Plant guide
Ponytail Palm
Beaucarnea recurvata
Ponytail palm is considered non-toxic to cats. Look for Beaucarnea recurvata on the label when choosing one for your home.
Non-toxic does not mean edible. Eating plant material can still upset your cat’s stomach.
What this guide covers: This guide covers Beaucarnea recurvata only. A shared common name or similar appearance does not establish that another plant has the same assessment.
Photo:
Photo details
Beaucarnea recurvata D1706.jpg
By Tangopaso
License: Public domain
Resized and converted to WebP for display; botanical details unchanged.
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Photo:
Photo details
Beaucarnea recurvata D1706.jpg
By Tangopaso
License: Public domain
Resized and converted to WebP for display; botanical details unchanged.
Ponytail palm
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Non-toxic does not mean edible. Chewing plants can still upset your cat’s stomach.
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Look for Beaucarnea recurvata and check the selected variety. Listings and availability can change.
Plant identity
- Scientific name
- Beaucarnea recurvata
- Scope
- Species
- Family
- Not recorded
- Also known as
- Pony Tail Plant
Find the right spot
How to grow this plant
Container growing guidance for Beaucarnea recurvata.
- Light
- Sunny position
Place beside a sunny window.
- Watering
- Let the mix dry
Let the mix dry between waterings; its swollen trunk stores water.
- Temperature
- Temperature range not yet established
A normal indoor growing range has not been established in this review.
- Humidity
- Typical indoor humidity
Dry indoor air is tolerated.
- Potting
- Use a well-drained succulent mix.
- Through the year
- Water less in winter. When moving outside for summer, acclimate gradually to brighter light to avoid leaf scorch.
Growing-guide sources
- beaucarnea recurvata - Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗NC State Extension · Accessed 2026-11-01
Care guidance for the named taxon; indoor recommendations take precedence over outdoor hardiness information.
Growing advice reviewed 2026-11-01. Plant safety is assessed separately.
Reviewed safety information
- Toxic principle
- Not recorded in the reviewed evidence
- Reported signs
- Not recorded in the reviewed evidence
Missing information is unknown. It should not be interpreted as an absence of risk.
Safe alternatives
No verified alternative recommendations are available for this guide.