If you’re looking for something that’s as tough as old boots but looks absolutely stunning, you can’t go wrong with the Beaucarnea recurvata. We usually call it the Ponytail Palm, though, funnily enough, it isn't a palm at all! It’s actually a succulent, more closely related to agave and asparagus.
It’s the perfect "set and forget" plant for a sunny corner.
The Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
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Origin: These beauties hail from the arid regions of Eastern Mexico. In the wild, they can grow into massive trees, some of which are hundreds of years old!
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Light: They are sun-worshippers. They’ll be happiest in the brightest spot you have—ideally near a south-facing window. They can tolerate a bit of light shade, but they won't grow nearly as well.
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Watering: This is the most important bit! That bulbous trunk (the "caudex") stores water, so it’s basically its own reservoir. Only water when the top two-thirds of the compost are bone dry. In the winter, you can almost ignore it entirely.
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Soil & Potting: They hate "wet feet." Use a very free-draining mix, like a cacti and succulent compost with plenty of perlite or grit mixed in.
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Feeding: They aren't greedy. A liquid fertiliser once or twice during the spring and summer is plenty.
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Temperature: They like it warm during the day but are surprisingly hardy. Just make sure to keep them away from cold draughts or radiators in the winter.
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Toxicity: Great news for pet owners—the Ponytail Palm is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. However, the long leaves are quite tempting for cats to chew on, which might make the plant look a bit tatty!
It really is one of the most forgiving plants we stock—perfect if you're prone to forgetting the watering can now and then.
Sold without decorative pot, colour and size may vary slightly.
Local plant delivery or collection available in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland.
