How to Care for Yucca Cane Outdoors

There are more than 40 types of yucca plant, some of which are native to the southwestern states of America. Some of the most commonly grown in gardens are Adam's needle (Yucca filamentosa), Spanish dagger (Yucca gloriosa) and Yucca aloifolia (Spanish bayonet). As the common names suggest, this tree or shrub is characterized by its sharp, narrow leaves, which grow vertically in clusters and can be up to 3 feet long. It thrives in the garden, either in containers or planted directly in the soil, in the warm, dry climate of the Southwest.

Pruners
Broken crocks
Potting compost
Sand
Fungicide
Insecticide

Instructions

- 1
  Water yuccas when the soil around them is dry. Established plants are drought resistant, but they still need water in the driest conditions.
- 2
  Prune yuccas in the spring. As the clump of leaves atop the cane grows, new leaves emerge from the top and the lowest leaves wither. Cut off the withered leaves with pruners.
- 3
  Remove container-grown yucca plants from their pots in the spring if the roots have filled the available space and are peeking out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the containers. Repot each plant in a larger container in a mixture of three parts potting compost and one part sand. Fill the bottom 2 or 3 inches of the new pot with broken crocks to aid drainage.
- 4
  Spray your yucca with a fungicide if leaves develop yellow spots. Follow the instructions on the fungicide packaging. You can also cut out infected leaves to control fungus spread.
- 5
  Apply a general-purpose garden insecticide if you see evidence of infestation such as the white cotton-like dots of mealybugs or the presence of tiny insects, which are likely to be thrips. Follow the insecticide manufacturer’s instructions.

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