Yucca

Yucca Care

Yucca gigantea

Other names: Yuka Plant

What is the plant

Yucca plant name includes more than 30 perennial species of shrubs and trees. The most common species are Yuca gigantea and Yuca aloifolia. This genus is native to arid parts of South and North America and the Caribbean.

The Yucca plant can grow from 1 to 10 ft (1-3m) tall. It usually has long, sharp narrow leaves that remind of swords. Blooms in spring or late summer, depending on the variety of plants. Some varieties flower only once and then slowly die. Flowers are usually white or pale pink. It can have invasive roots.

The plant is moderately toxic, so be careful if you have curious dogs or cats.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

18°C - 23°C

Hardiness zone

5 - 11

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water Yucca once a week in spring-summer and once every 2-3 weeks in winter. This plant is a desert inhabitant, so make sure the soil dries out well enough between waterings.
Pruning
Pruning this plant includes cutting the trunk in half with loppers in early spring. If your Yucca is placed indoors, you may prune it when the plant gets too tall.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing is needed only during the growing season. You may want to use liquid fertilizer once a month. Water the plant before feeding so the fertilizer doesn’t burn the roots.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
The Yucca plant prefers bright filtered light. You should avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight as this can cause brown or white spots on the leaves. The east-facing window will work great for your indoor Yucca. If you grow it in the yard, choose an area between other trees or under a tall fence.
Soil
Yucca prefers well-draining soil. You can use a regular potting mix, adding about 10-15% of coarse sand. A cacti mix will work, too. Soil pH should be neutral or slightly acidic.
Propagation
The first method of propagation is planting the pruned stem. You can also propagate it by division and using offshoots. It will be best to do so in the fall. If you use the offshoots method, wait until they get green, cut them off the plant, and replant with the parent plant`s root.

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Temperature
Yucca plants prefer temperatures between 65-75 ͦ F (18-23 ͦ С). In winter, it can handle about 44˚F (7˚C).
Container
Yucca likes to be pot-bound. It will feel great in a pot that is couple inches (3-5 cm) bigger than the earthen clod. Keep in mind that the top of the plant can grow really heavy, so you’ll need an equally weighed steady container. You may want to repot every 2-3 years to let the roots feel their best.
Fun fact
Some Yucca species can be used not only for decorative purposes. People get technical fiber from its stiff leaves in Mexico and the Caribbean.