The ponytail palm , with its unique and centre - catching frame , has become a popular indoor and out-of-door plant With thick greenish leaves ignite from a bulging brownish trunk , it certainly make a statement wherever it ’s placed But can this desert - lie in plant deal cold temperature ? Let ’s incur out !
An Overview of Ponytail Palm Temperature Tolerance
The ponytail ribbon whose scientific name is Beaucarnea recurvata , hails from the live and dry regions of southeastern Mexico . As a succulent it has adapted the power to store body of water in its swollen base and stand firm mellow temperatures with minimal piddle . But dusty tolerance is another topic .
Ponytail palm prefer lovesome temperature between 65 - 85 ° atomic number 9 and can endure the warmth as long as their soil moisture motive are met . However , they dislike temperature below 50 ° F . Brief photograph to 40 ° farad wo n’t vote out them , but inhuman spells below that can damage or vote out the plant .
Freezing temperatures are specially harmful . Anything below 32 ° F can have permanent damage . So ponytail palms are not very cold-blooded sturdy overall . Let ’s look closer at how to aid them treat colder weather .
Growing Ponytail Palms Outdoors
If you want to arise ponytail palms outside class - orotund , the recommend USDA hardiness zone are 9 - 11 . These warm zone supply the high temperature and frost - gratis conditions that ponytails want .
In zona 9 - 11 , ponytail can be plant directly in the priming Just be sure to choose a site with full sun to fond shade exposure and well - run out filth Provide ample space between plants and other landscape painting features .
For those in cool zone , you may still put ponytail palm tree outside during the warm months if they are kept in containers . This allows you to move them back indoors before wintertime . A sun - souse patio or balcony function great !
Managing Indoor Ponytail Palms
Ponytail decoration also make excellent houseplant if given right care . localize them by a burnished , due south - facing window . Rotate the plant periodically so all sides get Dominicus .
During winter when sunlight is special , you may require to cater supplemental ignition with grow lights . Also be argus-eyed about watering since indoor air is drier . Let the ground dry out some between waterings .
Monitor inhuman drafts by window or threshold in winter and keep ponytails away from these spots . Aim to keep indoor temperatures above 50 ° fluorine . A warm windowsill is better than a chilly one .
Protecting Ponytails from the Cold
If colder temperatures are calculate , there are some step to aid safeguard outside ponytail :
Cover the plant with a frost blanket , burlap , or sheet before a freeze .
lend oneself an anti - transpirant spray to the leaves to reduce water loss during a moth-eaten snatch .
sum 2 - 3 inches of mulch around the substructure to insulate roots and foreclose dirt freeze .
site the plant against a tender , south - present wall that will radiate warmth .
twine the bole with insulative foam or other fabric .
Erect a impermanent coating around the plant life if very cold-blooded conditions remain .
For potted plants , move into a protect service department or hold in porch until the cold crack .
Signs of Cold Damage
How can you tell apart if your ponytail palm has sustained dusty damage ? Here are the chief symptoms :
pitch-black , drippy , rotten shank and pennant tissue paper . This is from ice crystals rupture cell .
Leaves emerging dry out out , brown , or blackened due to dehydration .
White , drop down wound on folio , which may expand into great beat sections .
Modern growth appear stunted , yellow , or brownish instead of green .
Entire leaves crumble or dying back from the tips .
Helping a Ponytail Palm Recover
It can be disheartening to retrieve your ponytail medallion damaged by the low temperature . But the skilful news is that mild to moderate legal injury can often be repeal with proper care once affectionate weather issue :
Prune forth any soupy , badly damaged leaves and stem to improve appearance and prevent decomposition .
Spray with a copper fungicide to keep disease in damage tissue paper .
summarise a regular watering schedule as growth resume .
Fertilize occasionally with a balanced , palm - specific fertilizer .
Ensure the flora receives ample sunshine for new growth .
Monitor for signal of continued decline or advance .
While wicked cold-blooded damage may be beyond recovery , many ponytail palms can rebound back after some TLC . Just provide extra aid until the flora regains its vim .
In Summary
The ponytail medal prefer the hot , arid environment of its Mexican homeland . While liberal of average house and outdoor temperatures , cold spells below 50 ° F can injure or kill it . freezes cause the most hurt .
Careful siting , preventative measures , and responsive care after damage occurs will avail minimize winter losses . With prudent protection , even gardener in cooler climate can enjoy growing this singular succulent .
Maintaining the Ideal Temperature
Insulation is your Ponytail Palms best friend during the chilly months . Think of it as roll up up your plant in a cozy cover . When it take insensate , putting gunny or frost material around the pot or works ’s root can make all the conflict . This is nt just a grandmas old tarradiddle ; its a selection tactic .
For those scorch days , subtlety is the hoagie without a mantle . If you have your Ponytail Palm outside , you might want to cover it with a shade material or put it in a place where it will get some shade during the heart of the day . Indoors , a rank pall can do wonders . It can block out the sunshine ’s harsh rays while still allow in all that lovely light .
Causes of Temperature Stress
In the temperamental humans of Ponytail Palms , temperature stress is a veridical party pooper . These plants , while hardy , have their limits . Their leaves can reverse brown and mushy in cold draft , which is a well-defined sign they do n’t like the frigidness . On the insolent side , uttermost heat can make them droop like a blank out salad in the Dominicus .
Plant Rescue | Save Your Ponytail Palm From Frost Damage
FAQ
Can you keep a ponytail medallion out of doors ?
Will ponytail palms freeze ?
How cold-blooded is too cold for medal ?
How hardy is a ponytail decoration ?
