A ponytail palm is a succulent, perennial tree that belongs to the Agavaceae family. Depending on whether it is placed indoors or outdoors, the palm-like plant grows with plenty of lush, green foliage to various heights. The ponytail palm grows best when planted by seed in mostly warm conditions. Some gardeners may value the plant as an ornamental standout on their lawn or in their home.
Also named the pony tail balm, bottle palm, and elephant foot tree, this perennial originates from the the agave species. This variety is also best known for producing century plants and yuccas. Native to places like Central America and Mexico, the ponytail palm earned its nicknames because of its bottle-shaped trunk base. The plant is considered to be a "false" palm, but it resembles one because the trunk appears to gather the leaves at the top of its base.
The foliage and the trunk adapt to their conditions and grow to a wide range of heights and widths. If planted outdoors, it reaches upright to 30 feet tall (9.1 m), with a trunk base that averages approximately 12 feet wide (3.6 m). When treated as a houseplant, the tree grows up to 8 feet tall (about 2.4 m), with a base that reaches to about 4 feet in width (approximately 1.2 m). The green leaves of the tree appear long, thin and flat, and they average between 3 feet (0.9 m) and 6 feet long (1.8 m), depending on its environment. The strappy leaves appear in clusters that droop downward, resembling ponytails on the tree's branches.
The ponytail palm may be planted primarily through seeds, but gardeners may also use the perennial's shoots or offsets to cultivate new plants. Acceptable planting conditions range in temperatures from 20° Fahrenheit (approximately -6.6° Celsius) to above 4° Fahrenheit (about 4.4° Celsius). The bottle palm does exceptionally well in partial shade and full sun; the brighter the light it receives, however, the faster it will grow to a normal height. By contrast, less light means a slower growth period.
Intermittent watering satisfies the ponytail palm because the bulging base of the tree's trunk holds water. The trunk's water storage comes in handy during periods of drought. Allowing the plant's soil to dry between waterings safeguards against too much water.
The ponytail palm should be planted in any open space or outdoor landscape in loamy soil. The same soil type applies when it is used as a houseplant. As a houseplant, the ponytail palm should be placed in a room that receives bright sun or light. It should also fit into a pot that is large enough to accommodate the trunk's bottom bulge. Fertilizing the plant is not mandatory, but gardening experts recommend applying some during the summer season to enhance its growth every year.