The Leaves & Base of My Yucca Are Shriveling

Yuccas

• Yucca plants form a unique relationship with a specific family of moths, also named yucca. Through genetically programmed responses, yucca moths pollinate these plants and enable reproduction processes to take place. Yuccas grow their leaves from the base and stem of the plant, which make them appear shrub-like in shape. When full grown, yuccas can grow from 2- to 6-feet tall. As with other plant forms, certain environmental conditions can compromise a yucca plant’s health.

Soil Conditions

• When a yucca plant's leaves shrivel, stressful soil conditions may be limiting the amount of nutrients the plant receives. Deadened leaf tips and edges may indicate a chemical imbalance in the soil. Plant leaves may also show signs of discoloration in the form of whitened blotches. Soil containing too much fluoride or phosphorous upsets the pH balance, or salt-acid balance, needed for yuccas to thrive. Soil pH imbalances affect the types of nutrients the plant receives as certain nutrients can only exist when a certain pH balance is present. Adding lime to the soil or reducing the amount of water the plant receives can help correct a soil pH imbalance.

Fungus

• Fungal organisms rely on the nutrients and water contained inside a host body in order to survive. Yucca leaves affected by fungus begin to show signs of discoloration, shriveled leaves or leaf edges, and rotting plant structures. The older leaves on a yucca plant often show the first signs of fungus infestation. In some cases, removing the affected leaf and stem structures can help remedy the condition. Heavy fungus infestations may require the use of a fungicide sprayed directly on the affected areas.

Lighting

• When planted outside, yuccas grow best in areas with a 50 to 60 percent shade level, according to the University of Florida’s Research and Education Center. Moving a yucca plant from an outdoor to an indoor environment can place plants under duress due to the change in lighting conditions. Plant leaves may start to shrivel up and die when indoor lighting conditions are too intense. Reducing the lighting level through the use of lower wattage bulbs or shading barriers may help prevent leaves from shriveling.