Ponytail palms, with the scientific name Beaucarnea recurvata, are also known as elephant foot plants. These plants are native to the state of Veracruz in Mexico. They are members of the Agave family and are actually succulents, not palms or trees. These drought-resistant plants are generally low-maintenance, but they also suffer their share of diseases which, without prompt intervention, could cause them to die.
How to save a dying ponytail palm
If your ponytail palm is dying due to root rot or stem rot:
- Remove the plants from their pots and cut off the affected parts with a clean, sharp knife or shears.
- Re-pot the plants in new containers, and ensure that they have drainage holes at the bottom.
Signs of root rot and stem rot:
- Stunted growth
- Yellow or wilted leaves
- Soft caudex
- Mushy, discolored roots
If your ponytail palm has droopy leaves:
- Place the potted plant in a sink and fill it with three or four inches of cold water.
- Allow the water to soak into the soil for at least 45 minutes. The caudex will have absorbed a good amount of moisture when at least three inches of the soil is soaked.
- Once you see that the soil is moist, remove the pot and let it drain for a while to get rid of any standing water.
- Return the plant to its usual spot.
Ponytail palms with droopy leaves are most likely suffering from dehydration. While they are desert plants, they cannot survive for too long without water. Dehydrated plants will have droopy leaves that turn brown and start to curl. They will also have wrinkled trunks that eventually go limp.
If your ponytail palm has yellowing and drooping leaves:
- Provide proper drainage for your plants. Yellow leaves will not turn green again, so they should be removed.
- Re-pot the plants in new, well-draining soil and add standard fertilizer in the correct proportions.
Causes of yellowing leaves:
- Overwatering
- Over-fertilizing
Reasons your ponytail palm is dying
Incorrect watering
Some plant owners tend to water their ponytail palms too much, while others may forget to water them enough. This could lead to problems like droopy, yellowing leaves or root rot. Ponytail palms prefer their soil to dry out in between waterings. If you water your plants when the soil is still moist, you may be watering more than you should.
Overwatering your plants will drown the roots and could eventually kill them if you keep doing it for too long. Underwatering for long enough will also kill them. Water the plants once every two to three weeks and check that the soil has dried out before watering them again. Be extra careful when watering during the winter months, since they do not require as much as in the warmer months.
Low-quality fertilizers
Ponytail palms need essential nutrients like iron, nitrogen and phosphorus to thrive and grow healthy. Make sure to feed your plants a good fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 slow release fertilizer. When applying the fertilizer, make sure you do not apply it too close to the roots or it could damage the plants.
Drainage problems
Ponytail palms do not like too much water in the soil. If you notice that their pots are not draining well, transfer them to more suitable pots that have drainage holes in the bottom. This way, excess water will not sit stagnant in the soil.
Soil problems
Ponytail palms may wilt and die if they are planted in the wrong soil. Heavy soil types are not good for these plants because they stay too moist. Use soil that is a bit gritty and lightweight, as this is closer to the soil in their natural environment.
See to it that the pots are a bit tight but not too small for the plants. Avoid placing your plants in pots that are way too large, as this makes it harder for the soil to drain properly. Both pots and soil should be right for your plants if you want the best chance at reviving them.
Incorrect light conditions
Ponytail palms prefer bright but indirect light. Place your plants near a window where they can get the sunlight they need, but make sure you do not place them in direct sunlight.
Root rot
Root rot occurs when there is too much water or moisture in the soil. If your plants have discolored and mushy roots, they have root rot or stem rot. The leaves may also become wilted and yellow. Hold off watering and try to dry out the soil.
Pests
Pests like spider mites, scale insects and mealybugs could attack your ponytail palms. They suck out the plant juices, weakening the plants and making them more susceptible to diseases. The leaves may also turn yellow if there are pests in your plants. Spray the pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil to eradicate them.
Conclusion
There are certain measures you can take if your ponytail palm is dying, to give you the best chance at reviving it. Remove any plant parts that are affected by disease and re-pot the plants in fresh soil to help rejuvenate them. Provide proper drainage and fertilizers, and ensure that the plant is watered sufficiently but not too much.
Image: istockphoto.com / t sableaux