Ponytail Palm Offshoots: Trunk Sprouts vs. Base Offsets

Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) produces two types of shoots:

• Trunk sprouts: Juvenile branches emerging from the main trunk. Leave them—they become additional heads.
• Base offsets (pups): Small plants at soil level. These can be removed and propagated.

Propagating Offsets

1. Wait until offset has its own roots (usually after 1–2 years).
2. Sever cleanly with a sharp knife.
3. Let cut callus 2–3 days.
4. Plant in well-drained cactus mix.
5. Water sparingly until established.

Your 35-year-old plant’s trunk sprout is a new branch—let it grow for a multi-headed specimen.

Ponytail palm base offset ready for removal.