Not all yucca plants are created equal. Their size can vary significantly depending on the species and other factors, like environmental conditions and age.
They can grow from 2 to 30 feet tall, depending on their variety. In this article, we’ll explore the different sizes of yucca plants by type.
Whether you want a plant for a small or large space, our guide will help you choose the right yucca!
How big do yucca plants get? Read on!
How Big Do Yucca Plants Get By Type?
Yucca plants are a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardening enthusiasts. If you’d like to plan and design your garden effectively, it’s helpful to understand the sizes of different types of yucca plants.
Doing so lets you create visual balance in your garden while ensuring they’re healthy and thriving. Here are some sizes of yucca plants by type:
1 – Yucca Elephantipes (Giant Yucca)
Yucca elephantipes, also known as the Giant Yucca, can grow up to 25 feet tall. This plant has branched trunks that can reach up to 15 feet wide.
It’s topped with a rosette of long, sword-shaped leaves that can grow up to 4 feet. The Giant Yucca prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established.
This type of yucca can take many years to reach its full height and size, but it’s worth the wait if you have the space to accommodate it.
2 – Yucca Filamentosa (Adam’s Needle)
Yucca filamentosa, also known as Adam’s Needle, is a smaller yucca that typically grows to be about 3 to 8 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. It’s a hardy plant that can thrive in different growing conditions.
It has long leaves and thin leaves that grow in rosette patterns with sharp spines along the edges.
In the summer, yucca filamentosa produces tall spikes of white flowers that can reach up to 6 feet in height.
3 – Yucca Rostrata (Beaked Yucca)
This stunning yucca can grow up to 6 to 15 feet tall. This plant has a single trunk that can reach up to 1.5 feet in diameter.
It’s topped with a rosette of blue-green leaves that are narrow and rigid.
In the summer, Beaked Yucca produces tall spikes of creamy-white flowers that can reach up to 8 feet in height.
Beaked Yucca is a slow-growing plant that can take many years to reach its full size.
4 – Yucca Brevifolia (Joshua Tree)
Yucca brevifolia, also known as the Joshua Tree, is a large and iconic yucca that can grow up to 15 to 30 feet tall.
This tree-like yucca has multiple trunks that can grow to be several feet in diameter. Its rosette of spiky leaves can grow up to 3 feet in length.
In the spring, the Joshua Tree produces clusters of greenish-white flowers that can be up to 12 inches long.
5 – Yucca Gloriosa (Mound Lily or Spanish Dagger)
Yucca gloriosa, also known as Spanish Dagger, is a large yucca that can grow up to 16 feet tall.
This plant has a single trunk that can reach up to 1 foot in diameter. It’s topped with a rosette of long, narrow leaves that have sharp points at the tips.
Spanish Dagger produces tall spikes of white or creamy-yellow flowers that can reach up to 8 feet in height. It’s a slow-growing plant that can take several years to reach its full size.
How Fast Do Yucca Plants Grow?
The growth rate of yucca plants can vary depending on several factors, including the species of yucca, growing conditions, and climate.
In general, the fast-growing yucca types can grow two feet per year. While some yucca plants are slow to moderate growers, and can take several years to reach maturity.
Factors such as temperature, moisture, and soil quality can also affect the growth rate of yucca plants. They prefer well-draining soil with minimal watering.
However, some species can thrive in extreme temperatures and drought conditions.
Additionally, yucca plants typically grow in a rosette shape. This means that they grow outward from the center.
So, even though they may not grow tall quickly, they can still spread and fill out space over time.
How Big Are Yucca Roots?
Generally, yucca roots can grow up to 30 feet. However, this varies depending on the species of yucca and the age of the plant.
Yucca plants have a shallow, spreading root system that extends out from the base of the plant. The roots of young yucca plants are typically small and thin, measuring only a few inches in length.
As the plant matures, the roots can grow thicker and longer. They can extend several feet from the base of the plant.
The root system of a mature yucca plant can spread out to be several times wider than the plant’s height.
While the root system of yucca plants is relatively shallow, they can still be quite robust and sturdy. Yucca roots are also known for their ability to store water, allowing the plant to survive in drought conditions.
However, if the roots become damaged or diseased, it can affect the health and growth of the entire plant.
Can You Control Their Growth Rate?
While you can’t directly control the growth rate of yucca plants, you can create growing conditions that can promote healthy growth. This can potentially increase the rate of growth.
Here are some tips to help your yucca grow faster:
1 – Provide Adequate Sunlight
Yucca plants require plenty of direct sunlight to thrive. Insufficient light can slow down their growth rate.
So if you like the yucca plant to grow faster, place it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
If you’re growing your yucca indoors, make sure to place it near a sunny window with access to natural light. If you’re growing it outdoors, choose a spot that receives ample sunlight.
2 – Choose the Right Soil
Choosing the right soil is another important tip to help your yucca grow faster.
These plants prefer well-draining soil that’s not too fertile. Make sure to use soil that’s slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Using a cactus or succulent soil mix or adding sand and perlite to regular potting soil can also help improve drainage. These mixes typically contain a blend of other materials that help prevent waterlogging.
3 – Water Properly
Overwatering yucca plants can cause root rot. This can slow down their growth rate or even kill the plant.
Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering and avoid leaving the plant in standing water. Make sure to give it a thorough soaking so that the water reaches the roots.
4 – Fertilize Occasionally
Yucca plants don’t require frequent fertilization.
However, applying a slow-release fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season can provide them with the necessary nutrients to support healthy growth.
5 – Repot As Needed
If your yucca plant becomes root-bound, it may not be able to grow as quickly as it should.
Transfer your yucca plant to a larger pot as needed to provide it with enough space to grow and develop.
6 – Prune Regularly
Removing dead or damaged leaves and stems can promote new growth and keep the plant looking tidy.
That said, be careful not to prune too much. Yucca plants can take a long time to recover from excessive pruning.
Can Yucca Plants Reach Maximum Growth in Pots?
While yucca plants can grow in pots, keep in mind that they can reach their maximum growth potential only when grown in the ground.
In pots, yucca plants are limited by the size of the container, which can restrict their root growth and, therefore, their overall size.
If you’re growing yucca plants in pots, choose a pot that’s large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system. Choosing a small pot can negatively affect its growth rate and overall health.
Final Thoughts
The size of a yucca plant can vary depending on the species and growing conditions. So how big do yucca plants get?
While some yucca plants can grow as tall as 30 feet, others may only reach a few feet in height.
Overall, it’s essential to choose the right yucca species and provide it with the proper care and growing conditions. These factors can help your yucca plant reach its full potential.
By understanding how big yucca plants can get, you can choose the right location and pot size.
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.