Question From:
Vera Elsdon in Green Point, Gosford New South Wales
Nature of problem:
Droopy, sad looking plant
Type of Plant (if known):
Ponytail Palm – Beaucarnes recurvata
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
Very droopy looking plant. I had one years ago in New Zealand and it never drooped like this. I was told back then, that if you didn’t want the plant to grow too big, don’t repot it but I’m beginning to wonder if that is the problem and it needs to be repotted.
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
General potting mix
How often do you water the plant:
Rarely.
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
7-8
How long since you planted it:
2 years approx
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
Yes but not often. Powerfeed plant food or I used Seasol last 2 times. 7/01/17 & 28/05/17
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
No
Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
Pot
What other treatments have you given the plant:
None
Upload photo if available:
Other Comments:
Hope you can see the photo and help me with this reluctant plant.
Answer:
Hi Vera, note down the name of the idiot who advised you not to re-pot the plant and stick it on the fridge, with the words: never listen to this twit. The plant desperately needs re-potting, and you may have to smash the pot to get the plant out. Use fresh premium Osmocote potting mix and put it into a pot at least twice the diameter of the old one. Use Osmocote Liquid Fertiliser Boost + Feed for All Outdoor Plants. Don
