Bonsai Ponytail Palms: How To Prune Ponytail Palm Bonsai

Potted Bonsai Ponytail Palm With Stringy Foliage

(Image credit: Michel VIARD)

last updated 14 June 2021

Ponytail bonsai plants are an interesting addition to any home décor and can be grown indoors or out (during the warm season). This lovely bonsai is native to Mexico. The ponytail palm bonsai tree is a great low-maintenance option for the bonsai enthusiast or even for those that are new to bonsai plants. Bonsai ponytail palms are unique and have a trunk that resembles an elephant's foot and cascading foliage. For this reason, this hardy plant is sometimes called “Elephants Foot.” The trunk is extremely practical and will hold enough water for four weeks.

Ponytail Palm Bonsai Care

Ponytail palm bonsai care does not differ much from that of any ponytail palm tree. This bonsai plant likes lots of sun but not for an extended amount of time. Some afternoon shade is best, especially if grown outdoors. Many people kill ponytail bonsai plants by overwatering. Careful attention to keeping the soil moist but not overly saturated will help to prevent this from happening. It is generally necessary to repot the ponytail palm bonsai tree once every three years.

How to Prune Ponytail Palm Bonsai Plants

Trimming ponytail palms can be done any time of the year but is best during the growing season of spring through early fall. Use clean and sharp bonsai shears to trim leaves on top of the plant. This will force the foliage to grow downward and resemble a ponytail. Remove any damaged leaves that may be brown or wilted. Be sure that you are sitting at eye level with the plant and take a break often to check your work so that you do not trim too much away. If cuts become brown or tattered looking after trimming ponytail palms, you can apply some pruning paint. This will encourage healing of your ponytail bonsai palms.