How can I remove scale and prevent its return on outdoor ponytail plants? I have 2 plants for about 3 yrs that I repotted last year. They are doing great with virtually no care except for a re-occuring scale problem. Should I fertilize with osmacote or similar?
It is likely palm scale. Neem oil is a good treatment. These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/palms/sticky-palm-tree-leaves-treatment-for-palm-scale.htm
This plant is about 30 years old and has grown steadily until this summer. I moved it from a bright location to a dim location - and probably started watering on a more regular basis. So I suspect rot. At least two dozen of the leaves at the tip became yellow where they attached and are very flimsy. When I noticed this (probably weeks to months after it began), I was able to slip those leaves off the plant, leaving greenery below and a bare growing tip that is not growing. It is also not drying up. I just noticed that a pup is growing just below the live layer of leaves. Is there any hope for the growing tip?
If root rot has set in it is likely to kill the Ponytail Palm.
You may be able to propagate the pup.
Here are some links that may help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ponytail-palm/ponytail-palm-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ponytail-palm/pruning-ponytail-palms.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ponytail-palm/propagating-ponytail-palm-pups.htm
I have a ponytail palm that I have had for years. It is now close to 8 feet tall and has babies shooting out from the stalk. I would love to cut off some of the main trunk so I can continue to keep it. I put it outside during the summer and it just thrives. I am afraid of killing it, which would break my heart, but it is outgrowing my house. Do you have any suggestions? I have to figure something out soon, as it is getting too cold to leave outside.
Here is an article on pruning ponytail palms that will give you more insight - it will explain why cutting the trunk is not recommended.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ponytail-palm/pruning-ponytail-palms.htm
I have a ponytail palm that a friend gave me several years ago. It is now 8' tall and brushing against the ceiling. Can they be cut back? And if so, will they grow leaves again? Or branch? I always put it outside during the summer, but I don't think I'm going to do that anymore. I'm 69 years old and as tall and as heavy as this plant is, it's getting difficult to move it.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ponytail-palm/pruning-ponytail-palm-bonsai.htm i think you will be fine?
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 cclarke50@live.com
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
Our ponytail palm appears to be root bound...how do we transplant it?
A potted indoor Ponytail Palm actually prefers to be root bound.
If you feel it does need more room, only go up 1inch in a new pot.
Proper drainage is required and a good quality, well draining potting mix is important.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ponytail-palm/ponytail-palm-care.htm
A strong wind has twisted off the top of the ponytail (well established plant in a pot). Can it be saved? Will it shoot from same site?
A Ponytail Palm may began sending shoots out of the broken area, but it also can mean the death of the plant. This open wound can invite disease or fungus into the plant.
Though I have heard of some success with rooting a broken top of Ponytails, it is not likely to reroot in most cases.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ponytail-palm/pruning-ponytail-palms.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ponytail-palm/ponytail-palms-outside.htm