Pony tail palm disaster

I have a pony tail palm that I grew from seed, must be all of 25 years ago. Earlier this year I decided to move it up a pot size, and because of the bigger footprint also moved it from a hall window to a kitchen window. To my horror it didn't like this treatment one bit. Maybe the change in humidity was too much for it, but the growing point has degenerated into a liquid mush. I have moved it out to a not-too-bright corner of the greenhouse, and am hoping that in time it will strike again from somewhere on the bulbous stem. It's about a foot tall.

Is this a vain hope do you think? Anyone else been here?

 

Manteur I have not had much experience in growing Beaucarnias as I only have a young one but although it isn't true palm it may grow (and die ) in the same way, that is, if the centre has gone to 'liquid mush' it may be the end of it. You can only wait and see.

It should be 3/4 times that size in 25 years, mine has doubled in two.

 

Ok Strongylodon, I wasn't overly hopeful. Thanks anyway. Good luck with yours.

 

I'm pretty sure they can sprout from the stem, one of mine has small buds/shoots that try to grow each year but presumably because the main stem is still growing they remain almost dormant.

You obviously are pretty experienced in growing such plants but I'd just like to add that they like dry heat and low humidity, so I would dry the plant out for a couple of months, maybe even cut back the rotted stem.
I've a couple around that age and mine wouldn't have fitted on a windowsill for quite a while.

 

Thinking about it they have multiple stemmed ones at Kew, so they must be able to shoot from the base.

My guess is you will get more shoots than you want and will have to reduce them, just make sure the roots dont rot also.

Just looked at some old pictures from Kew and I am wrong, they have only branched after flowering.

But I still think yours has a chance due to the small shoots on my own plant.

 

I was hoping you might add something Pete, I know you have a big one.:D

 

Thankyou Strongy for the compliment, actually I have two:D

And just for that I'm going to show you a picture.

 

Thanks everyone. I think I will prune off the dodgy top. Then I guess it's got a season to re-shoot, although I won't give up on it unless it's quite obviously died. I'll let you know how it works out.

 

It's just started shooting from the stem! I don't know, but I expect I will end up with several growing points. The reason it is still small for its age is that I kept it as a windowsill plant all these years. I'm not sure what I'll do with it now, not having a conservatory to overwinter it in. Maybe I'll contrive a bigger windowsill.:D