If you are looking for an indoor plant or would like to add one to your home, a ponytail palm can be more than just adding color or style to your home.
The ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) is a succulent rather than a palm despite its common name. However, they have very similar beneficial qualities that make them great and simple houseplants.
The ponytail palm is normally seen as an ornamental plant that can reach up to 10 feet indoors. It is also very easy to maintain and is drought-tolerant due to its succulent qualities.
The plant is also known for filtering out harmful toxins, adding fresh air to your home, and being safe for pets.
The wide trunk plant is slow-growing but a great addition to your home with many benefits for your living environment.
Ponytail Palm Benefits
1. Filters Indoor Air
Ponytail palms naturally filter the air around them.
According to a research study, ponytail palms can successfully remove carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. In the process of filtering air, the plant will also release oxygen.
Your air quality will greatly improve by adding a houseplant like a ponytail palm to your home.
2. Added Oxygen
The ponytail palm will naturally produce oxygen as it removes carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The succulent has many leaves that fountain out of its trunk.
With its many leaves, the plant can produce a great amount of fresh air.
The more fresh air that is added to your home, the more your living environment will be impacted in a positive way mentally and physically.
3. Removes Harmful Toxins
According to NASA’s plant study, the ponytail palm is a great indoor plant to remove harmful toxins in the air.
The plant can successfully remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia. Particles like formaldehyde can cause irritations to your respiratory system and can even lead to other illnesses.
By adding a ponytail palm to your living space, you will not have to worry about these harmful particles being in your air.
The plant can successfully remove these toxins and create an easy breathing living environment.
4. Added Humidity
Indoor plants such as the ponytail palm can increase humidity. According to a study, indoor plants can increase your humidity by adding almost one quart of water vapor every hour.
Added humidity can positively affect your living space. Dry air allows for viruses and other airborne illnesses to survive for a longer period of time.
In a humid environment, these viruses can die off more quickly.
Humidity can also positively affect your quality of sleep and even help increase your work and learning productivity. Adding a ponytail palm to your home can greatly impact your home as it can fight viruses and improve your productivity.
5. Positive Mental Health Impact
By removing toxins and adding fresh air, the ponytail palm can improve your mental health.
A research study found that indoor plants similar to the ponytail palm can help increase your work productivity along with overall happiness.
The added oxygen and the minimized harmful chemicals can add to your productivity and create a more positive environment.
The fresh air can even improve your learning and relieve stress and mental strain.
6. Great For Allergy Sufferers
Due to the ponytail palm’s ability to improve air quality while also adding humidity, the plant can effectively fight against allergies.
The plant can successfully remove harmful particles that may cause an allergy attack. The humidity can also lessen the chances of an allergic reaction to particles similar to pollen and dust.
7. Pet Friendly
Many homeowners are worried about how toxic a plant will be when adding a new indoor plant to their homes.
Thankfully, the ponytail palm is added to ASPCA’s list of one of the few plants that are completely non-toxic to dogs and cats.
With a ponytail palm, you can have the added health benefits along with it being completely safe for your animals. If you need a pet-friendly houseplant, the ponytail palm is a great choice.
8. Low-Maintenance
Similar to indoor palms, despite it being a succulent plant, the ponytail palm is a great choice for beginner houseplant owners.
It is also great for experienced plant owners who are not able to tend to their plants regularly. The ponytail palm is very drought tolerant and enjoys bright indirect light or full sun.
Native to Mexico, the succulent plant also very rarely needs to be repotted as it is a slow grower. It will only need to be pruned when there are dead or yellowing leaves. It also will only need to be fertilized in the growing seasons.
The low-maintenance plant is a great addition to your home as it has few needs and can tolerate neglect. If you forget to water it, it can easily wait until the next time you remember to.
9. Modern Style Added to Your Home
The ponytail palm can easily add green and brown tones to your home.
The dark green foliage and broad trunk can add color to your home and add to any aesthetic. Your living space can be easily brightened with the addition of a ponytail palm.
The younger the plant is, the smaller it may be and it can fit on a table or countertop.
If you decide to get a more mature ponytail palm you can place it in a bright corner of your living space to fill up the room with a sophisticated look.
Along with its added health benefits, the ponytail palm can not only be safe for your pets but also create a comfortable space in your home with the added greenery.
Related: 6 Common Ponytail Palm Problems