How to Grow a Tropical Yucca Tree

Yuccas typically grow in areas that experience hot, dry, sunny weather, including in deserts and on sand dunes. They are also well-suited to home gardens and commercial plantings in areas such as Florida, according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension website, which also lists 11 species of yucca, three of which are native to that state. Because most species of yucca are drought-tolerant, they are being chosen more often for urban areas where water rationing and restrictions exist. They are easy to grow in poor soil, and many species can tolerate some cold temperatures.

Sprinkler
Shovel
Organic mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Plant your tropical yucca in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sun each day. Make sure your soil drains quickly: run a sprinkler over the area for about 60 minutes and then wait another hour. If any standing water remains in the area, it is not appropriate for your yucca (see Tips).
- 2
  Water your yucca once a week for about two months after you plant it. After that time, it will be established and should not need supplemental water unless a prolonged drought occurs.
- 3
  Mulch your yucca with organic compost or other organic material to give it the small amount of nutrition it needs. Additional fertilizer is not needed, unless you choose to give it a small amount of balanced plant food early in the yucca's life.
- 4
  Watch for the agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) on plants if you live in an area where this pest resides. The University of Florida IFAS Extension website reports that controlling this insect is difficult. If your plant is healthy, it will be better able to resist attacks. If an infestation occurs, you must destroy your plant.
- 5
  Protect your tropical yucca when cold weather is forecast by covering it with plastic, a tarp or a blanket. Remove the covering in the morning after the temperature rises.

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