Ponytail Palm plant

Ponytail Palm

نخيل ذيل الحصان (بوكارنيا)

Beaucarnea recurvata

Approximate price

Approx. SAR 140-380

Available size

Medium · Approx. 40-90 cm

Pet safety

Pet Friendly

Care level

Easy

Light

Bright indirect light

Watering

Low water

Recommended placement

Indoor · Living room, Entrance, Office

Availability

Usually available, subject to seasonal stock

Pot size

17-21 cm pot

Estimated prices for a healthy medium-size plant in a standard pot at premium Riyadh plant shops; they vary by size, pot and availability.

Plant overview

Bulbous trunk topped with a fountain of thin curling leaves.

Not a palm but a succulent with a water-storing bulb; pet-safe and happy with Riyadh's dry air.

Botanical name

Beaucarnea recurvata

Mature size

Approx. 40-90 cm

Final size varies with the variety, pot size and light conditions.

Light details

Bright indirect light

Near a bright window behind a sheer curtain. Direct Riyadh midday sun can scorch the leaves.

Watering details

Water only when the soil has dried out completely. Push a finger in to one knuckle; if it feels damp, wait. Overwatering is the main cause of damage.

Watering needs change with room temperature, pot size and season, so check the soil rather than following a fixed schedule.

Humidity

Low humidity is fine

Handles dry air well and needs no extra humidity.

Temperature

Ordinary indoor temperatures between 18 and 28°C suit it well.

Avoid direct AC airflow and intense heat behind glass in summer.

Soil

A well-draining cactus and succulent mix.

Fertilizer

A balanced diluted liquid feed once a month from spring to early autumn; stop in winter.

Repotting

Repot when roots fill the pot or push through the drainage holes, when the plant becomes unstable, or when growth slows. Move up one pot size only.

Pruning

Remove yellow or dried leaves at the base; most of these plants need no regular pruning.

Leaf care

Wipe broad leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust, and avoid leaf-polish products.

Caring for this plant in Riyadh

Water every 3–4 weeks; the swollen base tells you it has reserves.

Pet safety details

CatsPet FriendlyDogsPet Friendly

Non-toxic.

Source: the ASPCA list of toxic and non-toxic plants. If a pet swallows any plant, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Common problems

  • Yellow leaves: usually overwatering or poor drainage.
  • Brown tips: dry air, tap-water minerals or a direct AC draft.
  • Root rot: the main risk for this plant, caused by watering too often.
  • Slow growth: not enough light or time to repot.

Common pests

Spider mites in dry conditions, Mealybugs on stems and leaves

Best placement

  • Living room
  • Entrance
  • Office
  • Desk

Gifting

Pot and planter

Simple cream ceramic in keeping with the Flower Palace look.

Size options

  • Small·20-40 cm · 12-15 cm pot
  • Medium·40-90 cm · 17-21 cm pot
  • Large·90-150 cm · 24-30 cm pot
  • Statement·Over 150 cm · 30 cm pot and above

Available sizes vary by plant and stock; confirm the size when ordering.

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