Yucca palms are popular and hardy houseplants that are incorrectly called palm trees but belong to the asparagus family. With its long, sword-shaped leaves, the yucca quickly and easily brings exotic flair to any location. The name palm lily is due to the lily-like flowers and the palm-like crest. About 30 different yucca species are known worldwide. Depending on the species, they are sensitive to frost or hardy and form a trunk or grow like a rosette. Yucca elephantipes is mainly known as a houseplant, and it comes in different growth forms.

Worth knowing Location Care Watering Fertilizing Pruning Species Pests & Diseases FAQ

Interesting facts about yucca

Botanical name: Yucca elephantipes and other species Other names:

Yucca, yucca palm, yucca, giant yucca

Use: indoor plant, interior greening, container plant from May to September
Origin: Mexico
Flowering:

white to cream-colored, long, upright panicles, the plant rarely flowers indoors, flowers more often outdoors

Special features: Yuccas are robust indoor plants that have a trunk that is approx. 5 to 10 cm thick. Only rarely do the shoots of the palm lily branch out. The popular green plants can easily reach a height of up to 5 m, but they tolerate pruning well. Yuccas are considered plants for a good indoor climate, they convert carbon dioxide particularly effectively and thus promote health.

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In which location does the yucca feel most comfortable?

Yuccas prefer a light and warm location in the house, but should not be exposed to direct sunlight. From the end of May to September, the popular houseplant can also stand outdoors in a partially shaded area. However, it is important that the green plant is gradually accustomed to outdoor conditions, otherwise unsightly burns will occur.

How do I properly care for my yucca?

Yucca plants are robust and easy to care for. In addition to need-based watering and regular fertilizing, there are hardly any maintenance measures. Small plants can be showered with lukewarm water once or twice a year. If the plants are too large and unwieldy for this, wiping the leaves with a damp cloth will help. This removes the dust and supports a good development of the plant. Yellow leaves on the plant do not have to be a cause for concern, as the plant regularly sheds leaves at the bottom and thus forms a trunk. However, if you don’t want to take care of the care at all, there are also artificial green plants in our range as an alternative.

Our gardening tip: Yuccas do not necessarily have to be repotted. They tolerate the same pot for many years. For better stability, however, you can repot the green plant in spring. Choose a high pot for better standing. Drainage at the bottom of the pot prevents waterlogging.

How do I water my yucca correctly?

Yuccas only need a small amount of water. It is important that the substrate dries between the individual watering processes and that there is never waterlogging. You can dip smaller plants once a week. Here you place the houseplant in a bucket filled with water and immerse the plant until no more air bubbles rise. The advantage of the immersion method is that the root ball is completely soaked and the yucca feels so comfortable. Excess water is removed from the coaster or planter. Larger plants are watered weekly, checked after 15 minutes and excess water poured off.

How do I fertilize my yucca?

Yucca plants need regular fertilizer for good development and growth. A special green plant fertilizer that contains important growth and vital substances and thus helps the plant to look healthy and fresh is ideal for fertilization. Fertilize the yucca weekly from March to October and once a month in winter. Fertilizing with fertilizer sticks is easy to handle. With this convenient long-term fertilization, your yucca will be supplied with all the necessary nutrients, minerals and trace elements for 3 months.

How do I cut my yucca?

Palm lilies tolerate pruning well. Therefore, you can cut off the plant at any height, the trunk will sprout again. This cut is best done in spring and is mainly used to regulate the length. Maintain the cut surface with wound closure. If desired, the cut head part of the yucca can be placed in growing substrate and, with a bit of luck, be admired as a rooted plant in a few weeks.

What other yucca species are there?

Yucca filamentosa

As a hardy garden perennial, this stemless yucca is decorative in the garden all year round. The evergreen leaves are strap-shaped and blue-green in color. Yucca filamentosa is particularly suitable as a solitary plant in the front yard, gravel garden or as a container plant. In summer, the stately garden plant is adorned with upright panicles of flowers up to 2 meters high. The imposing flowers give every garden a special flair. This species is also known as garden yucca or thready palm lily.

Yucca gloriosa

Another outdoor yucca is the Yucca gloriosa, also known as the candle palm. Depending on the species, the woody garden perennial can reach a height of over 2 meters and is decorative all year round thanks to the evergreen, blue-green leaf rosette. With the eye-catching flowers in late summer and autumn, the impressive plant is predestined for a solitary position. Yucca gloriosa «Variegata» is a specialty with white-green leaves that needs light winter protection.

What pests and diseases can the yucca get?

Yucca plants are robust green plants that are rarely attacked by diseases and pests in the optimal location. The following pests occur on yucca as a houseplant:

spider mites

The affected leaves have silvery dots on the upper side and webs are visible on the underside of the leaves. It is usually sufficient to spray the plants with water and treat them with plant strengtheners. These bio-active agents contain natural plant extracts that contribute to the vitalization of the plant.

scale insects

There are brown, slightly curved knobs, especially in the leaf axils. The scale insects are safely hidden under these protective shields and are therefore difficult to combat. As soon as you discover the infestation, you should wipe off the scale insects or cut back the plant. The pests can be controlled biologically with oil-based agents. It is important that the application is carried out several times.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions About Yucca

What can be the reason for brown leaf tips?

Brown leaf tips are often a sign of too much water. In addition, leaf damage can occur due to dry heating air in winter. Regular spraying with low-lime water can help to prevent brown leaf tips.

How can yucca be propagated?

The easiest way to propagate yucca plants is by cuttings. For this purpose, cuttings are taken from the top of the plant in the spring and placed in cultivation substrate.

Can Yucca Plants Be Grown Hydroponically?

Yucca are best kept as hydro plants. It is important that the water level indicator is always at the minimum. Too much water damages the plant.

Are there hardy yuccas?

In the perennial area, there are seasonal palm lilies that are hardy and can survive in the garden for many years. Some species need winter protection with fleece or rice. It is important that the location does not tend to waterlogging.