Question
QUESTION: Hi, read your response to another person's post about ponytail palms.  My grandmother has had one as a potted plant for 30 years and it's now ailing-- it was moved from WI to MI in November and now the bulb is withering and quishy.  I was wondering if it's possible to take off the healthy top and get it to root.  The plant has great sentimental value to her, any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Nicole

ANSWER: Nicole,

Maybe, her plant has been overwatered during the move. If the top is still firm I would try cutting it off where it is firm and I would dip it in rooting hormone then insert it in a pot of cactus soil or pure builders sand and I would not water for at least a week. After that I would barely moisten the soil, if it is in a 6 inch pot use maybe 1/2 cup of water. Do not use too large a pot. Treat this plant like a cactus. Lots of sun and little water. Too much water is what caused the problem your grandmother has now and perhaps too little sun. I hope you can help her save it. If not you should buy her a new one. Good luck.

Darlene

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QUESTION: Thanks so much for the quick response!  I'll get some rooting hormone asap and do as you suggested.  Should we trim back its very long leaves as well?

Thanks!

Answer
Nicole,

I would trim them back so they are still long enough to nearly touch the table but not be too terribly long so they are dragging all over.  What part of Michigan are you in? I am in Fort Wayne, IN, not far south of Michigan. Good luck.

Darlene