Moved & it’s root rotting
#PonytailPalm I’ve completely lost (3) heads. My sister repotted it in regular soil so I know that’s a factor.
The new home also gets 80% less light, so I’m looking at getting a grow light.
Will it fully recover?
The new home also gets 80% less light, so I’m looking at getting a grow light.
Will it fully recover?
8
Best Answer
@Maximum the only thing I can say is if you didn’t add the perlite- make sure the plants roots are not sitting in any water. They’re already very sensitive roots, so any sitting water - especially since you cut them- will be super important. Were the roots brown or black, or were they all a light tan color? These are all my Ponytails….and you can see how much perlite I have! 🤭 And just like GreenThumb said- it’s going to take time, plenty of bright indirect light and careful watering. Rooting hormone’s great, I’m sure it will help those roots recover and grow strong. Because the grow lights are 12-18 inches above the plant, and you can use them 10-14 hours a day. If at 9 inches you notice the edges turn brown and crispy- move farther away….but if the fronds get pale you can move closer. Just fyi…..you will know better than anyone what your plant tell you! I wish you luck….Ponytails are one of my faves. I love to see how it progresses, if you wouldn’t mind sharing?! 😊🪴💕
Hi Jacques, I can’t say if it will recover…were the leaves cut? Here’s some info for you, “To revive your ponytail palm, maximize its light exposure and minimize watering so the new shoots can fully develop. Because the plant is already pushing out fresh green growth from the sides, its root system is active and fighting to survive. Follow these targeted steps to ensure these new shoots continue to thrive: ☀️ Optimize Placement and Light- Provide maximum light: Place the pot in the brightest spot available, ideally next to a south- or west-facing window. Avoid deep shade: The plant lacks its full canopy (its leaves/fronds) to process energy, making strong indirect or direct morning sunlight crucial for photosynthesis. 💧 Adjust the Watering Routine- check the Caudex (trunk) firmness: Gently squeeze the lower, bulbous trunk (caudex). It must feel solid and plump, not soft or mushy. Water sparingly: The bulbous trunk stores water. Since there are very few leaves to transpire moisture, the soil will stay wet for much longer than usual. Dry completely: Only water when the soil mix has dried out completely all the way to the bottom of the pot. 🪴 Soil and Drainage Maintenance- verify drainage: Ensure the container has open drainage holes at the base. Never let standing water collect in the saucer under the pot. Use porous substrate: If the soil stays damp for more than a week, consider gently repotting it into a coarse Miracle-Gro Tropical Cacti, Citrus and Palm Potting Mix or standard potting soil heavily amended with perlite and coarse sand. You want a 40% soil and 60% perlite mix to help it drain. Hold off on fertilizer: Do not apply any liquid fertilizers until the new green rosettes have fully unfolded and grown several inches long. If you have any questions, you can tag me. I hope this helps
@Succulent_Soul I did something a bit strange, but I cut the roots, put rooting hormone, replaced the soil with cactus soil & I have it under a grow light for 9hrs this week and I’ll swap to 12hrs next week and beyond
@SillyPlantGirl here’s the setup. It’s the brightest spot I have in our new house — plus the grow light. That is what it used to look like. It was gorgeous
@Maximum wow what a beauty! I think I would have cried myself dry (well, I think I did when I killed my money tree ☹️). If you can, try adding a small amount of worm castings around the caudex and water it in to the soil. It has helped some of my plants that were surely on their death bed. But honestly- you got this. You’re doing everything right. You know I’m gonna bug you to see how it’s going!?! 😊🤭
