Was the soil covering the base when you got it?

@Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL I don't think so - I might have accidentally put it too low when I recently repotted – it's been on the decline for a while before that though

@Photo Synthesis Thanks I will try to pull it up higher. The very bottom bulb part of the caudex is still fairly firm (not as firm as my other plant but it seems ok). What could be the cause of this – is it the soil being too dense? It's the same soil that's been in it since I got the plant a year or two ago.

That sounds like a good plan. It also looks like it's been in low light for a while. If you have a more sunny spot, more light could improve the health if it's still viable.

Pull the whole thing out of the pot and get all that potting media off it. Then take some pics for us. Those ponytails are tough but rot is their biggest enemy. I pulled one out of a landscape about a year ago to hold for future use as the new house was being built. We just placed it on the surface of the soil in the backyard. We'll be planting it back out in a few months. So they can take some droughty abuse.

This is actually not a ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) - I'm not sure right off hand the name but it's not a ponytail palm...however, I agree with Nil13, you should pull it out of the pot & see what's going on. Was it by chance exposed to cold temps? They can have crown collapse / get soft from getting too cold as well as over watering, just a thought. The soil does look too water retentive as you mentioned though.

It may be B. guatemalensis, which does not have the distinct bulbous base but a less dramatic tapered base. Both are called PT palms. Neither should have soil covering the trunk.

As easy as these seem to be for many others I’ve never had any success with them. Mine always slowly decline and finally die no matter what I’ve tried. I hope you get it figured out and have better luck than I’ve had.

Tyler

I believe this plant is called a "Mass Cane" a.k.a. "Corn Plant" or Dracaena Massangeana. here's an article on them.

https://dengarden.com/gardening/Caring-for-Dracaena-Mass-Cane-Mass-Cane-Corn-Plant-Dracaena-Massangeana

I am sure it is not a Dracaena, but either Beaucarnea guatemalensis or recurvata, both of which are often called ponytail palms.

I agree. Not a Dracaena. Totally different plant.

elucas, check out the difference in the leaf shape and the plant’s general appearance and habit in the original poster’s images & video as compared to the plant in the link in your post. The plant in your link has much wider and shorter leaves while the OP’s plant’s leaves are much longer & skinnier.

Not to be offended, though. I have put myself out there before too and been wrong. In general I suck at plant id. It just happens that both of these plants are very familiar to me.

Here are some photos/videos of the roots:

Just what I was afraid of. None of it should give in like that when you press on it. The whole caudex/trunk should be firm and solid like wood. The whole plant looks like a goner. :/

It's compost at this point.