Yucca Care & Propagation

Propagation

• Yuccas grow readily from cane cuttings. The cuttings produce their own roots and quickly grow into new plants that have all the same traits and attributes as the parent plant. Take the cutting from a healthy older cane as opposed to a young cane or new growth. Strip the leaves from the top of the cane and plant the cut end in moistened vermiculite. Keep the vermiculite moist and provide the cutting with indirect light until it produces its own roots, usually within three to four weeks.

Planting Site

• Warmth, sunlight and good drainage are vital when planting yuccas outdoors. Sandy soils that drain quickly after rain are preferable to rich, moist areas. Yuccas require full sunlight, though tender, recently rooted plants benefit from some protection during the hottest part of the year. Frost hardiness depends on the variety of yucca, with some varieties surviving periods of freezing temperatures better than others. In areas with cold winter, plant yuccas in locations protected from cold winter winds, such as near buildings or fence lines.

Water and Fertilizer

• Like most desert plants, yuccas thrive with little to no outside irrigation. Young plants benefit from light watering during the first year. Water the plants at the base, as wet foliage can lead to fungal problems and leaf disease. Irrigate only when the soil dries completely and avoid flooding the planting area. Begin fertilizing the yucca once yearly in the spring, in the second year after planting the cutting in its permanent bed. A light application of a fertilizer formulated for cactus plants provides ample nutrients.

Maintenance

• Yucca plants require minimal care once established. Prune off dead and badly damaged leaves as necessary and trim off the flower stalk after the plant finishes blooming. Cover young plants with a white cloth during the hottest, sunniest part of the day during summer, to prevent scorching on tender new foliage. Don't leave the plants covered for more than three or four hours, as moisture trapped under the covering can cause damage to the plant. Mature yuccas don't require heat protection.