PLANT OF THE WEEK
Ponytail best without reins
February 23, 2008
Sonia Day
SPECIAL TO THE STAR
Ponytail Palm Beaucarnea recurvata
This peculiar plant is not for neatniks. It produces a lot of long, spiky leaves that spew out all over the place. But if you want a conversation piece that's easy to grow, ponytail palm is perfect. Friends will ask, "What the heck is that thing?" because of the giant "onion" that develops at the plant's base.
The "onion" sits right on top of the soil, and it keeps getting bigger. I bought a small specimen (about gobstopper size) several summers ago at the CNE. It's now reached tennis-ball proportions – and will eventually grow enormous.
The leaves can certainly be a nuisance flopping everywhere (although my five cats like chewing on them) but you can trim these into a neat ponytail with no ill effects. And if you go away or forget to water, no problem. The plant stores water like a camel, in that amazing onion.
Give it fairly good light and summer quarters out of doors, if possible. And be careful when handling the leaves' edges. They're so sharp, I've actually cut myself on them.
And here's a curious fact: Ponytail palm, which is originally from Mexico, isn't really a palm tree at all. Its true name is Nolina. Some garden centres and florists sell it under that label, but it's more often known by the popular name.
Whatever, I love my messy "palm" for its curiosity value – and the fact that it needs virtually no care at all.
soniaday.com
Toronto Star