Hi all, This is my first post ever, so I hope I do this right... I was about to re-pot a pony-tail palm that I've had for years, and I decided to double-check what kind of potting compound to use, but I came across a site that said that ponytail palms prefer to be rootbound; is this true?? The one I have looks to me like it is too big for the pot it's in, but it seems pretty happy, so maybe I should leave it? I've attached a photo; the pot is about 7.5" in diameter, the bulb is about 3.5" and the whole thing (from the base of the pot) is about 32". Any advice? Cheers.
If it looks out of proportion to you then its purpose as a pleasing decoration is not being fulfilled. Move it on to a pot that looks to be in balance with the plant's top.
Having a fair amount of experience with my own, it is likely no matter what size pot you give it, it will be root bound in a short time (laughing). They are one of those plants that are very well designed for arid conditions. When you pull that plant out, if you can get it out without breaking the pot, you'll find a mass of thick, fleshy, creamy white roots. In addition to their characteristic caudiciform growth, the roots also store a fair amount of water. If you keep repotting the plant, it can and will get absolutely massive. As said by the previous post, you do what you want in an attempt to achieve the desired asthetics. I'm at a point now, where I am trying to get the caudex a little fatter and less emphasis on top growth. Keeping it root bound is one way to do that. Not to mention, it is at the point it is getting too big to fit through the doorway (it is kept outdoors in the summer). Because of the thick root mass, it is best to use a very loose mix that allows the roots to breathe. Bonsai soil, large grain (pool filter) sand, perlite, vermiculite, crushed pumice, etc. may be used. Try to avoid the small particle soils (i.e. potting soil used for annuals, perenials, etc.).
Hey Mark, Thanks for the info. I have this plant in a coarse cacti potting mix, and it seems to be happy. I'm also interested in getting the caudex a bit fatter (I didn't know that's what it was called), so maybe I'll just leave it in it's present opt for now. As fas as aesthetics go, I think it looks pretty cool in the pot it's in.. Cheers, Jason
