The Ponytail Palm (botanical name *Beaucarnea recurvata*) isn’t exactly a speed demon when it comes to growth, but over the years, these guys can reach some pretty impressive heights. If yours has finally outgrown its welcome in your living room, don’t panic! You can actually saw off the trunk to downsize it. The best time to do this is right after its winter dormancy period.
Before You Make the Cut
Before you go grabbing the saw, there are a few things you need to consider to make sure your plant bounces back:
- The cutting height
- How many shoots you’re trimming
Choosing the Right Height
Since we’re usually dealing with larger plants here, you’ll want to make the cut at least 8 to 12 inches above the “foot” (that cool, bulbous base). You can definitely cut higher up if you prefer, but keep in mind that the higher you cut, the sooner the plant will reach its old height again.
Try not to go lower than 8 inches. If you get too close to the base, you risk damaging the area where the stump draws its energy to push out new growth.
How Many Shoots to Cut?
If your Ponytail Palm only has one single “head” of leaves, you can still cut the main trunk. Just be aware that without any green leaves to help it photosynthesize, it’s going to take a bit longer to see new sprouts.
If your plant has multiple side branches, I recommend not cutting them all off at once, even if they all need a trim. It’s much easier on the plant if it gets to keep some of its greenery while it recovers. Cut one branch, wait for it to recover and show new growth, and then move on to the next one.
The Technique: How to Cut
Once you’ve picked your spot, aim for a cut that is:
- Perfectly horizontal (straight across)
- Clean and smooth
If you don’t get a clean break on the first try, make a second clean cut just below the messy one. Leaving a jagged or “wounded” surface is basically an open invitation for diseases and pests, which can really do a number on a weakened plant.
The Right Tools
For a thick trunk, a sharp knife or heavy-duty pruning shears will work. Whatever you use, make sure it is clean and disinfected. You don’t want to accidentally introduce any bacteria or pests into the fresh cut!
Aftercare
To keep things healthy and prevent rot, it’s a great idea to dab the fresh cut with some pure charcoal powder to disinfect it. After that:
- Move your Ponytail Palm to a bright, warm spot.
- Cut back on the watering until you see a new green “tuft” starting to sprout.
