The Yucca is one of the most popular houseplants. The extremely fast-growing plant can grow up to five meters high and therefore quickly reaches the ceiling. The round trunk has several shoots with palm-like leaves, which is why the plant is also often referred to as the Yucca palm. Despite all the similarities, the palm lily - the botanically correct name - belongs to the agave or, more precisely, to the asparagus family. It is easy to care for and loves being outside in warm summers.
Can a yucca palm grow outside?
A yucca palm can be grown outside in warm weather (above 20°C) if it has been accustomed to a bright, sheltered location and protected from rain and wind. Hardy Yucca species can be cultivated outdoors all year round, but should be protected in cold winters.
Put out indoor yucca in warm weather
The giant palm lily (Yucca elephantipes) is often found in German living rooms. This warmth-loving type of Yucca grows particularly large, but is not hardy and is quite sensitive to drafts. Nevertheless, you can safely cultivate the plant on the balcony or terrace or perhaps even in the garden during the warm summer months - but in a pot, because you should definitely not plant this species out. The Yucca elephantipes would freeze to death even at temperatures around zero. However, the plant will appreciate a warm summer freshness with lush he alth and strong growth.
Protect indoor yucca outdoors from rain and wind
In order for your yucca to actually feel comfortable, a few conditions must be met. First of all, there is the right location: The Yucca elephantipes prefers a bright, warm and protected location. However, do not immediately place the plant in direct sun, but rather accustom it to it gradually. Otherwise, there will be unsightly brown spots on the leaves due to sunburn. You should also protect the plant from rain and wind, because the plant, which comes from rather dry regions, cannot tolerate moisture.
At a glance: What you need to pay attention to when growing indoor yucca outdoors
- Place the yucca outside at temperatures above approx. 20 °C.
- The weather should be warm and dry.
- A cold, wet summer is rather unsuitable for going outside.
- The Yucca needs a bright and protected location.
- It also likes to be in full sun, but only after a period of getting used to it.
- Otherwise there will be unsightly sunburn on the leaves.
- Don’t forget to water and fertilize regularly.
- Bring the yucca back into the house in time for autumn.
- The houseplant is not hardy.
Garden yucca can stay outside all year round
If you want to cultivate a hardy yucca in the garden, you will certainly find what you are looking for in the group of palm lilies. Among the approximately 50 different species, there are some that are winter and frost hardy and can even survive harsh winters. During the summer months, these garden yuccas often delight with impressive blooms.
Garden yuccas suitable for outdoor cultivation:
- Yucca filamentosa (Filamentous Palm Lily)
- Yucca gloriosa (candle palm lily)
- Yucca rostrata
- Yucca glauca (Blue-green palm lily)
- Yucca baccata (Blue Palm Lily)
Tip
In very cold or snowy winters, protect the garden yuccas with, for example, a garden fleece (€34.00 on Amazon) or similar. In spring, frozen or dried parts of the plant must be removed so that the yucca will sprout again.
