Ponytail Palm: Growing the Elephant Foot Palm as a Long-Lived Houseplant

The ponytail palm, or elephant foot palm, is a delightful houseplant giving your home a tropical feel.

Ponytail Palms are great, long-lived indoor plants. (Despite name and appearance, not a true "palm.")

Long green leathery stems develop with age. Indoors, up to 3 ft high. Only challenge: adapting to watering needs.

Planting

• Fast-draining soil (cactus potting mix).
• Normal room temp most of year; cooler in winter (50–55°F).
• Bright light location.

Care

• Keep soil fairly dry. Spring–fall: water when surface dries. Winter: water occasionally.
• Fertilize spring; move to brighter room for summer.
• Repot every other year at most.

Pests and Diseases

• Overwatering → stem rot. Withholding water may let plant self-cure.
• Spider mites on leaves; fix by rubbing cloth with soap/water on stems.

Wit & Wisdom

Also called Elephant Foot Palm.