The Yucca palm - despite its common name - does not belong to the palm trees, but to the asparagus family. The very popular and easy-care houseplant can be easily recognized by its thick trunk and the clusters of leaves that grow from it with wide leaves that are up to half a meter long. The plant is often referred to as a palm lily, although strictly speaking it is not a single plant species, but rather a few closely related species. However, these are very similar in both their appearance and their requirements.
How do you properly care for a yucca palm?
The Yucca palm needs a bright location, loose and nutrient-rich substrate, regular watering (without waterlogging), fertilization every two weeks during the growing season, occasional repotting and overwintering at around 10 degrees Celsius. Slowly get used to direct sun outdoors.
Which location does the palm lily prefer?
Yucca palms need a bright location. The plants always align themselves with the sun, which is why specimens that are too dark do not grow upright, but rather crooked and also rot. You can also place the plants in direct sun, but you have to get them used to it slowly at first - otherwise there will be unsightly burns on the leaves. However, the hot and intense midday sun should be avoided, especially during the summer months.
In which substrate does the yucca palm feel particularly comfortable?
The yucca palm feels particularly comfortable in a loose, well-drained and, above all, nutrient-rich substrate. You can use standard soil, but green plant substrate is also suitable. If you prefer to mix it yourself, use normal garden soil with a little humus and sand. But good drainage in the form of expanded clay or clay shards is almost even more important, as the yucca palm absolutely cannot tolerate waterlogging. On the other hand, the plant can also be kept excellently in hydroponics.
What should the ideal planter for a yucca palm be like?
It's best to repot a freshly purchased yucca palm straight away, because the plant pots sold with it are usually far too small. The plant develops quite strong roots, which is why the pot should be tall rather than wide. However, do not choose a container that is too narrow, as it can quickly tip over due to the plant's own weight.
Can you also cultivate the yucca palm outside?
During the warm summer months, you can place the potted plant not only in the apartment, but also in a warm and bright spot on the balcony or terrace, but if possible not in the blazing sun. However, since the yucca palm is not hardy, it is better to spend the cold season indoors or in the winter garden. However, sometimes hardy Yucca species are also available commercially, which can also be planted in the garden in regions with mild winters.
What should you consider when watering the yucca palm?
Yucca palms are usually over-watered rather than under-watered. Always keep the substrate slightly moist and do a finger test before each watering: the soil should feel dry to a depth of about two centimeters. Do not water thoroughly, just a little. Excess irrigation water should be removed from the saucer immediately to avoid waterlogging.
How often and with what should you fertilize the palm lily?
Fertilize the yucca palm approximately every two weeks during the growing season between April and October with a balanced fertilizer for green plants (€9.00 on Amazon). The best solution is a liquid fertilizer that is administered together with the irrigation water. If you often forget to fertilize, you can also use slow-release fertilizer.
Can you cut back the palm lily?
Basically, pruning is not necessary. However, if the yucca palm becomes too large, you can also cut the trunk or trunks. As a rule, the plant will sprout again. However, don't forget to close the cuts with a sealant - this way bacteria and other pathogens cannot get in there.
When should you repot the yucca palm?
The plant should always be repotted when the roots are already threatening to grow out of the plant pot. The best time for such a measure is spring.
Which diseases and pests are particularly common in the Yucca palm?
Most diseases of the palm lily occur during the winter months, when the plant is weakened by overwintering that is too warm and dark. The problems are usually due to too little light and/or too much water. Pests, on the other hand, often appear in spring or early summer, such as spider mites or mealybugs or mealybugs.
Can you propagate the palm lily yourself?
Many yucca palms, especially when they are older, usually form so-called kindles at the base of the trunk. These are offshoots that can only be carefully removed from the mother plant and then planted separately.
What is the best way to overwinter the yucca palm?
The Yucca palms sold as houseplants are not frost hardy, but overwinter best in a bright and cool place at around 10 °C. Of course, you can also leave the plants in the warm living room, but you should then ensure there is enough light.
Tip
There is disagreement about whether the yucca palm is poisonous or not. In the specialist literature it is described as generally harmless, although veterinarians report symptoms of poisoning in some pets from time to time. These appear to occur primarily in rodents such as rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. The plant contains saponins, which may cause symptoms of poisoning. So if you have pets, it's better to be on the safe side and keep the yucca palm out of reach of the animals or not cultivate it at all.
