Have you ever heard of the Yucca with the name Yucca palm? That’s actually how it’s said in German. But, to all the yuccas or to one in particular?
Find out what yucca we’re talking about and everything you need to know about it. Go for it?
Contents
What variety is the Yucca palm
To begin with, you should know that the Yucca palm is actually the Yucca elephantipes. Also known as the yucca palm, its name can be confusing.. And it is that it is not a palm tree. So how do you read
This “palm”, or palm lily, actually looks like a palm tree. And it does this only because of the thick brown trunk it has, as well as the leaves, which are dark green. But the truth is that we are dealing with an agave plant.
What do we mean by that? Well, the trunk and stems sticking out, both brown or dark brown, are succulent. In other words, they accumulate water, which is why one of the most important cares is irrigation. (for not doing it regularly). As for the leaves, they are generally erect, but quite long, so that they often tend to curve, giving the sensation of having tufts instead of leaves.
In summary, the Yucca palm is one of the plants that pretends to be a palm but in reality is not. And although it is deceiving, it remains one of the most appreciated indoor plants, all the more so if we take into account that it can reach up to four meters, it is normal that it is up to two (ten if you have them outdoors). Of course, it is not a very long-lived plant, although you can enjoy it for several years.
Another point you should keep in mind is for small children or pets (especially those who are very fond of nibbling on plants). And it can be very poisonous if eaten, so you’ll need to keep it away from them.
What Care Does the Yucca Palm Need?
Now that we have clarified the name of Yucca palme, how about reviewing the care of Yucca elephantipes? Here are the most important.
Location
The Yucca palm is a plant that can be both indoors and outdoors. Either way, you’ll need a place where you have good lighting. It is true that direct sun is not recommended, but if it is early or last minute, it will not do too much damage, and it will feed much better.
In fact, sometimes yuccas can lose leaf color and this is due to lack of lightTherefore, it is recommended to place them in partial shade to avoid this problem (or the trunk from becoming limp).
Of course, it is recommended to place it in a location that allows you to keep it at a temperature between 18 and 29ºC.
Substrate
Yucca Palme soil is not something you should worry too much about. It’s not very demanding in that sense.but we recommend that, in addition to using a universal indoor plant substrate, you mix it with a little sand, gravel or perlite to make it looser and more airy.
This way you will also avoid water accumulations which can damage the roots of the plant (and therefore affect the trunk itself).
Besides, you must bear in mind that, for its development to be adequate, it is recommended to transplant it every two years to replenish the soil and also so that it has enough space to grow.
Irrigation
Irrigation, as we mentioned a little above, is one of the most important cares. And not precisely because you should be very aware of it, but quite the contrary. One of the reasons yucca trees die is due to overwatering.. And it is that, being a succulent part, it retains water and this means that you will hardly have to water it.
In fact, it is recommended, before doing it, to check the first 2-3 centimeters of the soil to see if it is time to water it or not. The irrigation schedule is usually every 10 days, but everything will depend on the humidity and whether the earth is really dry (since, if it is not, it is better to leave it without water). Of course, don’t be afraid to do so, or even water very occasionally. This way you will avoid this problem.
Subscriber
Regarding the subscriber, This plant needs a little fertilizer in spring and summer.. In general, a liquid fertilizer (mixed with the irrigation water) is offered every two weeks (that is to say with each watering).
Now, if at some point you shouldn’t water it, you shouldn’t apply the fertilizer either (especially since you could over-fertilize and it would be counterproductive).
If you’re lucky, you can see this plant developing a flower stalk. Although we have already warned you that it is not easy to see and can only be achieved abroad.
Size
As for the pruning, in general we could tell you that it is not necessary, because the leaves last a long time, but Over time, the leaves may wilt or lose their usual color. and you must eliminate them to make room for the next ones.
But, beyond that, nothing else should be done (neither on the trunk nor on the short branches that it throws around).
Multiplication
The first thing you need to know is that yuccas usually produce seeds., although the usual way to propagate it is by dividing the cuttings that sprout from the base of the plant. In general, they are left to grow with the mother plant, thus becoming a bush. But also, when we see that it is mature, we can separate it (provided we see that it has leaves and can photosynthesize on its own).
It is recommended to carry out the transplant in autumn, since it is at this time that the mother plant will suffer the least, and at the same time the cuttings will be growing slowly. Of course, when you do, you need to make sure the cut is done as quickly and accurately as possible. and, also, that you take at least one root from the mother plant (so that through it you can form new roots). Otherwise, it will not thrive.
As you can see, the Yucca palm is a plant that will give you very few headaches and will be as attractive as a palm tree. Although it’s not really a real palm tree. Do you have it at home or have you thought about having it?