Question
Ponytail Palm Leaves
A couple of months ago, I purchased a ponytail palm plant. After I brought it home, the new growth in the middle leaves of the sprouts turned very light colored, thin, and flimsy. All of the ponytail palms at the store have darker green and thicker leaves in their centers. Is this something to be concerned about and how can I fix it?? I am concerned that I may be underwatering it. When searching the internet, it said if the lower leaves were turning yellow or brown this could be a sign of underwatering, but I am not sure if this is what is happening.
AnswerEmily,
I suspect that it simply needs some fertilizer and more sun. I recommend a water soluable fertilizer such as Miracle Grow or Peters Professional. I also recommend that it goes outdoors for the summer on a balcony or patio in full sun. This is a desert plant. You cannot underwater it unless you don't water for 3-4 weeks. Watering well so all the soil in the pot is moist once every 7- 10 days in the summer and every 2-3 weeks in the winter is ideal. If the lower leaves turn yellow then brown indicates over or under watering. Overwatering will cause root rot and eventually death of the plant.
Just give it a dose of fertilizer at half strength every other watering and give it more sun. That should turn those light leaves darker green. Good luck.
Darlene
