Ponytail palm tree

[Kathy7115]

I've had a ponytail palm tree for at least 20 years now and in this time the tree has gotten taller but the trunk has not really gotten much thicker. In other words it's getting long and thin. The trunk height is a little over 2ft - not including the leafy top. Other than this it seems to be healthy and growing well. I've seen other ponytails about this size that have thicker trunks. What can I do to get the trunk more "beefy"?

[markinwestmich]

Large caudex's are usually achieved with a technique called "under potting". You can look at some of the "fat plant"/caudiciform web sites to see what I mean. At this point, your best bet would be to simply keep it in its pot. If your "ponytail palm" is anything like mine, it will have a very thick root system. Just make sure your mix is very loose and drains well so the roots can "breathe". In a few years, the caudex will begin to thicken.

Pool filter sand, bonsai soil, vermiculite, perlite etc. should make up the majority of your potting mix at this time.

[Kathy7115]

Mark thank you so much for you help. And you are correct — she does have quite the root system. I will use all your suggestions and see what happens! One last question — do you ever prune your roots back?

[markinwestmich]

Originally Posted by Kathy7115

Mark thank you so much for you help. And you are correct — she does have quite the root system. I will use all your suggestions and see what happens! One last question — do you ever prune your roots back?

Yes, but one has to pick the right time of year and take certain precautions. I've done this twice, with my 20 yr-old Ponytail palm. Specifically, I would only do this in the Spring when it just starts into its active growth cycle. Very carefully, take a wooden stick and gently tease the soil away from the roots, this is best done when the roots are dry, never after a recent watering. Clip off any roots that are excessively large, or do not appear to be healthy. Root systems are generally most efficient when there are many small, hair-like roots, not a relatively few large ones. I use the techniques mastered by bonsai gardeners over the years. You can review these techniques in many bonsai books and websites. I use root stimulator powder on the cuts, gently repot, use a very loose soil matrix, push the soil back up into the roots to avoid large air pockets, then avoid watering for the next week, or so, to let the roots heal up. Of course, all of this "trauma" tends to stunt the growth for a month or so, but Ponytail palms are pretty tough and will recover.

Having said all that, I would not do a severe root trimming like what may be seen in bonsai books, but rather try to keep at least a good 50-60% of the root system. Just thin it out a bit.

[Kathy7115]

Awesome advise! I am thrilled to get so much good information on my Ponytail! Once again thank you. I will follow your direction carefully. I'm sure it will do very well.