How to care for: Yucca

The Yucca comes from dry Central America. Yucca plants are alluring, flexible, and easy to nurture. They feature sword-shaped leaves that add a dramatic architectural effect to one’s home. In addition to its mesmerizing beauty, the Yucca also offers a plethora of benefits.

Medium light

Water once a month

Toxic

Not air-purifying

Location

Like most indoor plants, the Yucca requires bright but indirect sunlight. They can't tolerate too much direct sunlight or intense shade, only for shorter periods. If exposed to direct sunlight for a long while, the leaves can scorch and burn. As a result, the plant can only tolerate 3 to 5 hours of medium light.

Watering

There’s a common misconception that Yucca plants doesn’t need much water to grow. Even though a Yucca can hoard moisture to save water for drier climates or drought-like conditions, it certainly can't live with just a little water. However, it doesn’t like being drowned in too much water either.

It is best to water a succulent every month in the growing season, from spring to summer. In the fall and winter it is best to only water the plant once every 3 months.

Plant nutrition

The Yucca doesn't use a lot of energy. However, the plant likes extra nutrients in the growing season. You can provide these nutrients by plant nutrition. We recommend giving plant nutrition once every month. From spring until autumn. After autumn and in winter it is better not to give extra nutrients. In the winter, plant nutrition can actually be harmful for the Yucca!

Repotting

Repotting a Yucca isn't necessary every year. We therefore recommend repotting a Yucca only when really necessary, or at least once every 3 years. Make sure the new flowerpot is at least 20% larger than the previous one.

Air-purifying

The Yucca is not known for its air-purifying function. As far as we’re concerned, no problem.

Is a Yucca toxic?

Yucca plants are mildly toxic to both humans and animals. They have quite a bitter taste if ingested, so it’s rare for dogs and cats to eat them in dangerous quantities.

How can I save my yucca?

The most common reason why yuccas are in poor condition is too much water. When a plant gets too much water, root rot can occur. In most cases, adjusting the watering will suffice. If this is not helping, see our tips on root rot.

Why are the leaves of my Yucca drooping?

If you notice that the leaves of the Yucca are drooping, this is usually caused by too much water. It is even possible that the stem is rotting from the inside, which means that the stem can no longer support the leaves. The best thing to do in such cases is to reduce the amount of water given, and possibly even prune the trunk.

How do I prune a Yucca?

You can prune the trunk and leaves of the Yucca. The best time to prune the Yucca is in autumn or late winter. From spring onwards you can expect new leaf growth.

How large can the Yucca become?

Yuccas can grow to a height of 200 to 250 cm indoors. In nature, a Yucca can even grow up to 9 meters high. You can influence the height and width of the Yucca by pruning the plant in the late winter.