it. Let me know if you have anymore questions! Plant prudently.

[@davidanalyst671]

@@TheGreenAlchemist the little ones are fun, but make sure you have gloves for the big leaves.

[@joyceandrews8094]

@@TheGreenAlchemist Consider tossing it?????

[@34fido98]

Hi, Can you tell me what happened when you cut your plant down. Mine is now about 8 feet tall and I am facing a similar situation - where did you cut it (on the trunk at the base or further up) and was it a success? TIA