Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) | Elephant's Foot Tree - Grown in Elfin Forest, California

🌿 Description

The Beaucarnea recurvata, commonly known as the Ponytail Palm or Elephant’s Foot Tree, is not actually a palm but a unique caudiciform succulent prized for its swollen, textured base and cascading, ribbon-like leaves. Native to Mexico, this resilient plant stores water in its large, bulbous trunk, making it extremely drought-tolerant and low maintenance.

A natural conversation piece, the Ponytail Palm thrives as both a long-lived houseplant and a striking patio or landscape feature in warm climates. Over time, mature plants can develop multiple heads of foliage and can live for decades. Grown in Elfin Forest, California, each plant is cultivated for strong root systems and healthy, vibrant foliage.

Each plant is grown from seed and sold by pot size and approximate height. Please refer to the photos for visual examples of each available size.

Larger specimens may be available upon request — please contact us if you're interested in a bigger size. 

✅ Description Highlights

• Swollen, water-storing base topped with long, flowing green leaves
• Native to Mexico — locally grown in Elfin Forest, California
• Indoor height: approx. 2–4 ft (0.6–1.2 m); outdoor height: up to 15 ft (4.5 m) in warm climates
• Slow to moderate growth rate; extremely long-lived
• Distinctive tropical look — sculptural form that works in any décor
• Thrives in bright light, well-draining soil, and minimal watering between soakings
• Cold-sensitive; hardy in USDA Zones 9b–11
• ⚠️ Non-toxic to pets — safe around dogs and cats

🛠️ Basic Care

• Light: Full sun or bright indirect light
• Water: Water deeply but infrequently; allow soil to dry between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining cactus/succulent mix
• Grow Habit (Dormancy): Slows growth in winter — normal
• Hardiness: Protect below 40°F (4°C); USDA Zones 9b–11
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets
• Fertilizer:  feed with diluted cactus or succulent fertilizer in spring and summer only

📦 Shipping & Guarantee

We are currently unable to ship live plants to Florida or Hawaii due to regulations.

We offer a flat shipping rate of $10 per order, no matter how many plants / cuttings you purchase. All orders are shipped via USPS Priority Mail, which typically arrives in 1–3 business days. If you would like to upgrade to Express, just send us a message before checking out.

Cuttings are packed carefully to ensure they arrive healthy and intact.

Weather Note: Please keep an eye on your local forecast before ordering. If temperatures are below 55°F in your area, we recommend purchasing a heat pack, available as a separate item in our shop. This helps protect your plant during transit in cold conditions.

Please message us within 24 hours of delivery with a photo if there are any issues with your order. We’ll do our best to make it right.

Please Note: Each plant is unique and may vary slightly in size, shape, and color. Growth and performance after delivery depend on your care and environment, so we cannot guarantee plant performance beyond arrival.