Ponytail palm Beaucarnea recurvata on stem

What do I need?

• Planter
• Potting soil
• Hydro grains (optional)

How to plant the Beaucarnea in a pot?
This houseplant is delivered in a standard growers pot. It’s best for the growth of the Beaucarnea to plant it in a decorative planter. Select a pot that is at least 20 percent larger than the growers pot.

Cover the bottom of the decorative planter with a layer of potting soil. Does the decorative pot have a hole? Then start with a layer of hydro grains, so the water can drain away. The Beaucarnea should be 1 to 2 cm below the rim. Remove the growers pot and place the plant in the middle of the decorative pot. Fill the pot with fresh potting soil and press it down slightly. The most perfect spot for your Beaucarnea recurvata is:

1. Somewhere with plenty of light but also protected from the full strength of the mid-day sun. Mornings and evenings are not a problem and will even be appreciated! The ideal place is about 3 metres from the window.
2. Somewhere warm, between 18 and 23° C. If you have underfloor heating, so much the better. Avoid standing it too close or above a radiator, the warm air flow from the heating will dry the plant out much quicker which could result in the loss of leaves or them turning brown.
   

Elephant’s Foot (Beaucarnea recurvata) on your patio
During the summer months the Elephant’s Foot will be quite happy stood outdoors on the patio – but first it will need to be acclimatised to the outdoors to prevent burn spots from the sun on the leaves. To do this, stand it in full shade to start with and give it one hour longer in the sun every day for five days. Remember to bring it indoors again once the night temperatures are consistently below 8 degrees centigrade.
 

What do I need?

• Watering can
• Plants spray

How to take care of the Beaucarnea?
The Beaucarnea is a real jungle plant you have to water regularly. Try to keep the soil slightly moist and check this every now and then by pressing your finger into the soil. The plant should certainly not be standing in a layer of water.

Good air humidity of 60 to 70 percent is also important. Otherwise, the leaf edges may dry out. When the air is dry, spray the leaves once or twice a day. Also make sure the Beaucarnea remains in partial shade.