How Is It My Pony Tail Palm Has Different Coloured Flower Spikes This Year?

Question

I have 3 pony tail palms. Last year one had pink flower spikes, 2 had cream flower spikes. I was told the pink was female.This year, all three have cream spikes. How is this explained? Transgender plants?

Answer 1

Our article says that female plants produce pink flowers but I am beginning to think that is a mistake, because I can't confirm that anywhere else in an authoritative publication. University articles say the flowers are cream or "green- to creamy-white or pinkish flowers." It's possible you won't know if it's female till the plant produces seeds.

That would explain your experience. Did any of the trees produce seed last year?

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ponytail-palm/ponytail-palm-flower.htm

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/st093?downloadOpen=true

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/ponytail-palm-beaucarnea-recurvata/