Question
Ponytail Bonsai
I recently purchased a Ponytail Bonsai. I have it sitting on my desk at my office and my desk faces a large west window, there for the plant gets lots of natural light. My problem is the tips of the plant are turning brown, a few were like that when I bought it 2 or 3 weeks ago, but now it like all of them have the brown/dead tips. Also, some of the actual leaves are turning brown. Can you tell me what I am doing wrong?
AnswerHi Rhonda,
Your Ponytail Palm is not actually a Bonsai. It is simply potted in a bonsai-type planter. I mention this only because if you follow standard bonsai instructions, it will not be helpful to you.
In the photo you posted, your Ponytail looks very healthy and I don't think you have much to be concerned about. Ponytails invariably get brown tips on their lowest leaves and they invariably lose lower (older) leaves as they add new ones on top. In general, as long as the new leaf growth is healthy and you are adding as many new leaves as you losing old ones, then your plant is doing okay.
If you are getting an excessive amount of leaf loss, then it probably is a watering problem. It is best to let the top inch of soil to dry between thorough waterings. You may have to push aside some of the pebbles to determine soil dryness properly. I assume the pot has draiange holes. If it does not, the you have a problem that I will have to address separately. Let me know if that is the case.
The western exposure you described is good for your Ponytail. However, the good sunlight, dry winter air and small pot will cause the soil to dry out more quickly than usual.
You can fertilize monthly at half the recommended strength. Do not repot your Ponytail unless there is no drainage hole and then only after you contact me for advice.
I have written an article on Ponytail Palms 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.
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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC
