The ponytail palm is not a true palm tree but is a member of the asparagus family (Asparagaceae), and is commonly grown as a house plant. This tropical tree (Beaucarnea recurvata) can reach up to 30 feet in height, but when grown indoors remains at a much more manageable size, usually under six feet. It is often grown in containers with a small trunk protruding from the soil. This trunk is a bulbous shape with a rough surface, earning the ponytail palm the nickname of elephant’s foot.
This plant is easy to grow indoors and requires very little care. Ponytail palms are very slow-growing, so after propagation, they will take a while to get larger and may take up to five years to grow a foot in height. This is a house plant for growers who don’t mind playing the long game. But over time the rewards are worth it for this beautiful and low-maintenance plant.
Below, we’re sharing how to propagate ponytail palm so you can have more cuttings to grow your houseplant collection.
Methods for Propagating Ponytail Palm
There are essentially three different ways to propagate a ponytail palm: seeds, stem cuttings, and offset (or “pup”) division. Propagation from seed is not the preferred method, as it can take up to a year for seeds to germinate. The pups are like small plants that sprout from the trunk of the palm; they’re big enough to cut when they’re at least four inches long.
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Best Time to Propagate Ponytail Palm
The best time to propagate a ponytail palm from divisions or stem cuttings is during spring or summer, when the plant is at the most active time of its yearly growth cycle, as this growth energy will lend some vigor to the propagation effort. To propagate from a pup, you have to acquire one, or wait for one to grow, which may take a while.
How to Propagate Ponytail Palm
Propagating ponytail palm from stem cutting or pup is somewhat tricky because there are no roots on these plant divisions. Using a rooting hormone powder is highly recommended. You will also need a small (6 to 8-inch) pot with good drainage (terracotta is good for this purpose), and potting soil.
If you don’t have a ponytail palm to get a division from, ask around a local gardening or plant group on social media.
- Cut a stem or pup using clean snips or a knife. If using a stem cutting, it should be at least four inches long. Cut just below a leaf node.
- Trim any leaves from around the bottom of the cutting. This forms a kind of “stem” for rooting in the container. Leave at least two or three leaves on the top.
- Let the end of the cut stem or pup dry out for a day. This will allow the cut surface to heal which will prevent root rot.
- Use rooting hormone powder. Dip the end of stem cutting or bottom of pup in rooting hormone powder.
- Place the division in a container with potting soil. Use a lightweight sandy soil with good drainage, like cactus soil. The soil or planting medium should cover the bottom two-thirds or so of the division. You can add some pebbles to help hold the cutting in place.
- Water lightly. After planting the new division, only water when the top inch of the soil surface feels dry. Be careful not to overwater, especially with a small container.
- Place the container in a bright spot. Make sure to place the pot in a bright, sunny spot. It can be moved outdoors once temperatures warm up.
- Wait until the division. Once the division begins to put on size, which may take a few weeks, you can move it to a larger pot.
FAQ
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Use a sharp knife such as a hori hori knife, or pruning snips. Be sure to clean them first to prevent any spread of bacteria to the cut plant.
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You can create multiple heads by cutting the top of a ponytail palm. This usually causes the plant to form multiple heads, which can eventually form more pups for division.
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Yes, you can grow a ponytail palm from a stem cutting. However, be prepared to be patient because this plant is very slow growing and it will take several years to get a good-sized house plant.
