The yucca "palm" - which is actually not a palm tree at all, but an agave plant - is a very vigorous houseplant that, if cared for well, strives diligently upwards. It forms a trunk and as a result often sheds the lower leaves. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. However, yellow or brown leaves can also be an indication of disease or pest infestation. The following article tells you what you need to pay attention to and why discolored leaves should be cut off.
When should you cut off yucca palm leaves?
Yellow or brown leaves on a yucca palm can be removed if they have dried out or indicate problems such as incorrect watering behavior, lack of light, sunburn, dry heating air, over-fertilization or warm overwintering. Pay attention to protecting he althy shoots.
Cut off yellow or brown leaves
Like any other plant, the yucca also gets yellow or brown leaves from time to time. You can cut these off directly at the shoot or, if they are completely dry, simply pull them off. However, make sure that the trunk or he althy shoots are not affected. Leave brown leaf tips as they are: if you cut off these unsightly areas, the leaf will dry out again at the cut point and turn brown again.
What discolored leaves on the yucca indicate
If the yellow or brown leaves only appear occasionally as the stem grows, the phenomenon is completely normal. You only need to worry if the discoloration occurs frequently. They are a sign that the yucca is sick or something else is not feeling well. Find out the cause, fix it, and remove the browned leaves. The palm lily should then grow he althy and strong again. As a rule, the discoloration can be attributed to:
- incorrect watering behavior (usually too much water and/or waterlogging),
- too little light (characteristic: the discoloration occurs on the side facing away from the light),
- too much light / direct sunlight (sunburn),
- dry heating air (countermeasure: spraying),
- wintering too warm without a rest period
- or over-fertilization / inadequate fertilization.
Sprout pieces can be used for propagation
By the way, shoot pieces with several leaves can also be used wonderfully to propagate the yucca. For example, if such a shoot has broken off or a yucca that is too large has to be cut up, simply plant the various pieces in a pot with potting soil (€6.00 on Amazon) or a potting soil and sand mixture. They will grow without any problems because yuccas are very vigorous and reproduce easily.
Tip
In addition to dried and yellowed leaves, spent inflorescences should also be cut off just above the ground.
