I have a very large pony tail palm that appears to be suffering from root rot. I live in SW Florida and the palm is growing in my back yard. A section of the base is soft and I can pierce the bark with my finger. Can the tree be saved. I've attached a photo.
This is an amazing specimen!
Unfortunately if the base has become soft and is compromised; it is likely too late to save it.
The visible lichen on the base along with the base condition show that the moisture levels are likely too high.
No, no soaking in water.
This link will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ponytail-palm/propagating-ponytail-palm-pups.htm
I downloaded your directions on how to pot the Ponytail Palm pups, and the instructions said to "...cover the container with a plastic bag lightly secured around the edges of the pot." It went on to say every few days uncover the pot and mist the surface of the soil. Nowhere does it tell me how long the pups have to stay in a plastic bag, or any help in that respect. Could someone tell me how long to leave them, as I have four (4) pups that really need to be re-potted, but I'm afraid to do anything without better instruction. Thanks very much. My email is: mysunrise1@wctel.net Bev Joosten Donalds, SC
It is only necessary to keep the plastic on until it roots. Once it is rooted, the plastic in not necessary. It just keeps the plants from losing moisture until it can obtain its own with new roots.
iner. What is this? It's a small plant, only about 8".
It is hard to tell without seeing, but it sounds like it could be the large bulb attempting to outgrow its container. It may be time to repot. This will only require a slightly larger container.
This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ponytail-palm/how-to-move-ponytail-palms.htm
bottom of the pot. See attached picture.
I see now! An image makes all of the difference. That is leucocoprinus birnbaumii. This potted plant mushroom poses no threat, but should not be eaten as it would then be a hazard.
You won't be getting rid of them any time soon, but they are not causing harm. They are helping break down soil and are companions for your plant.
Normally I would say that this is from overwatering, but in this case... These mushrooms will grow even when it is bone dry if the spores are present.
There is no further action required, unless you just want to pick them out. They will grow back, as this is a small portion of the mushroom. The "body" lives throughout the soil.
This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/getting-rid-of-mushrooms-growing-in-houseplant-soil.htm
I have had a ponytail plant on my patio for 6 yrs. and every year it got bigger and better . this year for some reason the leaves did not come back and now it is dying from the top. The top is falling over and is soft and squeecy! do you know what might have happened ?
Many cultivars of the Ponytail Palm will survive down to zone 9, which is what your zone is.
With this being said, sometimes just slightly below normal temperatures can send them to death. Coupled with heavy rainfall or overwatering will ensure it.
It does sound like a fungal or bacterial infection, though.
What I would suggest is to treat it with a fungicide and make sure to let it dry out thoroughly in between waterings, at least down to 2 or 3 inches.
These articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ponytail-palm/ponytail-palm-care.htm
Bulb like base protruding above soil. Papery -like skin on bulb. Long arching fronds coming from bulb singly. Dark emerald-like color
Those are, indeed, young ponytail palms. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ponytail-palm/ponytail-palm-care.htm