Beaucarnea recurvata

ponytail palm

Also known as: Elephant Foot Tree, Bottle Palm, Elephant's Foot

Native to the rocky, dry slopes of eastern Mexico, Ponytail Palm is one of the most unique and easy-going plants you can own — and despite its name, it's not actually a palm at all. It belongs to the asparagus family, making it a distant cousin of agave and yucca. Its swollen, bulbous trunk acts as a natural water tank, storing moisture and allowing the plant to go long periods between waterings with ease. Each plant can live for decades, slowly developing a more impressive trunk and fuller cascade of leaves with every passing year.

shop now

plant tips

  • water

    Water thoroughly every 2–3 weeks in spring and summer, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce to once a month or less in winter — less is always more with this plant.

  • light

    Thrives in bright indirect light to full sun. Place near a sunny window indoors for best results — the more light, the better it grows.

  • zone

    Houseplant.

  • size

    Grows 3–6 ft. tall indoors as a houseplant and up to 20 ft. outdoors.

care

Plant in well-draining, sandy soil — a cactus or succulent mix works perfectly. Water only when the soil is completely dry and feed with a balanced fertilizer once a month during spring and summer. Trim any brown leaf tips with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. In cooler climates, bring container plants indoors before temperatures drop below freezing and place near a bright, sunny window.

decor inspo

  • indoor space tabletop charm

    Place Ponytail Palm on a living room coffee table or side table for a unique, sculptural accent that adds a fresh, modern touch to any indoor space.

  • living room sculptural statement

    Place Ponytail Palm as a floor plant in any bright living room corner for a bold, architectural focal point that looks stunning year-round.
go back to plant library

you may also like