Since the Ponytail Palm (botanically known as *Beaucarnea recurvata*) isn’t frost-hardy, most of us keep it as a houseplant. But if there’s one thing this plant craves, it’s sunshine. That usually leads to the big question: can my Ponytail Palm spend its summer vacation outdoors?
Taking Your Ponytail Palm Outside
The short answer is: absolutely! There’s no reason why your plant can’t enjoy some fresh air during the summer months. However, to keep your plant happy and healthy, you need to get two things right:
- The acclimation phase
- The perfect spot
The Acclimation Phase
Before you move your Ponytail Palm to its permanent summer home on the balcony or patio, it needs time to adjust to direct sunlight. If you move it from a dim living room straight into the scorching sun, it will get a nasty sunburn. The leaves can turn brown overnight, and in the worst-case scenario, the plant’s growth will really suffer.
To acclimate your plant properly:
- Place it in a partially shaded spot.
- Leave it there for one to two weeks.
Alternatively, you can start the transition in a fully shaded area and gradually move the plant to a brighter location every few days.
Choosing the Right Spot
While these plants love the sun, they also need a spot on your patio or balcony that offers some protection from the rain. Ponytail Palms are very sensitive to waterlogging, which can happen quickly during heavy summer storms or long rainy spells.
If your outdoor space doesn’t have a roof or awning, you’ll need to bring the plant inside whenever heavy rain is in the forecast. Once the sun comes back out, it’s safe to move it back outside.
How Long Is “Outdoor Season”?
Generally speaking, your Ponytail Palm can stay outside from May (once the threat of frost has passed) through September. However, since the weather doesn’t always follow the calendar, keep a close eye on the temperatures:
- Start of the season: When temperatures stay consistently above 50°F (10°C).
- End of the season: When nighttime temperatures start dipping below 50°F (10°C).
Outdoor Maintenance
The great thing about the Ponytail Palm is that it doesn’t need any special “spa treatment” while it’s outdoors. The golden rule remains the same: don’t overwater it! Between your watering can and the occasional rain shower, just make sure the soil doesn’t stay soggy.
