Please help - my beautiful ponytail palm appears to be dying. I have had it for 19 years and it has always been very lush. It hasn't looked great for a few months. I discovered that the bottom of it's planter was full of water. I immediately took it outside for a few days. It's now back inside, but continues to lose leaves. Now, it's crown is squishy and almost bent over. Can I save it? What's happened? Was it overwatered?
Sorry about your ponytail! From your description, it sounds like the roots are rotting and have been for a while, and it's probably up into the bulb as well. I don't think there is much you can do at this point. You should un-pot the plant and examine the roots and bulb to be sure. I know it's not a good feeling when something like this happens, especially with a plant you have had for so long:(
Thanks so much for the response. Do you know what type of potting soil I should use? I am thinking maybe the kind for cactus (since it's a succulent)? The ball is soft, but the roots look ok. How can I tell if the roots are still good? Amazing I've been able to keep it healthy this long, given my ignorance about how to care for it!
I don't grow this plant, but have read that the ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) is in the agave family and to use cactus soil. The roots should be white, or an off white yellowish color when healthy.