Why Ponytail Palm Lower Leaves Brown in Winter and How to Help

Bottom leaves of a ponytail palm turned brown during winter.

Cause

Insufficient light indoors during short winter days causes lower leaf loss.

Remedies

• Move to the sunniest possible window.
• Cut watering to once every 3 weeks, using only 1/3 the summer volume.
• Overwatering in low light risks root rot.