I have been working today on You Tube and just posted a clip on the glorious Yucca. I realized that I've not yet written about this sturdy and handsome houseplant. It's very easy to grow this plant, if you have a place for it that receives very bright indirect light or direct sunshine. Yuccas are a wonderful choice as a houseplant for someone who is just beginning to grow and appreciate plants indoors.
It's also a great choice for someone who does not have a lot of time to devote to plant care. A large specimen will not need water often. They are slow growers so you won't have much concern about repotting them since the need for that rarely happens.
The Yucca species that is grown as a houseplant is botanically known as Yucca elephantipes. They can be naturally found in the United States in southern California as well as along the Carolina coasts and Florida. Yucca species are also indigenous to parts of South America and Central America.
There is a species that landscapers use here in the Washington, DC area. It grows well and blooms with a large spike of white bell-shaped flowers in the summer. You shouldn't try to grow your the houseplant Yucca outside, if it freezes in your area. It is not winter hardy. It is possible though, for it to bloom indoors with a large spike of white flowers, but I've not seen that for myself, yet.
Care Instructions:
- At least some direct sun is best. Yuccas can sit in front of a window with full sun and thrive. They are tolerant of bright indirect light for awhile. If the new growth is not as sturdy and deep green as the older growth, it probably needs to be moved to a sunnier location. .
- For a 6" (15cm) diameter pot, water when the soil is dry about 1" (2.5cm) below the soil surface with about a pint (1/2 liter) of water
- For an 8"diameter pot, water when the soil is very dry up to about 2" (5cm) below the soil surface with about a quart (almost 1 liter) of water
- For a 10" diameter pot, water when the soil is dry up to 3" (cm) inches below the soil surface. If it's very dry on top, it can be watered. Use 2 quarts or almost a liter of water when it's ready.
- Fertilize regularly for best growth
- Soil moisture meters made to test the moisture level of an indoor plant's soil are readily available at your hardware store, nursery or garden center.
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***For a variety of video clips on houseplant care from my 90's TV series, now on YouTube, click here:
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