The ponytail palm is a gorgeous-looking plant and a favorite choice of many houseplant enthusiasts. It is typically a low-maintenance plant which reacts only when proper care isn’t given.
But don’t worry, it can recover in most cases. However, sometimes, it can also lose its roots. Has your ponytail palm no roots? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
In this guide, we’ll look at why a ponytail palm plant starts decaying and ways to rejuvenate it.
Are Ponytail Palm Roots Weak?
Ponytail Palm’s roots aren’t weak naturally. However, stem and root rot is one of the major problems of this plant. These problems are primarily caused by overwatering and prolonged sogginess of the soil. So, avoid these at all costs!
If leaves start getting paler, the base of the stem and roots begin to darken and get mushy. This is a clear-cut sign that the root system is weakening.
Can A Ponytail Palm Come Back to Life?
Some ways to revitalize Ponytail Palm include maintaining well-drained soil, repotting, watering, fertilizing as necessary, and killing the insects attacking it.
Depending on the severity of the issue, you can revive a ponytail palm. Once you understand the actual problem, you will be better prepared to propose a remedy.
Why is My Ponytail Palm Dying?
Root rot, lack of nutrients, dehydration, and over-fertilizing can have detrimental effects on a ponytail palm, leading to death. This plant is typically pretty easy to manage and can withstand some neglect. But if it starts looking drab you should be concerned.
Here are some causes for your plant’s apparent impending death:
Ponytail palms are highly prone to stem and root rot. Over-watering this plant can lead to stem rot, causing the leaves to turn yellow. Next, the root starts rotting, and the base feels squishy.
No plant needs to remain in standing water and soggy soil for long periods. So, what you can do to resolve this problem is let the soil dry out before watering again. In addition, you can replace your soil with a new potting mix with better drainage and proper nutrients.
Yellow leaves could be an indication of a lack of nutrients. Ponytail palms don’t require an excessive dose of fertilizer, but feeding nothing at all can be detrimental.
So, consider getting a good-quality, slow-release fertilizer for the plant. Remember that this plant is a succulent, not a palm. So, buy a product that is good for succulents and cacti.
Easy Peasy Succulent and Cacti Plant Food are some decent options in this category. This nutrition mixture contains all the essential micro- and macronutrients needed to encourage greenery and a robust root system. You can get this product by clicking this link.
Leaf and root browning could indicate your plant is overfed. Like every plant, a ponytail palm needs fertilizer to remain healthy throughout the year. Despite your belief that going beyond may hasten the results, it can actually cause destruction.
Ponytail palms require fertilization twice a year, once at the start of spring and once at the beginning of summer. In the winter, you shouldn’t feed it; instead, give it some time to rest. So, look into your routine and take a step back if you are overdosing on it.
Brown, crunchy, and dreary-looking leaves could be a sign of dehydration. You can determine if that is the cause by tracking how frequently you water the plant.
Typically, a ponytail palm can become a victim of dehydration in the summer months. Leaving it unwatered for more than a week in hot weather can lead to death.
Fortunately, you can revive it by improving its water intake. Consider watering it once every two weeks, making sure the sand is already dry.
Sometimes, you are doing everything right, and the plant doesn’t seem to reciprocate the energy. It usually occurs when you have just purchased the plant from the nursery and notice it is beginning to look depressed.
Like humans and animals, plants also take time to get accustomed to a new environment after moving. In the beginning, therefore, they might seem a bit stressed and not as fresh as they are supposed to appear.
However, there is nothing to worry about as they start getting better with time. Give them everything according to their requirements, stay patient, and you will witness the results soon.
What Can You Do to Save Your Ponytail Palm?
You can save your ponytail palm by ensuring it has good drainage. Plus, ensure that the plant is thriving in nutrient-rich and moist soil. Regularly fertilize the Ponytail Palm and keep an eye out for infections.
Luckily, ponytail palms are survivalists, and you can bring them back to life if you catch the symptoms on time.
The following techniques can be applied to recover a dull or dying ponytail palm:
- Good drainage is imperative for all plants, and they can hardly cope with overly moist soil. Hence, refrain from overwatering and letting the plant drown. Make sure the soil retains an appropriate amount of water and drains well.
- If you want refined quality soil, consider repotting. You can get new soil with a sandy and loamy texture and a succulent/cactus potting mix with better drainage.
- Regularly test the soil moisture with your fingers. If the first three inches (7 centimeters) are dry, it is time to water it. Don’t go over two weeks without water to prevent dehydration.
- Potting mix for succulents usually lacks in nutrients. Therefore, you need to get a good-quality fertilizer, but do not overdo it.
- For ponytail palms, spring and summer fertilization is all they require. Also, only feed a cactus or succulent fertilizer to Ponytail Palm.
- As soon as you notice the plant is infected with bugs, isolate the plant from the other plants to prevent the spread. Next, prune the infected area, and consider applying a neem oil pesticide.
- Bonide Neem Oil is a decent solution that can help kill pests, bugs, mildew, and more. Additionally, it protects your plants all year by acting as a dormant spray. You can get this product by clicking this link.
References
Plantophiles.com, gardeningknowhow.com, bonsaioutlet.com, plantcareforbeginners.com
