Do you have cassava at home? Also called cassava or manioc, it is a plant that can reach several meters in height. For this reason, it’s important to know how to prune a yucca because this care can help you control both its shape and size, but you’ll also help it grow and develop new branches and leaves.
Now when is it done? And like? If you also ask yourself the question, then we give you all the keys so that you take it into account. Keep reading and you will see.
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When should you prune the yucca?
The best time to prune yucca is in late winter or early spring. The reason is simple and it is that during these months it has a phase of slow or even stopped growth until the temperatures begin to rise.
If we also take into account that we are talking about a tropical plant that does not like low temperatures at all, then it is normal to think that it is necessary to pay attention to these. But also with the size and that there is frost or that the cold returns because, being weaker, it can easily fall ill.
Steps to Prune a Yucca
If you have a yucca at home and you have realized that you need to prune it, then we are going to give you all the keys so that you can do it in the best possible way.
Preliminary steps: prepare everything
Pruning is not something you should do without planning. On the one hand, you need to make sure that the plant you are going to prune has a suitable pruning period (and coincides with when you want to prune it. On the other hand, you need to have the tools at hand to make work as quickly as possible without stressing the plant.
Depending on the condition of the cassava, you will need to use some tools or others. Of course, they must be clean and sharp so as not to damage the plant. It is recommended to cut dry, damaged or diseased branches and leaves, as well as those that grow in the wrong direction or obstruct the passage of light and air to the center of the plant.
Also, keep in mind that cassava contains a toxic latex that can irritate skin and eyes, so it is recommended to wear gloves and eye protection when handling the plant.
Once you have everything, you can move on to the next step.
types of size
When pruning a yucca, you should know that there are different types of pruning, more suitable depending on the objective you want to achieve.
In general, the types of size are as follows:
- Maintenance pruning, in which you will have to clean to remove branches and suckers that can damage the plant, as well as to maintain its shape, size, etc.
- Flowering pruning, which is done in the spring so that the plant flowers. For this, only the branches that bloomed the previous time are cut, always two nodes above the ground.
- Renewal of cassava, consisting in eliminating the weakest or diseased part of the plant to rejuvenate it and restore all its splendour.
Regarding the size, it does not mean that you can only use one type of size. Sometimes two of them are used to promote the development of the plant. What you need to keep in mind is not to stress it out if you notice it is sick or has parasites. It’s best to treat them before pruning (or pruning as a last resort to get it started).
Step by step in size
Now yes, we will help you prune a yucca and recover as quickly as possible. To do this, we advise you to follow the recommendations below:
Mark which branches and leaves you will be pruning
It can help you to be on the safe side and not cut those that are good or should not be removed.
If you don’t know what they may be, we’ll tell you they are branches and leaves that are dry, diseased, damaged, or don’t look like what you want your yucca to have.
If you never see what the plant would look like after pruning, try taking a picture of it, and if you’re proficient with a mobile or computer app, you could do a virtual pruning, a way to see what it would look like by removing the parts. you scored.
Once you have it, you’ll need to translate it into your yucca, but you shouldn’t think of it as complicated. It’s actually quite easy, and yucca is one of the hardiest plants, so fear not.
Also, if you go overboard with pruning, you can always wait for her to grow, which she usually does quite quickly.
clean the area
Once you’ve finished pruning, it’s important that you remove all the branches and leaves you’ve cut and leave the area clean. We say this not just because you maintain good order, but because these branches and leaves can be a source of entry for pests and diseases and for this reason, if you prevent it by collecting all parts which are no longer part of the factory.
In principle, we advise against applying fertilizers or preventive treatments against pests or diseases.
But if you have a problem, then yes, you will have to.
Protect cassava
Finally, we must be aware that the size of the yuccas is something that stresses them a lot, in addition to weakening them. This means that when you do, it’s best to place it in a semi-shaded area until, 3-4 days later, you can put it back in its usual place (i.e. if you have it in full sun, it is best to move it to partial shade).
What if it is planted in the garden? In this case, you will have to buy or use a shade net for a few days so that it is not directly exposed to the sun.
Now that you know how to prune a yucca, if you have one at home it will be easier for you to perform this treatment. So if you dare to do it, and this guide can help you, go for it. Do you have any other tips for others on yucca pruning?