Ponytail Palm Bonsai Care
A native of southeastern Mexico, the Ponytail Palm is not a palm at all. It is actually a member of the lily family and, also goes by Bottle Palm and Elephant’s Foot. One of the Ponytails unique features is the swollen base of the trunk. The texture of the trunk looks and feels like an elephant’s foot. Clusters of long strap-like leaves that arch and droop extend from the trunk giving the impression of a palm. Ponytails make great indoor Bonsais and, are ideal for beginners. They are easy to care for and slow-growers.
LOCATION:
Where to place your Bonsai depends on what species of Bonsai tree you have. The Ponytail Palm is an excellent choice for home, office or anywhere. Considered extremely hardy, they do well in either bright indirect or full sun. They are ideal plants to use for rock gardens because they like, warm, dry climates.
WATERING:
More Bonsai die due to improper watering than any other cause. The Ponytail Palm’s extraordinarily thick trunk serves as a reservoir, storing water against dry spells and, making it very drought tolerate. This feature allows the tree to last up to four weeks without water causing no ill effects. Ponytails generally need to be watered every couple of weeks, but there is no set schedule. Check your Bonsai regularly by sticking your finger into the soil. Do not water the tree if the soil is damp or cool. Allow the soil to dry out between watering. When the topsoil feels dry, water thoroughly and deeply. If yellow foliage begins to appear, allow several days to pass before watering again.
An old Bonsai watering trick is to place the entire pot in a sink of water an inch or two deep. Let the water absorb from the holes in the bottom of the pot. An inexpensive moisture meter takes the guesswork out of watering. We sell them.
MISTING:
Leaves want humidity to keep them green and healthy. Any time your tree is inside, the air is very dry. Ponytail Palms originate from the dry climate of the Mexican dessert and can handle the dry, low humidity climate indoors. This is also a good indication that they can handle dry winter heat. Avoid putting your Bonsai near a draft or vent, which dries out the foliage. A humidity tray is a great way to increase humidity. These shallow trays filled with small stones have water in the bottom of the tray. Make sure the water does not reach the bottom of the Bonsai pot. As the water evaporates, it creates a moister environment.
FERTILIZING:
Fertilizing a Bonsai is essential to its health because nutrients in the soil are washed away with each watering. Fertilizer is like vitamins and minerals for a plant. When new growth appears in the spring, it’s time to start feeding your Bonsai. Use an organic liquid fertilizer or a chemical fertilizer diluted to one half strength. Ponytail Palms should be fertilized once or twice per month during the growing season and once a month in the winter. Water your tree BEFORE fertilizing. DO NOT FERTILIZE A WEAK OR FRESHLY REPOTTED TREE! This will cause stress to the tree by burning the roots.
PRUNING:
To keep a Bonsai miniature, it needs to be trimmed and pruned as new growth appears. Never remove all the new growth at one time. Ponytail Palms are generally pruned by cutting the top to force foliage to grow from the sides of the trunk, thus the ponytail look. Sit at eye level with your Bonsai tree and use Bonsai trimming shears. Your cuts should be smooth or slightly concave so the wound will heal quickly. If the cut surface is brown, add pruning paint to the surface. Palms can be nipped throughout the year.
WIRING:
Good wiring techniques are used to train Bonsai trees into different shapes and styles. The Ponytail Palm does not need training like some Bonsai. Regular pruning should be all that is needed to keep your Palm in shape.
REPOTTING:
A Bonsai should be repotted periodically to supply the plant with fresh soil. When the roots can be seen growing out the sides of the Bonsai container...it’s time. For most Bonsai this occurs every two years in early spring. Use good quality soil with a neutral pH level of 6.6 or 75. After repotting, water thoroughly. DO NOT FERTILIZE FOR 3-4 WEEKS.
INSECTS & DISEASE:
Insects such as spider mites and scale are common Hawaiian Umbrella pests. Small moving pinpoints of red or brown on branch tips identify mites, severe infestations leave “spider webs on branch tips and yellow leaves all over the tree. Scale is identified by brown or black bumps on the branches. These bumps contain insects under a protective waxy shell. A very sticky secretion that discolors the branches may also be present.
You should inspect your tree several times a week to look for problems. These can be attacked with the use of insecticides and fungicides in the form of sprays, soapy rinses, or systemic poisons. Spraying your Bonsais once every month or two with a non-toxic insect spray should keep the tree clean and healthy. Soaps should be rinsed of the next day. DO NOT SPRAY WHEN SOIL IS DRY.
