The ponytail palm is not a palm. It is a succulent out of the semi-desert of eastern Mexico, and the swollen woody base is a reservoir it fills and then lives off between drinks. That is the whole plant in one feature. It is built to be left alone.

Which is exactly why it suits a moss ball. The ball dries down completely between soakings, the caudex carries the plant through, and the two work the way the plant already works in the wild.

The shape is the other reason to own one. A thick corky trunk sitting right at the moss line, and above it a spray of long narrow leaves arching out and curling at the ends. Solid base, loose top, nothing in between.

Details

• Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
• Category: Succulent
• Live moss ball, hand formed
• Display dishes sold separately
• Non toxic to cats and dogs
• Handmade individually, so moss coverage, ball shape, and plant size vary from the photo.
• Approximate size: 7 1/2 ” X 16″

Care

• Light: bright light, including several hours of direct sun. This one takes more sun than most of what we make.
• Water: soak 2 to 3 minutes, drain fully, then wait until the ball is completely dry and light in the hand. Roughly every 3 to 4 weeks indoors, less in winter. Underwatering is far safer than overwatering.
• Check by weight before every soak. Heavy means wait, light means water.
• Temperature: normal indoor range, above 50F / 10C.
• Brown leaf tips are normal on this plant. Trim them at an angle with clean scissors and leave a thin edge.
• It grows slowly and lives for decades. A few new leaves a year is a healthy ponytail palm.
• A soft or spongy base means too much water. The caudex should always feel firm.

Every ball is formed and wrapped by hand, so the jute pattern and the shape of the sphere are unique to your piece. The plant varies too, in size, form, and color. Yours will not look exactly like the photo, and we think that is the best part.