Don’s Expert Answers: How can I separate baby’s going on my mail plant

Question From: 
Trish Allison in  Mullingar,  Kalgoorlie WA

 

Nature of problem: 
How can I separate baby’s going on my mail plant

 

Type of Plant (if known): 
Ponytail

 

Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself): 
Healthy

 

Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type: 
Red dirt

 

How often do you water the plant:
Every second day in garden

 

How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
From dawn to sunset

 

What type of plant is it:
Ponytail

 

How long since you planted it:
12 mths

 

Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
No

 

Is the plant indoors or outdoors: 
Out at moment

 

Is the plant in a pot or in the ground: 
Ground

 

What other treatments have you given the plant: 
Nil

Upload photo if available: 

Other Comments: 
I would like to strike the baby ponytails growing off the main 1 how can I do it please

 

Answer:  Hi Trish,  Thanks for such good growing details. This makes it possible for me to help you. Sadly there are many questions from other people that i can’t answer because no useful details are given (please note guys that “ when it needs it” is a useless answer to the question “how often do you water the plant”. The answer to your question is quite simple. Either gently break off the base of the plantlet from the mother plant or cut it off with a sharp knife – this can be done at any time of the year. Then plant it in a pot with cactus potting mix in it. Water the plant sparingly once a week until it commences growing. After that water more thoroughly each week. Pony Tails do much better outdoors. “Red Dirt” is not a very good potting mix by the way. Use one third red dirt to two thirds of bagged potting mix.  Interestingly, Pony Tail plants come from the deserts of Mexico where the soils and climate are remarkably similar to Kalgoorlie.  Don