SUBSCRIPTION: Medium, 6” Monthly Plant Subscription – August '26

Light: Bright light is best. It can tolerate some direct sun and will usually grow strongly near a sunny window. Lower light is tolerated, but growth will be much slower.

Water: Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering thoroughly. Its swollen trunk stores water, so overwatering is a much greater risk than underwatering. Water less often during winter.

Humidity: Average household humidity is fine. It does not require high humidity and generally prefers drier conditions.

Temperature: Prefers 65–85°F. Protect it from temperatures below 50°F, frost, and cold drafts.

Growth Tip: Use a fast-draining cactus or succulent mix and a pot with a drainage hole. Keep the swollen base above the soil line and avoid placing it in an oversized pot, which can hold too much moisture.

Why we love it: Despite its name, the ponytail palm is not a true palm. It is more closely related to agaves, and its bulbous trunk acts as a built-in water reservoir.