Q.Pony Tail Palm
I was given this plant by my daughter-in-law and I’ve read all the information about watering and conditions. My question is how do I know when it needs water? The pot it is planted in has tiny decorative pebbles around it. I thought I could just push them aside and do the finger test, but they seem to be glued together into one solid mass.
It’s not a plant I would have chosen myself since I live in the wrong climate for it and it will be difficult to keep my cats from devouring it, but I want to try my best and not hurt my daughter-in-law’s feelings.
Try a soil moisture meter. Often available at local garden centers or online for about $10.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm
If the glued-together pebbles are forming a solid soil covering and preventing water infiltration, you may need to remove that covering or replace with an organic mulch.
