Bright light to full sun (6 or more hours of sun hitting the leaves per day. South-facing window, no obstructions. Under grow lights, keep them 4-8 inches away for 12-14 hours); a south or west-facing window is ideal. Can tolerate some lower light but grows more slowly and may develop weaker leaves.Light

Water every 2-3 weeks in the growing season, allowing soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce to once a month or less in winter. The swollen base stores water -- underwatering is far less damaging than overwatering.Water

Tolerates low humidity well; no special humidity requirements. Standard indoor air is fine.Humidity

Adaptable; prefers 60-80°F (15-27°C). Can tolerate brief cool spells but not hard frost.Temperature

easyDifficulty

Ponytail

Beaucarnea recurvata

Easy

Despite its name, the Ponytail Palm is not a palm at all -- it is a succulent tree more closely related to agave and yucca, and the swollen base (caudex) is a water storage tank that lets it shrug off drought like it is barely a footnote. The cascading rosette of long, strap-like leaves gives it the signature 'ponytail' silhouette, and in the wild individual plants can live for centuries. As a houseplant it is famously hard to kill and totally safe around pets.

Care Guide

How to grow Ponytail

Light

Bright light to full sun

Water

Water every 2-3 weeks in

Humidity

Tolerates low humidity well; no

Temperature

60-80°F

Soil

Fast-draining, sandy cactus or succulent

Propagation

Most commonly grown from seed.

Common Problems

Root rot from overwatering is the primary risk.

Did You Know

Fun Facts

The caudex -- that bulging base -- can reach 14 meters (46 feet) in circumference in wild old-growth specimens, and some registered individuals in Mexico are estimated to be 350 years old.

Pet Safety

Pet safe

Non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses per ASPCA. One of the safer houseplant choices for pet owners.

Ponytail

How to grow Ponytail

Fun Facts

Pet safe

Sources

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