Question
My pony palm has lost all of its leaves and is mushy on the stem, but not mushy at the bottom. Should I cut off the mushy part to encourage the leave to grow? Or how do I get the leaves to start growing again?  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Mary,

A soft stem and complete leaf loss is a pretty good indication of serious root damage - most likely root rot. Once a plant's roots are that severely damaged, the plant is not likely to recover.

You can try cutting the stem below the soft portion, but I am quite sure the softness will continue to spread throughout the plant.

I wish I had better news for you, but I am afraid we are too late.

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

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

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Need more information? Visit my website at www.HorticulturalHelp.com
or email me at [email protected] or call me at 917-887-8601 (EST)
 
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com