I have come to a standstill with my ponytail palm!

Question

The ponytail plant I have is at least 45 years old. My mom gave it to my grandmother when it was in a 2″ pot. Well, I am the 3rd generation that this plant has lived through and it is now about 6′ tall and in a 23″ wide pot. I have been keeping it outside in the summer and inside in the winter and it is doing fine.

Now to the problem. It is root bound and needs to be transplanted yet again–but if we do that we won’t be able to get it back in the house next winter. We had a hard enough time this year getting it in the door as it was. HELP! I have tried rooting the shoots that tend to grow when it is outside and I just can’t get them to live. UGH!!

Carol Clarke
Newborn, Ga
[e-mail]

Answer 1

Repotting the plant is a project that requires some planning and most importantly, some strong help.

Here is a link that will give you a guideline for doing so.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ponytail-palm/how-to-move-ponytail-palms.htm

You could enquire at a local garden center or greenhouse to see if they would be able to help you if you do not have people to call in for help.

Here is a link with information on propagating pups from the plant.

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