harvesting ponytail palm seeds Ponytail Palm Beaucarnea recurvata Houseplant Seeds

Propagating ponytail palm seeds is the surest way to grow these fun plants. While division is quicker, offsets do not always root. Growing ponytail palms from their seed results in a surer propagation method and seeds germinate rapidly if soaked overnight or gently scarified. The tough seed coating needs to be softened or damaged slightly to allow the sprout to emerge. Ponytail palms prefer light gritty soil. A good mixture for seed is 4 parts sand, 2 parts peat, and 1 part each sterile soil and perlite. Sow seeds in 3-inch (7.5 cm.) containers so you don’t need to disturb seedlings for quite some time. Moisten the medium and sow seed on the surface of the soil, pressing it in lightly. Top off with a light dusting of sand.

Keep the container lightly moist by misting and place in an area with a temperature of at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 C.). Heat under the container can speed germination. Cover the container with plastic until germination. Remove the plastic once per day to allow excess moisture to escape. Keep the container in a brightly lit area but with some shelter from noonday sun, which may burn new leaves. You can expect sprouts in 1 to 3 months depending upon the time of year and amount of light and heat the plant experiences. Remove the heating mat and plastic once you see sprouts. Continue to mist your little ponytail palms and keep them in a bright, warm area. Once the seedlings have several pairs of true leaves, water deeply but infrequently in summer and reduce to half in winter. Use a good liquid plant food diluted in spring and again in summer.