Basic Yucca Care
Yucca plants are great at adapting to different environments so can deal with a range of light, moisture, temperature and humidity levels that a lot of other houseplant types aren’t able to. Whilst you might be slower growth with less than ideal conditions, you won’t find as many problems as you would with more sensitive plant types.
Below you will find all the information you need to properly care for your Yucca as well as how to diagnose and treat common problems if they do arise.
Detailed Yucca Care
Yucca can grow in all light conditions
One of the best things about caring for a Yucca plant is that it can cope in bright sunlight and dark corners. Be aware though that if growth will be slower in a darker spot.
Good drainage is key for Yucca plants
The one thing a Yucca really doesn’t like is being waterlogged. Make sure that your pot has good drainage holes and you remove any excess water that flows out. Water much less in winter, about once every 3-4 weeks.
Yucca don’t mind temperature extremes
As they are native to the desert, Yucca are used to dealing with extreme daytime heat and cool nights. So don’t worry too much about finding the ideal room temperature.
Only fertilise your Yucca in spring and summer
If you do want to feed your Yucca we highly recommend you only do this in the growth months. Use a soluble liquid fertiliser at half the recommended strength.
The natural humidity of your home is fine for a Yucca
Don’t worry about increasing the humidity for your Yucca plant as it will do just fine with the natural levels in your home. One thing that is important though is that you open the windows regularly to increase the airflow of fresh air.
Repot your Yucca every few years
Yucca are quite slow-growing plants so you don’t need to constantly worry about repotting. If you feel the pot is starting to get a bit small, upgrade it a size. You can also refresh the soil every year or so if you don’t feel it needs a new pot.
Yucca are toxic to pets
Unfortunately, it is best to keep your Yucca away from your dogs and cats as it can cause stomach irritation if digested.
Propagate your Yucca by using offshoots
The easiest way to propagate your Yucca is by replanting offshoots. You can keep the offshoots in water for a few weeks for roots to develop or directly pot them in soil. We recommend doing this in spring to give it the best chance of success.
Yucca Care FAQs
Are Yucca plants easy to care for?
Yucca plants are one of the easiest houseplants to care for. But it’s not just because they don’t need much attention from you but it’s also about how adaptable they are. They can survive in such a range of conditions so are perfect for every home or office. They don’t need much water and can adapt to a range of light, temperature and humidity levels. If you’re looking for a houseplant that you don’t need to worry about, this is the one for you.
How quickly do Yucca plants grow?
The only downside to Yucca plants is that they do grow quite slowly, and when root bound their growth will stagnate quite suddenly. You won’t see that many leaves pop out each year but the good thing about that is it won’t outgrow the space too quickly.
Are Yuccas good for beginner plant parents?
Yucca plants are some of the best for beginner houseplant parents because they aren’t very fussy. They will forgive you if you overwater or underwater them for a while. They do have their limits though so it’s important you know what they need to thrive.
Common Problems for Yucca
Even though they are quite low maintenance, there are a few issues that your Yucca might suffer from. It’s important to know the warning signs so you can deal with the issue as soon as it arises. This will give your plant the best shot at returning to full health.
Why does my Yucca have yellow leaves?
The occasional yellow leaf at the bottom of the your Yucca is a sign of natural ageing. However, if you find your Yucca is developing yellow leaves regularly it may be a sign of overwatering or insufficient sunlight.
Why are the leaves on my Yucca dying?
If your Yucca is dying, it is most commonly caused by watering issues. Monitor the moisture of the soil to determine whether it is being over or underwatered and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Why does my Yucca have dry leaf tips?
Dry leaf tips on a Yucca is not always easy to diagnose or change. It is more often than not caused by underwatering. However, it can sometimes be caused by overwatering or inconsistent watering so check the soil first before changing your watering routine.
