Despite the name, the ponytail palm is neither a palm nor difficult - it's a succulent with a swollen, water-storing base (the caudex) and a fountain of long, curling leaves on top. That bulbous trunk is a built-in reservoir, which makes it one of the most drought-proof plants you can own.
The only reliable way to kill one is to overwater it. Treat it like a succulent: bright light, gritty fast-draining soil, and a thorough soak only when the soil has gone completely dry. It's slow, it's sculptural, and it shrugs off the holidays you forget to arrange plant care for.
Prefers bright light, including some direct sun; tolerates medium light with slower growth.
Soak only when the soil is fully dry
Feed lightly with succulent fertiliser
A soft, squishy base means rot from overwatering
Repot rarely; it likes a snug pot in gritty mix