Question
I bought a ponytail palm plant at Costco Wholesale Company.  I live in Cincinnati, Ohio.  It is very pretty however the gravel on top of it is hard and with some soil underneath it.  I am not sure if I should water it now.  How do I care for this.  I know it needs bright sun and to allow soil to dry between waterings because the trunk holds the water.  I can't tell if it needs watering.  Please help me.  Thank you.

Cosy Duvall

Answer
Cosy,

The first thing you need to do is gently pry off the glued together stones that were put on there for shipping purposes. I have bought these plants myself and you cannot see the soil to tell if it is wet or dry. If it is too difficult to pry off with a screwdriver, I used a phillips with a point and it got right between the stones and they came off in large sections, you can submerse it in room temp water and leave it sit for a couple of hours, then they should come off easily.  Then be sure to dry it out well before watering it again. You are absolutely right about it needing bright sun and to allow the soil to dry between waterings because the trunk holds the water. If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck.

Darlene