How to Repot Ponytail Palm: 3 CRITICAL STEPS YOU CAN'T MISS!

[@Rockcity121]

My grandma passed away recently and since I have a few plants of my own, I was given all of her plants. Including one of these which my whole life I had thought it was fake. Almost all the leaves were dead and hadn't been watered in a few months, it was in really rough shape (still is but making progress) thank you for this video. I don't think my grandma ever changed it's pot and it's pretty crammed in there. I'm scared to even look at the roots but will be doing so once I get some pumice this week. Once again thank you!

[@OhioTropics]

So sorry to hear about your grandma. These are tough plants though and they will come back with some TLC :-)

[@Rockcity121]

@@OhioTropics thank you, I really appreciate it. I'm new to the channel and absolutely loving it, thank you :)

[@paigehaase5378]

Ok…. I need to know if the ponytail came back. 😊

[@DeltaChi16]

I’m so sorry about your grandmother, but I do hope inherit her love for plants to continue with caring for her plants.

[@koya5001]

We got our grandma’s tree as well, it’s about 1,5m in height and it has been around as long as I can remember. It’s definitely 30 years old, if not already 50 years of age. It was never repotted either, and my mother repotted it in a similar sized pot, but with barely any room for the soil. So looking into a larger pot, with different soil for this beautiful plant. Learning as we get along, thanking KZbin for the information shared by plant ‘experts’, seeing different tricks of plant handling is something you cannot learn from any plant book I’ve been reading.

[@ShyDog827]

I knew I found the right video when I saw how Fantastic your plant looks , especially after you have had for so long. Mine is due for a repot and I’m confident now to do it👍🏻

[@OhioTropics]

Glad to hear that! Good luck! :-)

[@curecidp]

I have just purchased a ponytail palm. Evidently, I have done everything wrong ! I have learned so much from this video. Maybe I can save mine. Thank you so very much!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video Jane!

[@esseymi]

The most informative video about ponytail palm. Thank you

[@OhioTropics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@UmeshSharma-x2i]

I like information about ponytail plant.

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you liked the video!

[@JackieLatval]

Awesome video, My wife and I learned so much today on replanting our PP. Thank you so much. :):):):)

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you both enjoyed it Jackie!

[@SandyDawson-h9l]

Thank God I found obits my first time ever having plants and my very first time repotting I had no clue My new pot is too big but I’m just gonna be very careful with water

[@OhioTropics]

Glad to help!

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

Damn. I haven't repotted mine in 20yrs. I'm afraid to mess with it now lol. It's the only plant that survived my nervous breakdown about 6yrs ago.

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

I did put it in an extra large pot way back when, so hopefully the roots aren't like the ones in this video.

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

It's gotten so big, there's no way I couldn't handle it like that. It's nearly 4' tall, I say "it", it's technically 2, and the base of the large one is a good deal larger than a softball, smaller than a canteloupe. I've gotta do it before next spring though

[@zoolue7]

​@@LukeMcGuireoideshappy you are doing better and the plant is doing great

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

@@zoolue7 yeah, I finally repotted it and watered it regularly over the summer. I didn't allow it to get much light though, so it didn't grow as much as it could have. Looks great though

[@karmasutra4774]

I just got one home that is really large - 22 inch Caudex. It was in a pot outside and the pot broke up.. so I am trying to figure out what pot I can find for it that I can afford. But I was told I can trim some of the roots. So scared lol. I also am scared to do what you are doing to the roots. Maybe if I try that I can get it to fit better in the pot I have. I really wanted to show off the caudex so trying to figure out how to showcase it so it's not too far down a deep pot. Thank you for the video

[@timeoutwithpatel7663]

I'm So glad i stumbled across this video. I was just gifted a ponytail and I'm Excited to add her to my succulent harem. Now i have a good idea how to handle her. Thank you for such a great video!

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome! Good luck with your plant :-)

[@horsense2]

What a gorgeous plant! I had no idea it was a succulent. As always, I am learning so much from you. Thanks!

[@OhioTropics]

You are so welcome!

[@candiceh2944]

Yeah, like what, it’s a succulent. I had no idea either. Mine is thriving but now I am going to treat it a little bit different. Like less water maybe 🤔 😬 And when I repot it - I will get succulent soil and pumice not perlite. Thank you for this!!

[@HR-bh3yh]

It’s not a succulent. Or a palm.

[@graydongalloway3472]

Your videos are so clear and well documented. Thanks for your work!

[@OhioTropics]

So glad you enjoyed!

[@jolenebartholomew4819]

Thank you for this thorough video. It really helped me to understand how to repot my plants. Good vibes.

[@OhioTropics]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@ladyhecate9450]

Very interesting and informative. I love these plants. I just cannot resist when I see a young plant at the store and I have to buy it.

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Markus00777]

Hi! =) Could you please do an update, so we can see what your plant looks like now? Thank you for making this video =)

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome! I'll try and add that to my list, but the plant has been growing well :-)

[@mommayanna]

Hi love watching your videos! You have a lot of charisma! I learn something, too! I would love to see an update on this plant eventually. Thanks so much and blessings!👋🏼

[@janakidd3320]

❤Thank you so much for your video on this plant I have 2 myself and a friend of mine has one and we just love them. I have had some trouble with one of mine but I think it was because I didn’t have enough bright sunlight and maybe some watering issues thank you so much for a very informative video I absolutely adore these plants. ❤❤❤

[@OhioTropics]

Glad to help, and good luck!

[@katbunne]

i'm prepping to pot my ponytail palm that i just got, your video has 100% been the most helpful thusfar! Thank you so much!!!

[@OhioTropics]

You're so welcome!

[@iyeruokin954]

​Good afternoon ​@@OhioTropics Some advice please, I repotted my plant, and have realised that the new pot is too large and deep. Would it be problematic to downsize - or is the plant likely to go into a shock. Thanks

[@kimberlyhinson4252]

Super helpful I've watched it three times I am so grateful for these videos!

[@OhioTropics]

I'm so glad!

[@PeacefulMind5746]

My first ponytail palm. I used miracle gro succulent soil and nothing else. Since the soil was moist I haven't watered the palm and will probably wait another week or so. Wish me luck!!! Too bad I didn't see this video before I potted the ponytail. But will watch again when repotting it in the future

[@OhioTropics]

If your plant is getting plenty of sun, you should be ok, but you'll know for next time :-) Keep an eye on the soil. If it's taking a really long time to dry out, you may consider changing the mix.

[@Scientist_Salarian]

Thank you! Great video. My wife is in love with your ponytail palm. Ours is only a year old, but it’s getting there.

[@OhioTropics]

I'm glad you and your wife enjoyed the video! They're amazing plants and can definitely become heirloom plants!

[@indiacoers2611]

I just looked up how to repot my Ponytail Palm that has multiple Rhizomes in it. I just got one the other day it's only in a 4" nursery pot so she's still a baby! But your video helped me so much especially if it ever is rootbound too! But I'd love to get a Ponytail Palm but I had only ever seen them with 1 Rhizome in the pot. Mine has like 7 😳 some are getting bigger and some are staying little so we'll see what happens to them all. I just pray my plant lives! It's such a cute plant I just love them! Btw yours is amazing!!! Its hair is so full and just looks great! That's what I'm trying for too! Lol! So glad to have found your channel and I am looking forward to following another plant parent and someone who knows what they're doing with plants. I'm a semi-newbie but I love plants and love to learn about plants! It is so relaxing I swear! Thank you again for the help! 💚🪴

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome!!! Most of the time, we see these plants as single trunk specimens, but there is nothing wrong with having a few in the same pot :-) I'm glad you found the video helpful. Good luck!

[@amberstraway8712]

That is the most beautiful plant I’ve ever seen!

[@amberstraway8712]

How’s it doing now?

[@OhioTropics]

Thank you! It's doing great and is continuing to grow :-)

[@bettyl8434]

Wonderful video with good instructions. I have a ponytail to repot soon. If I may suggest - if you tie up the leaves with some string into a ponytail - LOL - they will be out of your way. Tie it high enuf to keep the leaves from tickling your nose!

[@OhioTropics]

LOL, glad you enjoyed the video :-)

[@negative.infinity]

I do the same for mine before repotting. I lay it on its side and "comb" the leaves upwards. Then I gently gather them up and loosely tie some garden twine around the leaves. After I'm done repotting, I cut the ties and the leaves fall back down into place.

[@MiaUy]

This is very informative! I am planning to repot my ponytail palm.

[@OhioTropics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SarahKate365]

Thanks! A friend gave me one that is loose and needs repotted. I had no idea what I was doing until I watched this video.

[@OhioTropics]

You’re very welcome!

[@seltsamerzeitgenosse9797]

The video's thumbnail made my day! Hahaha! Nice one! ^^

[@OhioTropics]

Haha, glad you enjoyed!

[@kudratgbadamosi6658]

Thank you once again. A very useful video. The only part I rarely do is loosen the roots. I will definitely try to, this time around. Ponytails brace yourselves, wash, trim and repotting time!

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome! Good luck! :-)

[@doreenkorman8347]

I have inherited s ponytail plant when my brother passed away. I live in Arizona and the plant has never been inside or repotted. It's about 4 1/2 ft tall and trunk approx 2ft in diameter. It's way overdue to be repotted...I'm positive it will grow like crazy and the branch's be more lush. It gets bright dabbled sun & shade in the afternoon. I've had it for 6 years. Summers here are quite brutal but it seems to absolutely love where I have it! Thank you so much for the repotting tips!!!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video! It sounds like quite a nice specimen that you have!

[@debbiewhitman5455]

I live in Az too. Over the years I have had few ponytail palms that I have transplanted multiple times. When I moved, they were too big to bring with me. One I had eventually put in the ground. I left them behind knowing they were super happy in that spot. They don’t seem to mind the dry, extreme heat as long as they are in the shade with lots of indirect light. Super fun plants.

[@MyPaloma2023]

Like your presentation style- very informative, unrushed, no annoying music. I'm trying to get courage to repot my ponytails. Two have been growing in the same small plastic pot for so long now that pot shape is distorted ! 😖🙄 Wish me luck!🌴🤞

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoy my videos :-) And good luck!

[@donnajaemoon]

Great straight and to the point video. Lately I’ve been paying more attention to potting mixes and amendments. I have a ponytail palm a little smaller than this. I’ve had it for a couple of months, and I doubt it’s time to pot UP. I’ll find out when I REpot it, focusing on the soil composition. I’m pretty sure I used this mix for my whale fins as well. All but one of my sansevierias are in terracotta pots. My smaller ponytail is in terracotta. This, however, one will go into another nursery pot that has better drainage and is a color (black) that doesn’t stand out in the cover pot.

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video! It's fun to experiment with potting mixes and I always amend them a bit to make them better. And terra cotta is great for sansevierias and ponytail palms as well :-)

[@822ab]

Thanks for the video! In another repotting succulent video, I learned that you should not water the plant before you repot it or a few days after, because you just broke the roots, and exposing them directly to water might cause them to immediately rot. Have you heard of this? Is it relevant to ponytail palms?

[@OhioTropics]

There may be some truth to this, but I've never personally had a problem. I find that it is much easier to repot any plant when the potting mix is at least not bone dry.

[@TheJungleUpstairs]

Those roots are INCREDIBLE!!

[@OhioTropics]

It was quite a vigorous root system! :-)

[@tornado_dude2039]

@Keegan Joaquin lmao stfu bot

[@karencastleman7137]

Thank you! This helped so much !! Happy Ponytail Palm :)

[@OhioTropics]

Glad it was helpful!!

[@lynfrancesraab7301]

I have a chance to purchase a ponytail at an estate sale, reasonable price not great considering the condition this one is in. I am confident I can turn it around (green fingers- not bragging). Succulents however scare me (ravaged a jade plant ((overrwatering))). I live on Florida's west coast so watering can be touchy. I just talk to them and they let me know if they are thirsty. I have citrus, ferns, desert rose, pancake cactus, dracena marginata, pencil cactus, boxwood all in pots doing well. What do you think about me taking on this puny pony tail?

[@OhioTropics]

They are very forgiving plants and live a long time. If it's a reasonable price, I'd say go for it!

[@angelaackerman-independent7493]

I have always stated that my husband is the green thumb of the family. I just kill plants generally. But over the last couple of years I have taken an interest in plants. I saw your previous video on this beautiful plant and was amazed at what it is SUPPOSED to look like. My poor little plant I have has been SO neglected. After your video I have decided to take on the ponytail palm and get to good health. My plant also has 5 feet, bulbs.....(I can't remember what you called them). I have a renewed energy for this plant and can't wait to get it in tip top shape! Thank you for your videos and guidance.

[@OhioTropics]

So happy you enjoy my content! Good luck with your plant :-)

[@rynsmnsmovies]

Great video and great plant! Win-win!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@terrywiseman6248]

I have two pony tail palms and I just purchased them about three months ago. I planted them in some pots and they are outdoor pots. I live in St George UT and hopefully they will survivie the summer and winter. outdoors. Looks like you keep your indoors. What are your suggestions? Do I need to bring them in for a few weeks in the winter or cover them? Please advise.

[@OhioTropics]

How cold does it get where you are? It probably gets much too cold in UT for these to survive. I would bring them inside when temps are below 50F or so.

[@kimosabenm6572]

Just found you omg great instructions love you

[@OhioTropics]

So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@MzEbony_Luvz]

Great video, precise and informative. Looks like a lady with curly tresses.

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed.

[@livingthedream923]

I usually lay a coffee filer in the bottom of the pot to cover the drainage hole and keep the dirt inside.

[@OhioTropics]

that works too!

[@ChristopherB711]

Great video; happy I found you! 🌱👍🏻

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@davidmaclane589]

So glad I watched your video first ....I Just acquired a rather handsome Ponytail, single trunk standing 4' tall in a 12"x 10.5" pot...really root bound with roots coming out over the top of the pot....I went and bought a beautiful and heavy, 20" diameter, 19" tall terra cotta pot, which was apparent overkill I see now. Was going to put in a couple of inches of marble gravel, and just use black soil from Home Depot. Now I will go to the the plant supply place and get some succulent soil and the other stuff that prevents compaction. Another new pot that I already had, measures 15 x 15, and is a very sturdy ornate plastic...should be ok methinks....They call Ponytails, Elephant Foot here in Mexico.

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Good luck with repotting it. It sounds like a nice specimen!

[@Keri-v5z]

W Polsce też nazywamy ta roslinę Stopa Słonia

[@Ankudamurderer]

Great Overall, Amazing Tape Sir! Everytime.

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome :-)

[@fatbags75]

Came her to see this comment. The internet doesn't let me down. Ever.

[@terrywiseman6248]

I live in Southern Utah where it is a lot warmer. It gets to freezing maybe two weeks a year. I don't have anywhere to put them indoors... I bought some covers to cover them in the cold and can lift it off when it is warm (60F) during the day. If I put them on my patio it's very cold there because it's all shaded.

[@OhioTropics]

Ah ok, in that case, you should be in pretty good shape with what you described. For the nights that get down to freezing, you could also maybe put the plant in a garage or a sheltered spot for the night if you can. It should be able to tolerate a couple weeks of those colder temps. How cold can it get at night where you are?

[@manuelafogarty9697]

Love your video!! I like your style. Very nice Ponytail plant.

[@OhioTropics]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@karenb136]

Just subscribed to your channel. I just got a ponytail palm. Thanks so much for your clear directions. Loved the video.

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome Karen!

[@slauf2682]

Just wanted to let you know that your clips are still being watched and appreciated! I just bought my first two ponytail palms and learned so much. I did hold my breath every time you pushed down on the soil while repotting on a glass table. 😬 Thanks again!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video! I appreciate your support!

[@wendywendy2944]

Thank you for the detailed information. You are an excellent potting repotting teacher. Really enjoyed your video. Will go by my very first ponytail palm tree... TTFN...

[@OhioTropics]

Thanks so much Wendy, and I'm glad you enjoyed my video :-) Good luck with your plant!

[@milenamaia3741]

Thank you very much! Very informative and enjoyable to watch!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed it Milena!

[@prestonbarr1136]

Howdy. I bought a new Ponytail Palm in a 10" pot. It is double potted. I drilled 4 (3/8") diameter holes it the solid bottom to aid it drainage. It drains very well now. The soil seems very light & peet like. WHEN should I re-pot it. I just got it & today is Mar 12th.2024..? I appreciate all your advice...!!!

[@OhioTropics]

If it needs to be repotted and is root bound, Spring is a great time to do so!

[@funnyfarm5555]

Do you ever plan on separating some or all the different plants? We have one that is about 7 feet tall and moves between the house and porch season to season here in the Pacific Northwest, USA. It has a calf and I am thinking of rooting it and then gifting it. Ours is over 35 years old and started out about 6 inches tall as a gift from wife's father; lived at wifes work until it got too big for her office. Since it is a succulent, it gets minimal water as dones our big jade plant.

[@OhioTropics]

Wow, it sounds like a nice specimen! I don't plant on separating mine because I don't need more plants :-D Plus mine have been growing all together for years so it might be difficult to separate. If your plant's pup is pretty small, you can definitely easily tease it out. If you can get some roots, that's great. Otherwise, if you have to cut it off, let it air dry for a couple days, and then I'd recommend dipping it in rooting hormone (it's not necessary but it helps) and potting it up. Hope this helps a bit!

[@SAlma-kw7to]

Hi just saw this video and thank you for all the details..! I’m curcurrently thinking of repotting a ponytail, but the plant is already quite big; it has been in the same pot for 3years, and from the top it seems to be very root bounded l; but its difficult for me to have even bigger pot, do you think its ok to not making the pot bigger? will the plant suffer lot? is there any alternatives? thank you!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video! It's possible to keep it in the same pot, but over time, it will restrict the growth. If you're ok with that, then it's fine! I have the same issue where you reach a point where it is not feasible to keep increasing the pot size. If the surface of the soil becomes a hard mat of roots, you can topdress with a little fresh soil on top.

[@SAlma-kw7to]

@@OhioTropics thank you! will try that!

[@BillieWimberly-y9p]

My sister gave me her very large ponytail about six months ago. I noticed yesterday that the base is splitting. Is that normal? Or what do I need to do?

[@OhioTropics]

I'd have to see a photo to evaluate it. Are you on Instagram? If you are, DM me (ohiotropics) and send me a picture?

[@UTuberTF]

Hi, my plant seems under stress because the “skin “ on its trunk looks “wrinkled” and it’s lost a lot of leaves and the remaining ones are brown / yellow tipped. I learned from a different video that the symptoms meant it might be having a root rot problem so it’s better to repot right away. However its winter, mostly in the 40’s during the days (7b transitional zone), should I report or should I wait? My plant is always indoor with house temperature around 65. Thank you.

[@OhioTropics]

Hi there, can you tell me how you water your plant? This can be caused by both extremes (too dry or too wet). You'd have to tell me what may have occurred. Have you let the potting mix stay dry for a long time? How do you water? Or has your plant's potting mix stayed too wet for a long time?

[@UTuberTF]

@@OhioTropics hi, thanks for replying. I watered the plant infrequently, because I had done some homework before purchasing the plant so I knew it preferred dry soil. I’m in zone 7b, the plant is by a west facing picture window so it does get plenty of sun even in the middle of winter. When I water I do it little by little and stop when I observe water dripping through the pot. About 8 months ago when the plant remaining leaves thinning and browning too much, I placed two tiny plant food sticks in it hoping to revive it. No luck. Now the trunk is still wrinkled and it’s condition has not improved much. I trim away the brown tips every now and then to keep it looking it’s best.

[@esseymi]

I had the same problem with my ponytail palm. Unfortunately it was a root rot so the palm died

[@alohaleslie9407]

Gorgeous plant! I've never seen one quite this big. Thanks for sharing your "process." :)

[@OhioTropics]

Thanks, and you're very welcome! :-)

[@allegorx58]

They become absolutely massive.

[@joesmith6364]

Just pruned an almost 20 foot one in my backyard

[@niecythebudgetnista3223]

​@@allegorx58How do you groom them to grow massive and is that even possible for mine, I live in the South and I keep it indoors. It's growing but it loses a couple of leaves every so often. Thank you in advance for any advice 😊

[@trancisfrancis]

Thank you for the amazing video. Would Leka balls work instead of the pumice?

[@OhioTropics]

You’re welcome! Yes, you can certainly use LECA balls as well. They’re much bigger but they will work 😊

[@SisStephanie7]

Love this, thanks for the help!!

[@OhioTropics]

You are so welcome!

[@emzsantillan1207]

Woww nicely plant👍💚

[@OhioTropics]

Thank you :-)

[@irisruthpanchame7393]

LOVE your videos. Question: I bought a pony tail plant and already changed pot but did not put pumice or perlite. It is in a cactus mix. Should I repot again? or wait until summer? or wait a year?

[@OhioTropics]

Sorry for the delay in my response! It's always a good idea to add these materials, but if your soil is drying out in a reasonable amount of time (let's say about a week or so), then leave it alone. This is especially the case if your plant is getting enough light. People run into issues when growing plants in dark locations.

[@keithlatham4500]

I just redid my meter tall pony tail yesterday for the first time in 5 years. I used a commercial 'succulent and cactus' mix that already had plenty of pumice. I moved it from a 200mm pot to a 300mm pot. The root ball was even tighter than the one shown here. I did drastic surgery on the root ball - I took out all the old soil and trimmed the roots from more than a half meter back to about 20 to 30 cm. The vigor of the plant is visibly better after just one day. Now I gotta go do 'junior' - he's only 700mm tall and won't get that big a pot.

[@OhioTropics]

Nice job! They are pretty resilient plants :-)

[@vvukelic1]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you

[@OhioTropics]

Glad it was helpful! :-)

[@maryperrysmith5815]

Thanks for teaching

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome!

[@hisalone5941]

Thanks so much. Exactly what I needed. ❤

[@OhioTropics]

You're so welcome!

[@aidasadovnik2508]

What kind of soil do you plant the pony tail palm gets planted in?

[@jennifersmallmon9322]

I’m wondering the same!

[@OhioTropics]

I personally use about two parts of a cactus/succulent mix (either the Miracle Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus mix or the Espoma Organic Cactus mix) plus 1 part of 1/4" pumice. :-)

[@Angeleyz513]

@@OhioTropics another question: is it ok to put white sand atop for decor purposes after using the 2 part succulent soil and 1 part pumice? I thought it should keep the trunk dry too maybe 🤔

[@kaitlynabdou7675]

I have a ponytail palm that is a little smaller than yours and severely root bound. It was just given to me. It has three trunks--can I split the trunks from each other and have three plants or will I kill it?

[@OhioTropics]

That's a great question. I think it's possibly if you are careful, but I personally would keep them together to be safe, especially if the trunks are very close together in the pot. It might not be worth the risk in separating them.

[@kaitlynabdou7675]

@@OhioTropics okay thank you for the advice so quickly! I'm repotting them today into something a little bigger, and I'll leave them in tact!

[@hpeteacher9445]

So Jelly! Mine is very, very small and the leaves are turning brown. And suggestions from the master?

[@OhioTropics]

Check out my blog post. All the details are there. Hope it helps! www.ohiotropics.com/2019/08/14/ponytail-palm-beaucarnea-recurvata/

[@hpeteacher9445]

@@OhioTropics Thank you, thank you, thank you! Very informative! I have my Ponytail Palm in my sunroom. It has south and west facing windows. It gets bright light and some sun in the afternoon. I do check my plants with a moisture meter every 5 days. If the soil is dry, I water it throughly. I also have a pebble tray under my PTP. I think that has helped with the brown tips. Hope you have a good one, 😎

[@patriciacoogan5076]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome Patricia!

[@cactusandherbs]

Nice video 🧡👍 Very informative about ponytail Palm

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@angelmom62]

I just repotted mine it was rebound, but I noticed originally I potted it to deep. So got it in a nursery pot a little deeper and lifted it up on the soil. I didn’t water it but misted the roots only when I had it out. Hopefully I didn’t shock it.

[@OhioTropics]

It should be fine!

[@char26104]

As u were loosening up the soil you said 'Really there is not a whole lot of soil left here" I always wondered what happened to all that soil from where it had been first potted? how does it disappear over time. TY

[@OhioTropics]

That's a great question. Over time, it will just break down.

[@HiddenAgendas]

My neighbor on the other side has a 15ft ponytail palm. It's beautiful. I got one after I saw the an animation film from Dr Seux.

[@OhioTropics]

Wow! Sounds like quite a specimen!

[@denisehartz-wirick7806]

I have a question!!! My pony tail has been in same pot for probably 10 plus years…was a gift! So I went maybe 2.5 inches bigger, because it was so root bound!! Absolutely no dirt left in pot at all, roots were growing into decay in side of pot! Ya think it will be ok? ❤️ Ohio!!

[@OhioTropics]

Hi Denise! Yes, you should be fine! :-)

[@bonniegirvan2358]

thank you so helpful

[@OhioTropics]

You're welcome!

[@zoearrow3297]

i just bought two of these at home depot yesterday. QUESTION: can i plant these in their plastic HomeDepot pot, in the ground? as in... make a hole in the ground near my house, and plant the whole thing with the planting pot, inside the ground? i dont want it to get big and break my house, so i figure keeping it in the pot will trick them into being in a "contained environment" even though they arent....?

[@OhioTropics]

You can certainly try, as long as you live in a climate that these can grow outside year round. It will restrict the roots and it won't grow as big overtime if you leave it in the pot, but you can certainly try and then plant it in the ground later if you ever change your mind.

[@zoearrow3297]

THANKS for your reply! Im in FL and its hot most of the year. we only have about 1 month out of the year when the temps could drop to the 30s during the night, but we always have sun and warmth during the day. I went the pot inside the pot in ground method. hopefully they'll do well! @@OhioTropics

[@janinemagnussen1370]

Can you separate the caudex, if several in plant? Is there a way to tell pot sz needed, based in trunk size?

[@OhioTropics]

You can, but it could get tricky if your plant is really root bound. If your plant is really root bound, you can take a very fine knife or saw and cut through the root ball that way.

[@MsPearlJam123]

Hi, thank you for the video. I've had this Ponytail plant for many years but recently it has lost many lower leafs. What would you suggest to make sure I do not lose my plant? I have just repot it. I took a photo but not sure how to post it. Thanks.

[@OhioTropics]

Some of this is normal, but if you allow your soil to stay completely dry for too long, you will get a lot of lower leaves turning brown.

[@MsPearlJam123]

@@OhioTropics Thank you!!

[@SshhhTrouble]

Should I repot if my ponytail is bought is crooked, and loose in the soil? And also is in soil without good drainage?

[@OhioTropics]

Definitely sounds like a good idea…especially if the soil is not draining well! These plants need excellent drainage.

[@rosemarygarza4977]

Should we keep them in side the house or outside?

[@OhioTropics]

They will do well in both places as long as light and temperatures are suitable!

[@lbcspt]

How often do you water it? Do you ever get brown tips?

[@OhioTropics]

I wait until the top couple inches of soil has dried out at least. All of it can dry out safely, but don't wait too long otherwise you'll get a lot of the lower leaves yellowing and browning. And yes, brown tips are normal. Just trim the brown tips off. You will be more brown tips if you keep your plant really dry.

[@parisjay3095]

When I repot, can I add additional trunks to make it fuller like yours?

[@OhioTropics]

Yes, I don't see why that would be an issue! :-)

[@parisjay3095]

Thank you.

[@milliebrown8116]

Soo helpful when repotting my ponytail palm, nervous 😬 but wish me luck 🍀!!Nanny Stick Sister 👍🪴🥰💜

[@OhioTropics]

🤞

[@tanfuichin]

Nice Sharing thanks !

[@OhioTropics]

You're welcome!

[@melissafillippa185]

I have a huge ponytail plant I inherited from my mom. It’s about 7 1/2 foot tall with 2 other plants that have grown in with it. It has busted the plastic plant it is in. Can i separate them.

[@OhioTropics]

I'd need to see a photo, but it may be really difficult to separate one that big. You would be taking a risk I believe!

[@melissafillippa185]

@@OhioTropics how can i send you a photo. Also how deep does the plant have to be in the dirt. It is so heavy to move as it is i am wanting to plant in like a washtub size pot. It is very top heavy.

[@HiddenAgendas]

@@melissafillippa185 Plant it in the dirt and this thing will be beautiful.

[@SharonDaughtrey-vx7wt]

I have a ponytail that I last transplanted 2 years ago into a 18in. Terra cotta pot. It’s about 5ft tall from base of plant to tip of talkest spike. How do I know when it’s ready to transfer into larger pot. It’s kept outside under my lanai in Fl. It gets afternoon sun. It’s grown a good 2 ft since I last transplanted it.

[@OhioTropics]

You can probably keep it in that same size pot for a long time. It just depends on how big you'd like it to get, or if you want to restrict its size by keeping it in the same size. At some point, you have stop otherwise it will get really hard to keep going up in pot size :-) You can always check the drainage hole and see if there are roots visible. If they are, you can repot again if you'd like...

[@zia7926]

My plant is a triple and is 5 ft tall, in a 24" pot, which has needed transplantating for a very long time. Issue has been finding a larger pot. I ended up getting a troft. It has a drain hole. Someone said I could use empty cans in the bottom, so as not to use SO much soil. Do you have any other ideas of what I could use to take up some space?

[@deniselewis4161]

I used empty water bottles with caps on. Better than going to the landfill!

[@zia7926]

@@deniselewis4161 Hey, thanks for the reply! I think I decided on natural items, bloomed pine cones, kindling and other light weight wood

[@zia7926]

@deniselewis4161 do you have a suggestion on how to get my triple out of her pot and into a new one? It is so overgrown, I can't even stick my finger through the roots at the top!😢 plus it is HEAVY.

[@OhioTropics]

If worse comes to worse, you can just break the pot if needed. What is your pot made of? And at some point, there is nothing wrong with just leaving the plant in the current pot. You can only go up in size so many times! :-) Another thing you can do is root prune a bit and then put it back in the same size pot. This way, you can add some fresh soil to the pot and place it back in.

[@nadineb2726]

I would greatly appreciate it if you could do a video on Guatemala ponytail palms...... Furthermore, I'm interested in how to turn a potted ponytail palm into a 6+ foot tree w/the yellow plumes... any help is appreciated.

[@OhioTropics]

I'll keep this in mind for the future!

[@gordo1230]

Should the stem of the palm b shaded from its own leaves??

[@OhioTropics]

Either way is fine.

[@DietDewAddicted]

Can I use lecca to the soil mixture?

[@OhioTropics]

Yes that will work too!

[@crystalyost6772]

Is it OK to downsize your pot? When I transplanted last time I chose a pot easy to big. Is it OK to repot to a smaller pot?

[@OhioTropics]

Yes absolutely!

[@crystalyost6772]

Thank you.

[@char26104]

Do you ever trim the leaves so they only go down half way or do u always leave them go clear to the bottom of the plant? TY

[@OhioTropics]

I personally leave any leaves that are green. I only take off any leaves that have yellowed or browned.

[@Angeleyz513]

Can I do perlite, orchid bark with succulent soil?

[@OhioTropics]

Yes that would work as well! Just be careful because chunkier mixes will dry out very quickly, so you'll be watering more. It's all about a balance between moisture retention, drainage, and how often you can water :-)

[@Angeleyz513]

@@OhioTropics thank you so much! I just started learning about plants and your channel is a huge help! 🙌🏼

[@allicianpeters3595]

Beautiful tree!!

[@OhioTropics]

Thank you :-)

[@bellehart3276]

The thumbnail of this vid makes me realise that the internet has ruined me

[@OhioTropics]

lol

[@christina3478]

Hahah glad I’m not alone

[@audreymuratore]

Are you root pruning this pony tail Palm as you loosen the soil and roots?

[@OhioTropics]

I did not in this case.

[@mardel3]

I bought this plant from someone that had it potted up in a 20 inch ceramic pot with only one stem, it's a big plant. Since I brought it home I did lift it from the pot to see how root bound it was and I had to add a little soil to it which i kept in the same pot and I also watered it right after. The lower leaves on the stem are browning up and falling the new leaves on top are looking great but the stem is starting to look more bare, is that normal? I dont water it till its bone dry and than I still wait another week before I do it's on my deck with full sunlight, any idea why its losing leaves rapidly?

[@OhioTropics]

Although it's good to let the soil dry out completely for these plants, you don't want it to remain completely dry for so long, especially if it's in full sunlight. The bottom leaves that are drying up are due to the soil being too dry for too long. I would give your plant a good thorough watering as soon as the soil seems to be mostly dry. Hope this helps!

[@K9WATCHER]

Great video! I just got a Ponytail Palm. Is there a suggested time frame in which it should be re-potted? I got it from Lowe's. I'm not even sure if the soil is that great, but I assume it's okay. Also, so your palm came with all those "bulbs" on it? Will they ever get any other "bulbs/ elephant feet", or they just grow tall? Thanks for such great info!!❤

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Now would be a great time to repot! Springtime is great for repotting. My plant came that way, with all the "bulbs" together. They "bulb" is technically called the caudex. If you just have one caudex, it will typically just stay that way but will get bigger over time, and the plant will grow taller and taller.

[@godomoths242]

I didn't know it was a succulent either so I ovetwatered it at first. I'm still kind of unsure what to do with the over watered plant to save it. It doesn't look like it has root rot but I'm unsure how to save it. Do I just let it dry?

[@OhioTropics]

It's hard to say without details on your care and seeing photos of your plant. Read my blog post for more details on their care: www.ohiotropics.com/2019/08/14/ponytail-palm-beaucarnea-recurvata/

[@HR-bh3yh]

It is not a succulent but rather related to the asparagus. Great video on how to repot but a few inaccuracies.

[@xo.torchy]

Hi! Just one question. When you water do you remove the tray after all the water has escaped to prevent soaking??

[@OhioTropics]

Hi there! If the water doesn't soak back up rather quickly (within the same day), then I'll empty it. The saucer that I have below my pot isn't that deep so for me it's not an issue. If you have a deep saucer and a lot of water accumulates, I would dump the excess water.

[@dReZbEeZ]

can you trim off the roots ? i don’t want my plant to grow much i want to keep it bonsai sized.

[@OhioTropics]

You can trim them a little bit if you'd like and then place it back into the same sized pot. Don't trim too much though...maybe about 1/4 to a 1/3 at the most. If you have too much foliage, you actually can cut the top of the trunk off and it will sprout new leaves.

[@mayankgulati6557]

sir how your plant has 5 base while mine as just one ?? ? can i make it like yours by combining 5 small ponytail palms?? ?

[@OhioTropics]

I purchased mine this way years ago. I didn't combined multiple plants. But there is nothing wrong with putting multiple ones in the same pot if that is what you want :-)

[@LouiseWallinga]

12:38 pm My plant had a main trunk with 3 shoots coming off it.There wasn't .The main trunk didn't have much for leaves at the top ju except a couple shoots out of the very top.I cut the top of the main stem off right above the lower shoots.Is it possible to to propagate the top peice that I cut off?

[@OhioTropics]

I've never personally tried, but you can give it a shot! I would let the cutting dry for a couple days before inserting it into a pot of soil (to help prevent rotting).