HOW TO GROW YUCCA PLANT

Yucca Plant in the southwestern deserts They are very drought-resistant and can conserve water within their roots and bulbous bases. The leaves grow in a forms of rosette in the soil or on trunks, stalks or branches. A lot of them contain leaves that are bladed with spine tips which is why they are often referred to as of Spanish bayonets and Spanish dagger.

Yucca Plant are slow-growing and require little or no care to live. Their durability is both a good thing but also a drawback, since they are almost impossible to get off once established, and more clumping varieties might be able to take over.

Yucca Plant BASICS

Zones:

The range of zones is from 5 to 11, based on the type.

Height/Spread:

Variable based on the type. Lesser varieties may be between 2 and 4 feet and wide. The larger varieties can grow to 30 feet high and extend up to 25 feet in width using offsets. If offsets allowed to be left in place, clumps could expand to several times larger than the plant in question.

Exposure:

Full-sun. Lack of sunshine can result in spindly growth of foliage as well as a reduction in flowering.

Bloom timing of Yucca Plant:

Variable by nature; certain are expected to bloom in the spring, while others will bloom from mid to late the summer. The majority of varieties bloom for the duration of their lives. this is known as polycarpic perennials. There are monocarpic species too that are monocarpic, such as Hesperoyucca Whipplei (syn. Yucca whipplei) which blooms just once, and then slow fade and die. They are as do several of their cousins, Agave Spp..

The color and the characteristics

Leaves may be thin or thick; typically, they are narrow and long. in a sword shape, with spine tips and laid with rosettes. Some leaves are very cutting. Flowers blossom on huge stems that rise from the middle of the plant. Some are up to 10 feet in height. They are generally creamy or white. However, certain varieties might have some hint of violet, green or pink.

Toxicity:

The sharp and spiny appearance of certain yuccas are usually enough to keep animals (and humans) away. If they’re eaten, they may cause mild poisoning for pets, dogs as well as humans.

Yucca vs. yuca:

Yuccas have no connection to the yucas (one is a capital ‘C’), although they tend to be, naturally misunderstood. Yuca often referred to as Cassava is a kind of plant with the edible starchy tubers or roots which tapioca flour and cassava are made of. The yucca root plant do not have any edible properties.

HOW TO PLANT YUCCA

The best time to plant Yucca Plant:

Seeds can be planted in the indoors any time of year but outdoors in the spring. For hardy varieties to be planted outside the temperature in spring must be between 55-65 degrees F. You should wait until the temperatures rise to at 66-75degF for soft kinds.

Planting where:

Choose a location that gets some to all-day sun and most important, an area that drains well. Yuccas can develop root rot very easily when there’s standing or residual water. In deciding where to plant take into consideration the dimensions of the yucca plant since some will grow to very large. Find a place in which they are easily appreciated however, not in areas where their spineless leaves could get bumped accidentally; far from play areas and walkways. spaces. Large root structures may develop in time and can cause cracks in foundations, break up walls of retaining and even invade swimming the water and irrigation pipes. Large root structures like these can be extremely difficult to get out and the remnants that remain can be transformed into yuccas.

Planting:

Soak seeds for at least 24 hours before planting them to aid in germination. You can also rub the seeds with sand paper and scratch the surface. Place seeds at a distance of between 1 and 2 lengths of seeds. Maintain the seeds in a moderately moist environment as you will start to notice indications of germination after 3-4 weeks. Transfer the seedlings around 8 weeks in larger pots or in a permanent space. Find out more information about the growth of offsets further down under the heading of Propagation.

Other:

Yucca development is slow and erratic, particularly when it is grown from seeds. It could take several years to flower.

YUCCA PLANT CARE

Pruning:

Although it’s technically not considered to be pruning, caring for your plants with trimming damaged or dead leaves is possible anytime. Pruning the plant in order to decrease its size ought to occur in the spring right prior to the start of the growth season.

• Just cut the top part of the trunk to the appropriate size. The result is a sparse tree for a time and new offsets are likely to grow from the cut. But, the growth may at times be unpredictable. However offsets are able to be removed and planted again if you wish.
• If you have a stemless rosette the dead or damaged leaves at the base of the plant are removed anytime to clear the plants.
• Flowers should be cut to their bottom after blooming. Many people do not like the appearance of the flower stalk and, in this situation, the stalk can be cut anytime prior to flowering.

Soil:

Yuccas don’t care in the kind of soil that they grow in. Other than that, they must have a good drainage so that they don’t get rotten.

The amendments and fertilizer of Yucca Plant

While yuccas thrive in lack of attention, a well-balanced liquid fertilizer is a good option to apply every month in the spring and summer It is particularly helpful for yuccas that are grown indoors.

Watering:

Yuccas are exceptionally drought-resistant They will appear better when they are regularly watered at least 1 inch per week throughout the spring and summer months, together with occasional deep soaks. They’ll need less water during the winter months. Soft roots and yellow leaves may be signs of excessive watering.

Propagation:

The new starts may be grown by cuttings of roots, offsets or seeds. If they are propagating off offsets, take them out in the spring and remove any leaves, and then plant. Make sure to water them thoroughly before they start as well as protect them until they are fully grown.

The root cuttings are harvested either in spring or winter from mature plant. Cut 3 inches of the root structure. The cutting should be kept in a dry, cool area for at least a few days prior to plant. Put it into potting soil, and place it at a place where it gets indirect sunlight. The roots should start to develop within three or four weeks.

Check out the section above How to Plant for more details about growing seeds. The yuccas that flower may require some assistance by pollinating them manually so that they can produce seeds. It is important to note that only the species plants can be able to reproduce from seeds but not all seeds are fertile.

Pests and diseases of Yucca Plant

While there isn’t any serious diseases or insect problems such as cane borers, scale insects and fungal leaf spots could develop. Leaf spots that are brown can result from excessive watering. It’s recommended to always water near the bottom and not at the top. Stem rot is among the most frequent problems for yuccas. However, it can be prevented by a well-drained soil.

Because of their spiny and sharp nature they are resistant to deer.

Yucca Plant moths:

When they are lit up, the yucca flower release a scent that draws moths that eat yucca. They are essential to the longevity of the plant, as they’re the sole pollinator. As a result, yuccas are the sole plant that hosts the moths. A majority of moths from yucca have white wings, which allow them to blend into the flowers they pollinate, and later lay their eggs inside. The caterpillars that feed on them eat seeds but leave some to the plants so that they can regenerate itself.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN TIPS

• Keep yuccas away from playgrounds and walkways in order to prevent injuries from getting in contact with the sharp leaves. Consider the size of your mature plant, to ensure you’ve got it far enough so that it doesn’t cause an issue in the near coming years.
• Ideal for drought-tolerant or tough landscapes.
• Beware of pairing plants with need regular watering, since it could cause problems for yuccas.
• The smaller varieties can be great pot plants. They are able to flourish in colder conditions by being moved indoors during winter, and then moving back outdoors when frost is likely.
• The best choices for climates with colder temperatures consist of: Yucca filamentosa, Y. flaccida Y. Glauca Y. Gloriosa, Y. the harrimaniae, and Y. schottii.

GROWING INDOORS Yucca Plant

• It is also possible to grow an indoor yucca plant, with spineless varieties, such as Y. elephantipes are a favorite houseplant. They have leaves that are long and pointed, yet they do not have the sharpness that other yuccas have.
• They are simple to take care of and require a sturdy container with good drainage and sunlight. A windows facing south with plenty of indirect sunlight is ideal.
• They should be watered once every week for a few weeks during the season, and let the soil dry in between. Constantly humid soils can lead to root decay. They’ll need less water during winter.
• Indoor yuccas be benefited by a regular application of general purpose fertilizer every month during the spring and in the summer. The indoor yuccas do not usually bloom.
• If your indoor yucca will grow out of its place the yucca is possible to cut it back the springtime. This is done by removing the upper portion of a stem or a tree. But, regrowth cannot be 100% guaranteed. The new offsets will begin in the cutting section. The section that was lopped off of the top is also repotted however, the results is not guaranteed.