Ponytail Palm Leaf Drop After Cold Exposure

Michael received a ponytail palm as a gift; it sat in a cold delivery truck all day. Since then, it lost all leaves. He watered by soaking and drying, kept it in southern light, didn't fertilize. He pulled dead leaves and accidentally removed new green ones.

Expert Answer: If the bulb isn't soft and mushy, it can recover. Treat like a cactus: lots of sun, warm temps, little water. Pot should be only slightly larger than the bulb; likes being root-bound and sandy soil. Don't pull dead leaves until long dead; clip near trunk. Be patient—water only after several dry days.