Yucca Plants Information

Overview

Considered a succulent, yucca plants use a several highly specialized adaptations to survive and grow in desert environments. There is a great variety of yucca plants, giving gardeners plenty of choices for gardens in hardiness zones 3 to 11, although not all yucca varieties grow in all zones. Gardeners should plant yucca plants away from areas of high foot traffic since the plant's sharp leaves easily cut the skin. The plants also work well to prevent access to various areas of the garden.

Adaptations

Yuccas feature thick, waxy cuticles and fleshy leaves to help store food and water. Their roots also store extra food and water for times of drought and intense heat. During a prolonged drought, the plants adapt to the problem by dropping their leaves. They also stop growing until conditions improve.

Types

All yuccas sport thick, sword-shaped leaves with clusters of white, bell-like flowers. The evergreen perennial plants include varieties such as Spanish Bayonet (Yucca aloifolia), a yucca with dark green leaves and large flower clusters that grows up to 10 feet in height. Another variety, Adam's Needle (Yucca filamentosa), features stiff, pointed leaves with loose fibers on the edges and mildly fragrant white flowers. Yet another variety, Spanish Dagger (Yucca aloifolia), features multiple trunks that grow up to 10 feet in height. The leaves of Spanish Dagger feel soft to the touch, unlike those of most other yucca plants. In late summer, a cluster of creamy white flowers appears.

Challenges

Yuccas thrive in the desert, but they offer a challenge to gardeners who try to grow them in the landscape. The plants remain susceptible to extreme hot and cold temperatures and an excess of rainfall or over-watering. Planting them too deep in the soil also causes problems.

Planting

Like most succulents, yuccas require fast-draining soil. If planting in a container, consider using one of the special cactus soil mixes. For planting in heavy clay soils, add pumice to help the soil drain better. Sandy soils require the addition of compost or peat moss to correct the soil so it helps retain nutrients and water. Plant yuccas in a sunny location, making sure the bottom green stem of the plant stays above ground.

Care

Yuccas require a fine balancing act between receiving enough and too much water. Allow the plants to dry out between watering with a goal of irrigating once every 10 to 14 days. In times of prolonged drought, the plants may need more water to help them better handle the heat. Feel the root zone; if it feels at all wet, wait until it dries to water again. Once nighttime temperatures drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, stop watering the plants until temperatures warm back up.

Pests and Diseases

Yucca plants remain susceptible to leaf-spotting fungi when wet weather sticks around. The excessive moisture causes black areas to appear on the leaves. Black aphids, which can ruin the yucca's flowers, pose another problem.