Figuring out how and where to plant your yuccas can be tricky without some help. Are you worried that your plant will not drain properly, or do your yuccas need more moisture? We have done the research to bring you the answers. Let's check it out.
Yuccas are sensitive to overwatering, meaning good drainage is a must. Although these slow-growing plants don't require high-quality soil, there needs to be good drainage beneath them. Regardless of where you have your yucca located, too much water and poor drainage can turn into a deadly situation for your plant.
As we get into this post, we will share the best ways to grow yuccas and tag some helpful products. Whether you grow a yucca plant inside or out in the garden, good drainage is essential to your plant's overall health and happiness. With that said, let's dive into this topic!
Where Does Yucca Originate From?
Despite being ever-popular in the United States, yuccas are native to Mexico and Latin America. This species of sword-shaped succulents are members of the subfamily Agavoideae of the Asparagaceae family and thrive in desert climates. Yuccas have over 45 different species and are known for their beautiful pink and white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer seasons. These desert flowering plants grow in zones five to ten and require very little attention.
Are Yuccas Easy To Grow?
Surprisingly enough, growing a yucca plant of your own is an easy and low-maintenance option for most climates. Yuccas tend to thrive when left alone and in places with low humidity, so anyone reading from the desert is in the right place. With that said, you can still easily grow a yucca indoors as long as you have a bright spot to put it. No matter the place you plant them, make sure your yuccas soil has good drainage and plenty of room.
CrapeMyrtleGuy Red Yucca Live Plant
Here is a live red yucca from CrapeMyrtleGuy that is perfect for planting in and outdoors. This yucca will come six to 12 inches tall and comes in a shipping-safe planter.
View this yucca on Amazon here.
What Is A Root Bound Plant?
When it comes to a plant being root-bound, that essentially means the plant's roots have taken over the pot or space they are in. Root-bound plants typically tend to sprawl out once planted and are a hassle to repot or relocate within your garden. Each plant will react differently to its environment, but if your plant is root-bound, expect an underground maze of roots.
Do Yuccas Like To Be Root Bound?
From what we found, yuccas do tend to be root-bound. Yuccas are drought-tolerant, meaning they can survive prolonged periods between being watered. The case with many drought-tolerant plants is that they tend to be root-bound to get the most moisture from their environment. Yuccas go where the moisture is, no matter how far their roots need to spread.
What Type Of Soil Does Yucca Like?
Unlike many plants, yuccas prefer poor, dry, and alkaline-rich soil to grow in. Yucca is a desert plant, meaning it can survive in harsher than usual conditions as long as the drainage is good. If you plant your yucca outside, make sure to add sand or gravel to your soil to help with water draining.
What Type Of Soil For Indoor Yucca Plants?
If you decide to plant a yucca inside, the soil needs to be mostly sand. From what we found, a good ratio between your sand and soil is about three to one. Similar to outdoor needs, yucca likes gravel and sand much more than typical potting soil. Another thing to keep in mind is that yucca will be root-bound, so give your plant some extra wiggle room inside its planter.
Next Gardener Potting Soil Mix for Indoor Succulent
Here is a pre-mixed potting soil for indoor succulents from Next Gardener to use on your yuccas. This soil has gravel mixed into it for drainage and promises to absorb and dispense water evenly to your indoor plant.
Follow this link to see this soil on Amazon.
Hoffman Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix
Here we have another indoor succulent potting mix from Hoffman to try on your yuccas. This pre-mixed soil promises to work on desert and jungle plants, drain quickly, and is certified organic.
View this organic soil on Amazon here.
When Should You Re-Pot A Yucca Plant?
When it comes to re-potting and re-planting a yucca, less often is ideal. Considering that yuccas do root quite a bit, you should not have to re-pot them more than once every few years. Yuccas are relatively slow-growing plants, so there is no need for yearly re-potting or planting. We suggest you plant your yucca in a big enough pot to last it two to three years to avoid frequent re-potting.
What Type Of Planter Should I Get For A Yucca?
Regardless of how mature your yucca is, it is vital to choose a good, sturdy planter. Drainage is a significant issue for yuccas, so the planter you choose needs to have a draining tray at the bottom. Most indoor planters include a draining tray, so make sure to look for one with that option.
8" Self Watering + Self Aerating Unique Drainage Succulent Planter
Here is a succulent planter that is perfect for draining a yucca. This eight-inch planter comes with a tray and promises to minimize root rot, over-watering, and comes in a few different colors.
Check out this planter on Amazon here.
Bloem Saturn Planter with Saucer
Here we have another good option for an indoor yucca plant. This ten-inch planter has pre-drilled drainage holes and comes in a few different colors.
See this planter on Amazon here.
How Often Should I Water A Yucca Plant?
When it comes to how often you need to water a yucca plant, we suggest once per month for the most part. Yuccas are highly sensitive to waterlogging, meaning that even the slightest bit of extra water they don't need can drown them. We suggest you water a yucca plant more frequently during its spring and summer growing season, but no more than once per week. Although you might have your plant in a well-draining planter, too much moisture can also harm your yucca.
How Do I Know If My Yucca Needs Water?
Although yuccas prefer very little water, they eventually will need it. From what we found, the best way to check is by sticking your finger about 2.5 centimeters into your plant's dirt and feeling if it is too dry. Yuccas will also start to brown at the tips of their leaves when they need water, so make sure to look for that. An easy way to keep your yucca properly watered is to stick to a watering schedule and then mist your plant in between if the weather is especially hot or dry.
Plant Mister Spray Bottle
Here is an excellent plant misting spray bottle to use between waterings. This spray bottle promises to mist your plants evenly, is leakproof, and is BPA-free.
Check out this plant mister on Amazon here.
How Often Should I Fertilize A Yucca Plant?
According to our research, younger yuccas should be fertilized every three months, or at least twice per year. Although yucca does not need fertilizer to grow and survive, it will help speed up the flowering process on your plant. Yuccas tend to take two to three years before blooming, so adding a slow-release fertilizer will only cut down that waiting period. Desert plants tend to do well when left alone, but a little boost of nutrients never hurt anybody.
What Type Of Fertilizer Is Best For Yuccas?
The best fertilizer to use on a yucca plant is a slow-releasing, low nitrogen option. Because yuccas are succulents, make sure to find a desert plant fertilizer rich in nutrients that won't shock your plant all at once. Yucca plants are sensitive to overwatering and overfeeding, so you should be as scarce as possible with your fertilizer.
Perfect Plants Slow Release Succulent Fertilizer
Here is a succulent fertilizer from Perfect Plants that will work well on yuccas. This fertilizer promises to feed your succulents for six months and is balanced for sensitive plants and roots.
See this succulent fertilizer on Amazon here.
Our Final Thoughts
Whether you have yuccas currently growing in your garden or are just getting started, good drainage is essential. Although this hardy desert plant can take quite a beating, yuccas need good draining soil and plenty of room to grow. From what we found, your soil does not need to be top of the line but should include tons of sand and gravel. Yuccas are root-bound, so we suggest giving them enough space in your garden or planter so you don't end up having to re-pot or re-plant them too often. Regardless of where you live, make sure not to overwater your yucca and give it some space, literally.
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