HydroCare plants are planted in hydrogranules instead of using soil.
Hydrogranules are manufactured from clay pellets that are baked at high temperatures to make them expand, a process a bit like making popcorn.
The open structure of the hydrogranules allows water and nutrients to be stored and released, creating the optimum conditions for indoor plants to thrive as well as simplifying maintenance requirements.
HydroCare plants have a lot of benefits over soil plants:
Moisture Levels: The open structure of the hydrogranules creates optimum moisture levels around the roots of the plant. Water stored in hydrogranules below the roots will be gently drawn up through capillary action for the roots to absorb. No more dried out roots or root rot.
Watering: A water meter on the side of the grow pot indicates the amount of water left in the hydrogranule reservoir below the roots. When it reaches the minimum level wait for 1-2 weeks then simply top it back up to the optimum level. The plant will pull water from the hydrogranules according to its needs so there is no risk of over or under watering and watering is less frequent.
Root Health: The open structure of our pH neutral hydrogranules allows air to circulate around the roots keeping them healthy and because they do not compact over time there is no need to top up.
HydroCare plants are adapted to these conditions and develop a smaller more fleshy root system making the plant more hardy and in a smaller grow pot meaning you have a wider choice of decorative planter styles. The requirement to repot as the plant grows is also significantly reduced.
Pest Control: Hydrogranules are an inert medium that is less susceptible to pests, fungi and bacteria which means healthier plants with less risk of disease.
When you buy a HydroCare plant, you need a few other bits and pieces to assemble the plant in your chosen planter or plant pot. Think of getting a HydroCare plant as a solution that needs to be assembled rather than just a plant.
We have a simple step by step video guide to assembling the HydroCare plant in a plant pot but essentially you need 5 things for hydro heaven:
1. The HydroCare plant in its hydroculture grow pot.
2. A water meter to slot into the side of the hydroculture grow pot.
3. A waterproof plastic liner for your decorative pot. Each HydroCare plant has an associated hydro kit that includes a waterproof liner to fit the hydroculture grow pot of the plant and a size tip to help you choose a decorative pot that will accommodate the specified waterproof pot liner for the plant.
4. Extra hydrogranules to fill around the grow pot and make a nice finish on top.
5. Hydroculture plant food, specifically formulated for use with hydrogranules.
The HydroCare version of Beaucarnea recurvata stores water in it's swollen base and stem. When grown as a single stemmed form it certainly deserves it's other common name of Elephant's Foot. A very forgiving and versatile plant. The added stem height makes it ideal as a floor standing specimen to add a touch of the exotic.
HydroCare - Beaucarnea - Pony Tail Palm Care & Info Guide
Horty Hints
Do you need a drink? These palms like storing water in the trunks, so don’t panic if there has been some neglect on your end.
Why so dry? The water meter is one way to tell - but if you notice the palm has limp or browning leaf blades and the trunk is starting to wrinkle-up, you'll know it's desperate for a drink.
Hide-and-Seek! Pony Tail Palms are susceptible to mealy bugs which hide in the pleats and folds of the plant. Cotton wool is the clue. See our pests guide for help.
Light
The Pony Tail Palm prefers bright, indirect sunlight, however will tolerate some degree of shade. However, your plant is more likely to grow in lighter conditions.
Watering
Keep an eye on the water meter. Make sure to water when it has been on minimum for the past 14 to 21 days. For further information, take a look at our HydroCare set up guide.
Temperature
This Beaucarnea recurvata will thrive in cooler temperatures, therefore normal household conditions will be fine: anything from 5-25°C.
Humidity
This plant is perfect for low-humidity locations. As a desert-dweller, the Pony Tail Palm thrives in the dry air of heated homes.
Feed
Add a Hydroculture liquid feed every 2 to 3 waterings during spring and summer months.
Height & Growth Rate
Pony Tail Palms are very slow growing plants. Over time, this plant will typically reach an indoor maximum height of around 2.5 metres.Please note: each plant is unique so available heights are approximate and the plant you receive may vary by ±10%.
Toxicity
Beaucarnea recurvata are non-toxic plants, and are safe to keep around small children and pets.
Air Purifying
Palms clean and improve air quality by filtering formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide toxins from the surrounding environment.
Origin
Beaucarnea recurvata is native to Mexico and Texas, USA.Please note: images show how this plant may look at various stages of maturity. The size you choose may look different.