Question
Hello.
 I have searched the Internet for answers to what my ponytail palm is doing and I cannot find any specific to my concerns.
I recently received it as a left over from a funeral arrangement. It is about 10 inches high and did have small little stubs of new growth. Now, those stubs have turned brown and the tips of many leaves are brown. The trunk has 3 small holes towards the base and it has turned a light green color about halfway up the trunk. Now, I admit that I might have slightly over watered it, but I cut way back and haven't watered it in 2 weeks. Is the plant dying?

Answer
Hi Dustin,

Your description is a bit confusing to me, so posting a photo of your Ponytail Palm or emailing one to me at [email protected] would be helpful.  The photo should show the entire plant, including its pot.

That said, I will do my best to interpret what you have written.

The "stubs" that you refer to were probably small plantlets that sometimes grow out of the base bulb. They turn brown and die if available light and watering are not appropriate. Brown leaf tipping is quite normal if it is limited the the lowest leaves and the ends of the leaves. If the tipping is more extensive, it may be indicative of poor light or improper watering.

I would have to see the holes to know what they are.

The upper portion of the main stem is normally green while the lower portion is brown.

Assessing your plant's prospects is difficult without knowing how it has been cared for for the past 6 months or so. However, I can tell you what Ponytail Palms requires.

As much direct sunlight as possible. It does not do well if it is more than a few feet away from an uncovered window.

A small, shallow pot that is no more than an inch wider than the bulb at its widest part. Repotting a Ponytail is almost a guarantee to cause root rot.

Porous potting soil that is allowed to dry at least halfway deep into the pot between thorough waterings.

If your plant was not properly cared for prior to your receiving it, then its roots may have already been seriously compromised in which case you may be fighting a hopeless battle.

Send me a photo so I can help you better.

I have written an article on Ponytail Palm care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to PlantCareExperts.com