Yucca care: watering, light and repotting
Also called yucca elephantipes, spineless yucca, yucca cane · Yucca gigantea · Asparagaceae family
21 d in winter
How often to water the yucca?
Allow about 10 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 21 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Loves light, hates standing water. Can spend the summer outdoors.
What light does it need?
The yucca loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 3 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to August, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 3–6 ft (1–2 m).
Toxic to pets and children. Keep this plant out of reach and, if it is eaten, contact a vet or a poison control centre.
Common problems
Soft trunk
Cause: Rot from too much water. What to do: Water much less; a soft trunk often can't be saved.
Yellow lower leaves
Cause: Normal ageing. What to do: Remove them, nothing to worry about.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the yucca?
About every 10 days in spring and summer, and every 3 weeks in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the yucca?
The yucca loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Should you mist the yucca?
There's no need: indoor air suits it. Wetting its leaves for no reason can even encourage disease.
When should you repot the yucca?
Every 3 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the yucca safe?
The yucca is toxic to pets and to children if eaten. Keep the plant out of reach and, if it's eaten, call a vet or a poison control centre.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the yucca forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.