Yucca Care Instructions
Scientific name: Yucca Gigantea
Synonyms: Spineless Yucca, Dagger Plant, Adam’s Needle, Needle Palm
The Yucca plant's spiky leaves spread out from the thick trunk in a beautiful example of nature's architectural skills. This gives the plant strong lines and symmetry. A favourite indoor plant due to its low maintenance nature, preferring neglect to pampering any day of the week.
These Sentinel-like plants are frequently mistaken for tropical palms due to their rosette-forming growth habit, but they are much tougher because they are native to Mexico's hot climate. Being water-wise, preferring low humidity, and tolerating bright indirect light are advantages. They also prefer to be watered after their soil has completely dried out.
The vast majority of yucca species will grow to enormous sizes eventually, but because it takes so long, you can use one as a houseplant for many years before it takes over your house. For those who want something substantial but have limited space, their gradual growth is advantageous.
In a doorway, a single specimen can have a significant impact. Also, they make a nice contrast to a group of softer houseplants when they are part of a display. Multi-stemmed plants have a full appearance and make excellent floor-standing specimens. In a room with good lighting in your home or place of business, position them as a sizable statement piece of furniture. They are strong enough to be happy living on a patio or balcony that is shaded from the sun.
The two qualities that make Yucca plants the best houseplants are their aesthetic appeal and ease of maintenance. Ideal for beginners.
Toxicity: Yucca plants are extremely toxic when consumed raw. Keep out of reach of curious pets and children who chew things.
Yucca Common Symptoms
- Thin leggy growth: This is a clear indication that your Yucca is not receiving enough light. Relocate your houseplant to a brighter position to improve your plant's appearance.
- White spots on foliage and dry crisp leaf tips: Yucca prefer bright indirect light to look their best, and will develop scorching (white spots) and crisp leaf edges when exposed to direct sunlight. If you notice any of these symptoms, relocate to a less direct sunlight position. Any damage is permanent, thus remove any unsightly foliage.
- Yellowing foliage and mushy stems: You are most likely overwatering your Yucca. Because they are made for dry conditions, these plants are very likely to die if they get too much water. Reduce your watering frequency, and ensure your planter is draining readily and sufficiently. Click here for more details on Identifying over vs underwatering in houseplants.
- Leaf drop: Leaf drop can be caused by over- and underwatering; however, it is more generally caused by underwatering. Even though the Yucca can handle drought, very long periods of dryness can cause the leaves to fall off and disease to spread.
- White furry coating on foliage: This is a fungal infection known as powdery mildew, which is caused by high humidity and a lack of ventilation. Relocate your plant to a less humid position, or crack a window to ensure good airflow. Treat fungal infections with a quality fungicide such as Copper Soap or a Neem based pesticide.
- Pests: Yucca are unbelievably pest resistant, though they can still get them if neglected or treated improperly. They will most likely be prone to Spider Mite if kept in very hot and very dry conditions. Treat any pest outbreaks immediately to avoid spread and the decline of your houseplant with a quality pesticide such as Pyrol.
Yucca Care Instructions
- Origin: Mexico
- Height: 4.5m–7.5m indoors and outdoors with a spread of around 2m.
- Light: bright, filtered light, avoiding direct sunlight, will keep your plant looking green.
- Water: Allow your potting soil to reach complete dryness between each watering.
- Humidity: Average to low room humidity is ideal.
- Temperature: Yuccas like warm environments between 17 °C and 27 °C. will tolerate higher temperatures for short periods of time.
- Soil: They prefer a very well draining and sandy mix.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize every four weeks from Spring to Autumn with a half dilution of a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Repotting: As slow growers, they prefer to be repotted every 2–4 years. It is best to re-pot your Yucca in the spring when new growth appears. Choose a planter that is no more than 5 cm bigger than the last one. These pines like to have their roots a little bit crowded.
- Propagation: Division, stem and root cuttings, seeds, and division are all methods of yucca multiplication. Plant the cuttings after trimming the stems and offsets, removing the leaves from the bottom few centimetres, and give them gentle care until they begin to grow roots. You can collect and plant yucca seeds, but you'll need to have patience because it takes the seeds a while to sprout.
If in stock, shop Yucca Plants here
