Pony Tail Palm - If Only It Were True

The “Ponytail Palm” carries the added name of “palm” when in fact is is not a palm at all. Its long pendulous leaves may give it a palm like appearance but it’s really from the lily family.

Botanically it is called Nolina recurvata, commonly it gets several names like the “elephants foot” and even the bottle palm because of the unique thick bulbous base.

It makes for an interesting houseplant as no two are alike. Ponytails make good indoor plants if you follow a few “rules.” Since it comes from Mexico keep it on the dry side and give it as much light as possible.

Overall it is insect free but can get mealy bugs, spider mites and scale.