Beaucarnea spp.
ponytail palm
Overview
Beaucarnea spp. is a genus of about 10 to 12 species of evergreen, caudex-forming succulents in the family Asparagaceae, native to the semi-arid regions of Mexico and northern Central America. The defining feature is a swollen, bottle-shaped base that stores water and tapers into one or more slender trunks, topped by dense tufts of long, narrow, strap-like leaves that arch and recurve. The most familiar species, B. recurvata, the ponytail palm, reaches 12-30 ft (3.6-9 m) over many decades in the ground but stays 2-4 ft (60-120 cm) for years in containers. Despite the common name, these are not palms. Mature plants are dioecious and produce tall, branched panicles of many tiny cream to pinkish flowers in spring and summer, though flowering is rare in cultivation. The leathery leaves are 3-6 ft (1-1.8 m) long and under 0.8 in (2 cm) wide. Beaucarnea spp. grows in rocky, fast-draining ground in full sun and stores enough water in its base to endure long droughts. It is frost-tender and rots quickly in wet or poorly drained soil, and its growth is very slow.
Native Range
Beaucarnea spp. is native to Mexico and northern Central America, including Guatemala and Belize, where it grows in dry tropical forest, thorn scrub, and on rocky, semi-arid slopes. Several species are restricted to small ranges and are uncommon in the wild.Suggested Uses
Beaucarnea spp. is grown as a sculptural specimen in succulent and xeric gardens in frost-free regions and as a long-lived houseplant elsewhere. The swollen base and arching leaves are used as an accent in containers and rock gardens. In warm climates it is planted singly in courtyards and gravel beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 30'
Width/Spread3' - 12'
Bloom Information
Beaucarnea spp. flowers in spring and summer on mature, decades-old plants, sending up tall, branched panicles crowded with tiny cream to pinkish flowers. Male and female flowers form on separate plants. Flowering rarely occurs on container-grown or young specimens.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to pinkishFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Beaucarnea spp. in full sun in gritty, sharply drained soil or cactus mix, since the swollen base rots in wet or heavy ground. Water deeply but infrequently, letting the soil dry fully between waterings, and cut back watering further in winter. Plants store water in the caudex and endure long dry spells, drought, and heat once established. They are frost-tender, hardy only in USDA zones 9-11, and are grown as houseplants or moved indoors elsewhere. Bright light holds the leaf tuft full, while low light stretches the growth and pales the foliage. Overwatering and cold, wet soil are the main causes of failure.Pruning
Beaucarnea spp. needs little pruning. Dead or browned outer leaves are pulled or trimmed away to tidy the rosette, and the leaf tips, which often brown in dry indoor air, can be trimmed without harming the plant. Cutting the growing point removes the leaf tuft and forces branching, but it is rarely needed.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons