How to Make Ponytail Palm Grow Taller?

The ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) is one of the most attention-catching tropical plants. It is known as the “Elephant Foot Tree”. This plant can attain up to 30 feet in height when grown in a natural habitat. This plant’s towering and fascinating height and beauty compel you to think about how to make ponytail palm grow taller at home. However, you can grow your plant up to 4 feet tall at home if you tend it carefully.

The ponytail palm is not a palm tree, it is closely associated with the Agave. Commonly, ponytail palms gain around 6 inches in height in a year, but if you cater to the plant’s proper conditions this will give you amazing results. This guide will give you the details to make ponytail palm grow taller at home.

Pot selection for ponytail palm

Since you intend to grow your plant taller at home, you should understand the best type of pots. You should follow the points to select the best pots for ponytail palms to help the plant grow well.

Prefer the porous pot made of terracotta or another clay-based material, to help the soil dry soon.

Select a 2-inch pot that is larger than the usual indoor planting pots.

Pot has ample depth to give support and room to the growing roots of the plant.

The pot should have a drainage hole at the base to avoid waterlogged soil.

A porous pot of terracotta or another clay-based material helps the soil dry quickly.

Soil mixing for ponytail palm

Proper soil mixing is crucial for the growth of your plant. You should select well-aerated and drainage-friendly soil, which is best for desert and succulent plants. This will save the roots of your plant. Following these points, you can prepare a good soil mixture to boost your plant.

It would help if you used perlite or sand for a good aeration. This will make the plant’s roots strong.

A draining soil mixture is good for succulent or desert plantations.

Mix equal parts of potting soil and perlite, and prepare good soil for ponytail palms.

You can add succulent potting for your indoor plant and use organic compost in the garden soil to boost nutrients.

The proper method of planting ponytail palm

It is time to plant your freshly brought plant from a nursery. Follow the given steps to make ponytail palms grow taller at home.

You should pick a plant no longer than 2 inches across the base.

Invert the potted plant carefully, tap to lose its root ball, then remove excessive soil from its roots.

Dig a hole in the soil and place the root ball in the new pot at the same height as in the nursery pot.

Now spread the roots to avoid crowding by protruding their wide base.

Fill the area surrounding the root ball with planting soil.

To settle the plant, give it fair water.

Place the pot near a well-lit window. If you want to place it outdoors, it requires a shade initially.

Never let your plant stand in a still dampness.

Need of sunlight

Sunlight is an essential ingredient to every plant. Ponytail palm flourishes in indirect but bright sunlight. Providing the required sunlight can guarantee to make your ponytail palm grow taller.

Approximately 6 hours of light a day is necessary for your plant. Place the plant where it can bask in the bright glow for the required time.

Occasionally rotate your plant to provide it with a balanced but indirect sunshine.

Though mature ponytail palm can endure direct sunlight, you must be careful about the sun scorching on its leaves.

Watering demand for ponytail palm

Ponytail palms do not require frequent watering. This plant can tolerate drought. You should know that overwatering can ruin this plant. Your watchful approach to watering can keep the plant healthy. Follow the given points to make your ponytail palm grow taller by giving it moderate water.

During the growing season watering boosts the growth of ponytail palm.

Between the watering sessions, let the soil dry out.

Check the moisture level and give water when the top inch of soil turns dry.

There is no harm if your plant experiences a dry spell.

Draining soil can save your plant from overwatering.

Overwatering can rot the roots, and underwatering can slow overall growth. So be moderate in watering your ponytail palm.

Fertilizing to ponytail palm

Fertilizing is to providing good nutrients to ponytail palm. It encourages the upward growth of the plant. Try to use a diluted but balanced fertilizer made for succulent plants. Following are some fertilizing instructions for ponytail palm.

During the growing season, give your plant a balanced and diluted fertilizer once per month.

Look for the label, as your balanced fertilizer should consist of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Avoid over-fertilizing; it will harm your plant.

Pruning the plant

Pruning is an important factor in making ponytail palm grow taller. This is good for smaller indoor plants. Often indoor plants are cut at the top to boost multiple-head growth. The given lines will help you prune the plan.

Cut the outside growing branches of the ponytail palm to grow it upward.

Remove the dead or damaged leaves.

Trim the top to give an upward appearance.

Pruning also improves a plant’s beauty.

The cutoff section can be used for growing more plants.

Stem supporting

When your ponytail palm starts growing upward, it may need support. If you notice your plant leaning or growing heavy on the top, this is the time to stake the stem. You can use sturdy but gentle stakes, setting them carefully with the stem to avoid plant damage.

This simple method will give your plant the required strength and help your ponytail palm stand vertically and elegantly. You can gradually make the ponytail palm grow taller with proper stem support.

Maintaining of temperature

Temperature plays a pivotal role in plant growth. Similarly, a suitable temperature is vital for proper and taller growth of ponytail palm. This plant is meant for warmer temperatures. Your plant requires protection from cold and intense temperature changes. Though ponytail palm can withstand different temperature conditions, a stable warm environment ensures their growth.

The ideal temperature for ponytail palm may be above 60°F or 15°C during the day and not lower than 45°F or 07°C during the night. The temperatures below the range can slow or cause damage to the growth of the ponytail palm. Place your plant in a warm spot in case you feel chill indoors.

Conclusion

It is not difficult to cultivate a ponytail palm to grow taller and more majestic. You must select a proper pot, prepare aerated and drainage-friendly soil, provide the plant with good sunlight, control fertilizing, pruning, and maintain temperature.

All this will make the ponytail palm grow faster. Similarly, your plant may encounter different challenges of disease, pests, overwatering, etc. If you see any of the issues, regulate your watering routine, be watchful of the pests to control them promptly, and be sure your ponytail palm will grow taller and more beautiful.

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Diana Evans

Diana Evans is an accomplished home improvement author, renowned for her expertise in interior design and renovation. Her publications provide practical advice, DIY tips, and creative ideas for enhancing homes, transforming spaces into personalized sanctuaries.

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