Yuccas are large, green sword-like plants native to dry regions of North and Central America and the Caribbean. They’re tough plants and can handle different weather conditions.
You might have considered getting a Yucca at home, but can a Yucca grow indoors? The answer is yes! Yuccas are popular house plants as they are low maintenance and easy to care for.
So, keep reading as we tell you how to grow a Yucca indoors. Additionally, we’ll give you care tips for growing a healthy and green Yucca.
Indoor Yuccas Care
Taking care of a Yucca plant is effortless. Here are some care tips to follow to ensure your Yucca grows big and healthy:
- Place in adequate but indirect sunlight
- Water once a week in spring and summer (Yuccas are sensitive to overwatering)
- Water once every few weeks during winter
- Insert a drainage system for excess water to drain
- Use a controlled-release or liquid fertilizer during the growing season
- Use a potting mix that is loose and well drained
How Long Do Indoor Yucca Plants Live?
Yuccas are slow-growing plants and take a long time to reach their full size. Their life span will depend on many factors, such as the environment they’ve kept in and the type of care they receive.
With proper care, an indoor Yucca plant will typically live 5–7 years.
Why Is My Indoor Yucca Plant Dying?
If your Yucca plant is showing signs of weakness, such as yellowing leaves, or brown spots, there could be several reasons for this.
Let’s look at some common Yucca plant problems and how to avoid them.
Overwatering
Overwatering is the number one reason for Yucca plants dying. Yucca plants are prone to root rotting and require little water to survive. Yuccas are drought-tolerant.
So, if you excessively water your Yucca, you risk causing fungal infections.
To avoid overwatering, check the soil before you water. Only water the plant if the top part of the soil is dry. Moreover, ensure that the pot you’re using has drainage holes.
Pests
Yuccas can attract some common house pests, such as mites or bugs. Treating a Yucca from pests will depend on the type of insects that have affected it.
You can treat the plant by wiping the affected areas with insecticidal soap. You can also spray the plant with neem oil, as it’s a mite repellent.
Insufficient Light
Yucca plants need an adequate amount of sunlight to survive. Too much or too little sunlight is bad for them.
Your Yucca plant might be dying because it’s not getting enough sunlight. In such a case, move your plant near a window (preferably South-facing) where it can get more sunlight.
On the other hand, Yucca plants are prone to sunburns. Yellow and white spots on a Yucca mean that the leaves are becoming burnt. This may be because you’ve changed the location of the Yucca to a place with significantly more sunlight or moved it outdoors.
Yucca plants adapt to their environment, and they get used to the amount of sunlight you place them in. Therefore, if you plan on relocating your Yucca plant, do it gradually. This way, there won’t be sudden exposure to harsh sunlight, and the plant will have time to adapt.
Can An Indoor Yucca Be Planted Outside?
You might have considered moving your Yucca plant outside to the patio or garden. If you’re wondering if you can plant it outside, the answer is yes. Yucca plants live outdoors longer than they do indoors.
However, the decision to transplant them requires careful consideration.
As mentioned, Yucca plants adapt to their environment, so you shouldn’t suddenly change it. When transplanting your Yucca, it’s better to do it during the fall or spring when the temperatures are mild and less stressful on the plant.
You must also ensure that the soil where you’ll plant the Yucca is well-draining to avoid root rot.
To plant the Yucca, dig a hole twice as wide and deep as its roots. Place the plant into the hole then fill it with soil. Then, press down gently around the plant’s base.
Final Thoughts
Yucca plants are great indoor plants as they’re low maintenance and can tolerate various conditions.
With proper care and attention, Yucca plants can live for several years. However, they are also likely to suffer from issues, such as pests, inadequate sunlight, or overwatering.
If you notice any signs of such problems in your plant, check the soil moisture, drainage, and light conditions.
By following the care tips in this guide, you can enjoy your Yucca plant for a long time.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.