Q.Ponytail Palm
We inherited a ponytail palm when we bought the house 12 years ago. It is potted outside and has been re-potted twice. It recently broke the current pot and we will re-pot according to the recommendations on this site. My concern is that the new leaves are now coming out yellow and not green. Does this mean it is dying, or could it have been affected by the recent freeze? We have had freezes before and it never happened, but now it is taller and the top has gone up past the roof. It is in a sheltered corner and seems to like the microclimate. Any suggestions on what might be causing the yellow leaves and what I can do to make sure it stays healthy?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Magnesium deficiencies are common among palms. I would add some dolomitic lime, and fertilize at least once per year or more.
The cold can do this, if it stays cold for too long. This doesn't seem so bad, though. It looks like it will recover. Wait until it starts growing vigorously again before you cut off those dead fronds.
