House Plants/ponytail palm

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Expert: Tracy - 11/2/2009


Question
I had a branch that broke off of my plant and i put it in water to root. It has great roots but i don't know what to plant it in and if a bulb will form Thank you

Answer
Hi Donna,
  If the branch rooted well then it should become a plant just like the one it came from. However because of the slow growth of ponytail palms it could be quite awhile before it looks like the parent plant.

Ponytail palms get their name from their ponytail like appearance. It requires very little attention. The only downfall to the Ponytail palm is that it is an extremely slow grower, so don't expect great growth spurts from year to year.

The Ponytail palm should be watered thoroughly once every 7 - 14 days. The Ponytail palm is native to desert areas therefore, it has a root system similar to cactus in that the roots go deep in order to store water for long dry spells. Be sure to let the soil become dry to touch 1" to 1-1/2" deep before watering again. If you notice the lower foliage is starting to turn a yellow or brown color you may be under watering the plant. The Ponytail palm requires bright light so be sure to place it near a window where full sun is received.

Insects and mites usually are not a problem with the palm, however if they do appear, simply spray the houseplant down with a soapy water mix every other day until they are gone.

I hope this helps. If you have any questions or need additional information please don't hesitate to ask.
          Thanks
              Tracy

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Tracy

Expertise

I have a great deal of experience with most foliage houseplants. I am knowledgeable and experienced in the care of many different kinds of houseplants as well as the pests and diseases common to houseplants. I have had a lot of experience and success with most propagation techniques. I am also knowledgeable and experienced with artificial lighting for plants. I can answer questions about all aspects of 'indoor gardening'. Not only questions about growing foliage plants and starting seeds under artificial plant lighting but also questions about artificial plant light system set up, supplemental artificial lighting and cost. ~ I can help identify plants accurately ONLY if you submit a picture of the plant with your question.~

Experience

I usually always have at least 70 houseplants at all times. I have done extensive research, education and have over 15 years of experience with houseplants, indoor gardening, interior landscaping and artificial plant lighting. About 30% of my houseplants are grown exclusively under artificial plant lighting. Many of the other houseplants that are growing in natural light are also given supplemental lighting using artificial plant light. I have 5 complete artificial plant light systems that I designed and built.

Organizations
I have done volunteer work for several local botanical gardens and conservatories.

Publications
I have written extensively about plants, all aspects of houseplant care, indoor gardening and artificial plant lighting. I have written many informational blogs, articles and 'plant care guides' for many websites, forums and some online horticultural communities.

Education/Credentials
I have extensive research, knowledge and experience on the care of houseplants, the different kinds of houseplants, pests and diseases common to houseplants, indoor gardening/landscaping and artificial plant lighting.

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