{"product_id":"beaucarnea-recurvata","title":"Beaucarnea recurvata 16cm H30cm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet Beaucarnea recurvata—the playful desert-tree lookalike with a water-storing swollen base. A bulbous caudex supports a fountain of narrow, arching leaves, giving this slow-growing houseplant its wonderfully untidy ponytail shape. Despite the name, it is not a palm; it belongs to the asparagus family.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Formal Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Beaucarnea recurvata\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Nickname:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ponytail Palm \/ Elephant’s Foot\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRoots:\u003c\/strong\u003e Native to Mexico, where a thickened stem base stores water between rainfall events.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural Vibe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright, dry open habitat with fast drainage and periods between watering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c!--split--\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Guide:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very bright light and a few hours of direct gentle sunshine after acclimatisation; rotate for even growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest Room:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sunny south- or west-facing living room, conservatory or bright office with good drainage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSnacks:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very light cactus\/succulent feed once or twice in spring and summer; avoid feeding in winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTropical Feels:\u003c\/strong\u003e Comfortable in ordinary dry indoor air; do not increase humidity for this plant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCosy Factor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thrives at normal warm-room temperatures and tolerates a slightly cooler winter if kept dry and frost-free.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThirst:\u003c\/strong\u003e Let almost all the compost dry before soaking through and draining. The swollen base stores water; overwatering is much more dangerous than a short dry spell.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSafety First:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally considered non-toxic to dogs and cats, but sharp leaf tips and fibrous edges can still irritate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Bedding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very free-draining gritty peat-free cactus compost in a pot with a clear drainage hole.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily Tree:\u003c\/strong\u003e Usually raised from seed; occasional basal offsets may be separated once established.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpace Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slowly becomes a statement floor plant over many years; keep the swollen base above the soil line.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpeed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slow, especially indoors; leaf tips are often the first sign of harsh conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUninvited Guests:\u003c\/strong\u003e Check for scale and spider mites along the long leaves; inspect roots if the caudex turns soft.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMoving Day:\u003c\/strong\u003e Repot sparingly as roots fill the pot; use a heavy container for stability without burying the trunk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHaircut:\u003c\/strong\u003e Snip only dead leaf ends for appearance; never cut through the growing crown.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFresh Air:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good airflow is welcome; avoid damp, cold, stagnant winter conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Lore:\u003c\/strong\u003e The swollen base is called a caudex and is the reason for the nickname elephant’s foot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Emm's Plant House","offers":[{"title":"16cm H30cm","offer_id":59395834052872,"sku":"KAL0000080","price":41.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0747\/1339\/9560\/files\/IMG_5039.jpg?v=1794064220","url":"https:\/\/www.emmsplanthouse.co.uk\/products\/beaucarnea-recurvata","provider":"Emm's Plant House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}