My Yucca Plant Is Wilting

Leaf Spot

• Brown leaf spot is a fungal disease that targets the yucca plant during wet, humid conditions. Targeting the mature foliage first, the infection causes the leaves to develop tiny yellow spots that turn to larger, necrotic lesions. As the infection spreads, the tissue around the lesions become wilted and blighted. Gray leaf spot is another leaf spot that targets the yucca plant. Although the development and symptoms of gray leaf spot are similar to brown leaf spot, the wilting is light brown to tan-colored, rather than dark brown to purple. Both leaf spot diseases can be treated with fungicidal spray treatments. Multiple applications might be necessary to control the disease. Always apply fungicides according to the package’s instructions to prevent further injury to the plant.

Fusarium Wilt

• Fusarium wilt, or fusarium root rot, is a soil-borne fungal disease that infects the yucca plant through its root system. The infection targets the yucca plant’s vascular system and restricts the ability to pass water and nutrients throughout the plant. The infected yucca plant experiences progressive yellowing and wilting as the roots experience dieback. Although fusarium infections can be controlled with fungicidal treatments, there is no cure for fusarium wilt. Severe yucca plants must be removed and destroyed.

Irrigation

• Though drought tolerant, the yucca plant can suffer from the lack of water. The yucca plant that is suffering from excessively dry conditions will experience wilting, which begins at the tips and margins of the leaves. As the drought conditions continue, the tips become dark brown and brittle. Correct and prevent this condition by irrigating the yucca plant evenly and deeply at soil level. Irrigate the plant slowly to allow the water to reach the yucca’s deepest roots. Allow the yucca plant to dry slightly between each watering session to prevent overwatering.

Pruning

• The healthy yucca plant rarely requires pruning. However, the plant benefits from thinning. Thin the densely foliated yucca plant to increase the sunlight and air that flow through the plant. This also will reduce the potential for fungal infections. Remove severely infected and disfigured foliage to prevent spreading infections throughout the plant.