A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The House Plant Forum Caring for Ponytail plants

I have an old ponytail plant, beaucarnea, that I inherited. Now this stands a good four feet tall. It sits in a pot not too much bigger than the huge bulb at the bottom. In addition there is no drain in the bottom of the pot. Generally I've only seen these plants in pots just bigger than the buld they grow out of. I'm not sure about the lack of drainage and hence the watering protocol. I would like repot it in something that drains, but probably not too much bigger.
If anyone has any input on how to really keep this guy happy please let me know.
It's one of my favorite plants and I really want to keep it going!!!

i agree that you have a beautiful plant and should just move it to a pot with drainage. then, it is care as usual. however, even without drainage, you seem to be monitoring it well.

No, no, this plant has not been cared for by me except for the last 2 months. My aunt had a wicked good green thumb. Amazing that woman was. I'm just trying to get my white thumb green! I really have no idea what I'm doing, but I know the plants are beautiful and I just don't want them to die!!

WOW I'm impressed - I've never seen a ponytail palm so big!!!
I had a really nice one, but our first cat decided it made a great snack - she ate it down to the bulb!

Last year, I bought 2 really nice small ones at Ikea, and put them in hanging post - so far so good. They are both in western facing windows and only get the end of the day sun for now.

Good luck with yours - it's a beauty!

Be careful watering it!IT holds water in it's "trunk" I've had one for over 20 years,, Your is Beautiful, .. They like being rootbound,, When you transplant it try to keep most of the same soil with it and only go up 2-3 inches bigger in diameter and height! Even in the summer don't over water,,. I use 1/2 cactus soil and half potting soil and I use horticulture charcoal in the bottom of the pot,, You aunt may have pea gravel or something else at the bottom to use as drainage,
You sure have inherited some awesome plant!!!!!!!!!!