A palm tree as a bonsai? Some plant lovers might shake their heads in denial at this idea, after all, palm trees are not considered to tolerate pruning at all and are therefore not suitable for bonsai. These plants simply cannot be kept small enough and cannot be shaped - which are the typical characteristics of a bonsai. Fortunately, the yucca “palm” is not a palm tree, but is an asparagus plant.
Which types of Yucca are suitable for a bonsai?
A yucca bonsai is possible because yucca plants tolerate cutting. Stem-forming species such as Yucca elephantipes, Yucca rostrata, Yucca gloriosa, Yucca aloifolia, Yucca torreyi and Yucca brevifolia are suitable for bonsai culture. Appropriate care includes nutrient-rich substrate, moderate watering and targeted cutting.
Which types of Yucca can be trained for bonsai?
As such, a yucca is very tolerant of pruning and will usually sprout again even if it has been radically cut back - as long as only a small piece of trunk or a cutting remains. Naturally, the stem-forming Yucca species are particularly suitable for bonsai cultivation, for example
- Yucca elephantipes (giant palm lily)
- Yucca rostrata (hardy)
- Yucca gloriosa (candle palm lily, hardy)
- Yucca aloifolia (Grey Palm Lily)
- Yucca torreyi (hardy)
- Yucca brevifolia (Joshua tree or Joshua palm lily)
There are also different varieties or hybrids of some of the species mentioned.
Caring for a Yucca Bonsai Properly
So that your project is successful and you grow a beautiful Yucca bonsai, you should care for the plant according to its natural needs.
Location and substrate
Yuccas, no matter what type they are, need a bright, warm and protected location. These plants cannot tolerate drafts and moisture, nor can they tolerate being placed in full sun: this often leads to burns on the leaves. When it comes to substrate, choose a nutrient-rich soil that is mixed with sand and expanded clay. In any case, good drainage is immensely important, as the plant cannot tolerate waterlogging.
Watering and fertilizing
So only water the yucca moderately and, if possible, not penetratingly. Excess irrigation water should be removed immediately. Yuccas cultivated as bonsai should only be fertilized very rarely or not at all. However, the latter is only possible if the plant is moved into fresh substrate every year.
Cutting and wiring
Yuccas are very tolerant of pruning and continue to sprout even after radical pruning - although not always as hoped. Wiring is possible to some extent, but not on thick trunks and only on young shoots. In addition, most yuccas only form a trunk and no side shoots or branches. In this respect, there are limits to the design options in these cases.
Tip
Yuccas grown in pots should always be overwintered frost-free and cool in an unheated room or a winter garden at a maximum of 10 °C. This applies even if it is actually a winter-hardy species.
