Basically, the yucca palm can also be cultivated wonderfully in various hydro systems, although in principle you can use all standard hydro substrates such as expanded clay, pebbles or even plastic. You don't even need special pots, because low-maintenance hydroponics can also be carried out in conventional planters - thanks to the right substrate, proper drainage and a water level indicator.
Can you grow yucca palms hydroponically?
Yucca palms can easily be cultivated hydroponically by placing them in expanded clay, pebbles or plastic. Hydroponics offers advantages such as less frequent watering, constant water supply and reduced allergy risks due to the lack of fungal spores.
Benefits of Hydroponics
Many people don't dare to cultivate their plants hydroponically; The system is too complicated. This form of plant cultivation offers great advantages, especially for working people and also for allergy sufferers. A hydroponic yucca needs to be watered less frequently, you just need to pay attention to the water level and top it up from time to time. Otherwise, the plant can “help itself” at any time and simply get as much water as it actually needs. Allergy sufferers, on the other hand, appreciate that the numerous fungal spores that normally occur in any natural plant substrate are completely eliminated when using hydro substrates.
Switching from soil to hydroponics
So there is a lot to be said for keeping a yucca hydroponically. However, if a yucca palm that previously grew in soil is now to be cared for hydroponically, the entire root system must first be freed from the old substrate. This is extremely important, otherwise the changeover will not be successful! It's best to wait until the soil is completely dry, as this is the easiest way to expose the roots. Then rinse the root system thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining substrate residue.
Caution: switching is particularly problematic with older plants
But caution is advised, because switching from soil to hydroponics is problematic, especially with larger and older plants, and is often associated with failure (i.e. the plant dying). By removing the old substrate and the associated washing out of the roots, injuries to them are inevitable. Therefore, the yucca should always be cut back if the change cannot be avoided. Ideally, you should cultivate young plants in a hydrosubstrate right from the start, then there will be no problems with any change.
Properly care for yucca in hydroponics
After changing or potting in hydrosubstrate, the yucca only receives water without the addition of nutrients. After about three to four weeks, you can then add special nutrient solution suitable for hydroponics (€9.00 on Amazon). Never fertilize hydroponic plants with conventional fertilizer, this is far too strong and will lead to over-fertilization and therefore root damage. In winter you should keep the water level constantly low so that the roots remain only slightly moist. A nutrient supplement can be avoided during the cold months.
Tip
Hydrosubstrates generally do not need to be replaced. An occasional repotting if the yucca no longer fits into its planter should still be done.
