LIGHT

• Requires bright light, including direct sun, to thrive and maintain its robust, upright structure.
• Place in a South or West-facing window for best results.
• Tolerant of medium light, but growth will slow, new leaves will be weak and sparse, and the trunk may decline.

WATER

• Extremely drought-tolerant. Overwatering is the fastest way to kill this plant, causing the trunk to soften and rot.
• Water thoroughly and deeply, then allow the soil to dry out completely and remain dry for several weeks before watering again.
• The thick trunk stores water, acting as a large reservoir.
• Reduce watering drastically in the fall and winter dormancy.

SOIL

• Needs an extremely fast-draining, gritty soil mix.
• Use a mix formulated for cacti and succulents, with a high percentage of pumice, perlite, and coarse sand.
• Heavy potting soil will kill the plant quickly.

GROWTH HABIT

• Ideal conditions: Full sun, warm temperatures (65-80F), and low humidity.
• Growth rate & size: Growth rate is very slow. It grows as a woody, upright tree, typically 4-8 feet tall indoors.

PROPAGATING

• Propagated by stem cuttings (cane sections) or by removing offsets ("pups") that emerge from the base.
• Cane cuttings are allowed to dry and callus for weeks before being planted in dry, gritty soil.
• Pups are removed and planted in their own pot, often after allowing the wound to dry for a few days.

PRUNING

• Pruning is minimal. Only remove the lowest, oldest leaves once they are completely brown and dried out.
• The leaf tips can be trimmed if they turn brown, using clean shears to cut to a point that mimics the natural shape.
• To create a multi-headed plant, the main cane can be cut, which forces new growth points to emerge below the cut.

REPOTTING

• Repot infrequently, typically every 3-5 years, as they are slow-growing and prefer to be pot-bound.
• Repot in spring or early summer.
• Use a heavy, sturdy pot that is only slightly larger than the root ball to anchor the top-heavy structure.

FERTILIZING

• Fertilize very sparingly during the spring and summer growing season (once or twice per season).
• Use a liquid fertilizer formulated for succulents diluted to half strength or less.
• Do not fertilize in fall or winter.

FLOWERING

• Produces tall spikes of creamy-white, bell-shaped flowers outdoors.
• Does not flower as a houseplant.

TOXICITY

• Yucca is mildly toxic to humans and pets. Contains saponins that can cause stomach upset and other symptoms if ingested. The sharp leaf points can also be a physical hazard.

PRO TIPS

• Misting is unnecessary and can lead to fungal issues; Yuccas thrive in dry air.
• Yellowing lower leaves that drop off are normal for the oldest foliage.
• If the trunk becomes soft or squishy, the plant is rotting and is likely beyond saving.