Beaucarnea stricta

Stiff tufts of grassy gray leaves slowly becomes a branched, elephantine tree. Dramatic plumes of cream-colored flowers with age.
height 5–12ft
width 3–6ft
tolerates Drought, Heat, Pots, Neglect, Salt, Wind
water
needs
Low
water
info
Water this plant infrequently, when the top two inches or so of soil feel dry. Usually this will mean every week or two in dry weather. If you establish this pattern over several years, then you can cut back to watering every four to six weeks in dry weather. Use a slow stream of water so that it doesn’t run off; allow the water to trickle all the way down through the deepest layers of soil. This plant will look more lush if given water every two to four weeks during dry weather once established. In a pot slowly water the entire surface until water comes out of the bottom of your pot.

If the crown of leaves gets smaller, and smaller, and smaller... you are probably under watering.
hardy
to
20F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor
Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing All Purpose, Low Needs
origin C Mexico
sunset
zones
8, 9, 11–23

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

Unlike B. recurvata this beaucarnea has persistent leaves that form a beard. If a cleaner look is desired the beard may be removed with pruners.

Special Interest

Commonly hybridizes with B. recurvata.