Question
I bought a ponytail palm at Home Depot not too long ago because I think they are just the most beautiful plant. My guy has a double-base and his feet have puckered and drawn away from each other. Perhaps he is underwatered? I have repotted in a larger pot - I did not trim back the roots although they seemed papery and dry. Should I unpot him and cut away what seem to be dead roots (should I be worried about root rot or overcutting and stressing out the  plant that way?) Anything else I can do?

Answer
Julie, you guy will be fine, this is actually a common phenomenon, you can snip the excess growth away, thats fine, but careful you don't cut into live roots and water sparingly, that big fat tommy on your guy contains a reservoir of water and they don't require much irrigation, in fact, be very careful not to soak those roots, that can cause root rot.  good luck with the lucky devil! lol....regards Nick