As we move into some drier winter weather, you might want to consider putting in a few drought tolerant plants. The ponytail palm, which is not botanically a palm, is a fun one to consider. It is a very hardy specimen with a remarkable growth habit. Sometimes known as elephant foot it grows from a large swollen base into a slender trunk topped with a fountain of long thin green leaves.
The ponytail plant is actually a member of the Agavaceae family, which includes many drought tolerant plants including ti plants and those in the Dracaena genus. The ponytail is now a member of the Nolina genus though formerly classified in the Beaucarnea genus. It is, however, the only member of its genus that grows here. Known botanically today as Nolina recurvate, it is native to Mexico’s northern deserts and thrives in conditions similar to the yucca plants that also grow there.
Ponytail plants are becoming increasing popular in Hawaii. Their unique appearance and certainly their tolerance for of a variety of growing conditions makes them attractive candidates for indoor as well as outdoor placement. In a large ceramic pot, they can be an eye-catching focal point. Outside, they can provide an unusual addition to a xeriscape garden. When grown as a group in a large outdoor area their appearance is quite extraordinary.
Ponytails’ name accurately describes their appearance. They grow from a large, water-holding base into a narrow trunk topped with long green, leathery grass-like leaves that cascade toward the ground from the center of the plant. Once they grow to eight feet or more, they may branch producing several ponytail tops. Though the plant grows very slowly it can reach nearly thirty feet in the right conditions. Ponytails are long-lived. Some Mexican specimens are reportedly 350 years old.
In addition to being quite drought tolerant, ponytails can also tolerate wind and some salt spray. They are an excellent choice for a hot, dry site at lower elevations. They will thrive on little water, in full sun in any soil type that drains well.
Plants grown outside year round may flower and seed after about ten years. Their curious growth habit is enhanced by the rare appearance of erect feather-like flower spikes that bear tiny white or dark pink flowers. The white flowers appear on male trees and the pink on females. Cross-pollination is required for fruit and seeds to develop following the female flowers. After seed collection, the withered spikes should be removed.
Though ponytails can be propagated vegetatively from off shoots, new plants can also be grown from seed. The tan seeds that appear on female flower spikes are encased in papery capsules that are about the size of peppercorns.
Remove them from the capsules and scarify them to help promote germination.
Scarify by rubbing the hard outer seed coat with a nail file to thin the coat in a single spot. Then soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours. Bury the seeds about half way into a mix of about four parts sand to 1 part each seeding mix and vermiculite. Place in a warm, partially sunny spot. Cover with plastic wrap and spray lightly with water when the soil surface seems dry. Seeds should sprout within two months. You can plant out your new ponytails once they produce mature leaves. Consider using a cactus mix when planting out. Choose a sunny spot with good soil drainage for your pot or in your garden.
Know that ponytails require very little maintenance. They never need pruning unless you want to remove offshoots or additional trunks. In addition to being drought tolerant, they are also wind tolerant and can abide some salty air at lower elevations.
They do not appear to be very susceptible to insect attacks and diseases are rare in ponytails. Their most frequent malady is root rot caused by overwatering. Water them only when the top inch or so of soil is dry. This may be only once a week or every two weeks, depending on the weather. You can fertilize ponytails lightly every three or four months, if you like, but they will do fine with less.
Though the plants themselves offer an interesting addition to your botanical collection, some gardeners find ponytails’ long leathery leaves useful in creating home decorations. Tap into your creativity for using the leaves while you enjoy growing this unusual plant in your home or garden.
Ponytail palms are often available in local garden centers or nurseries. If you have trouble finding them, give Sunrise Margo a call at 640-9191 and see if she can find some for you.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant living part time in Kailua-Kona.
