Like any other plant, the yucca “palm” – which is not actually a palm tree but an agave plant – can become sick. Brown leaves indicate various care errors, although the discoloration is usually due to too much moisture.
Why does my yucca palm have brown leaves?
Brown leaves on a yucca plant can be caused by too much water, lack of water, or over-fertilization. Good drainage, moderate watering and fertilizing during the growing season will help correct the problem. In winter, dry heating air and a lack of light can also cause brown leaves.
The most common causes of brown leaves
The leaves of the yucca usually dry out from the tips of the leaves until the entire leaf finally looks brown and dried out. Don't make the mistake of cutting off the brown tips of the leaves, not only does it look very strange, but it actually doesn't do anything. The interface will dry out again and turn brown. It is better to live with the brown leaf tips or cut off the affected leaves completely. Completely dried leaves can also be easily picked off.
Lack of water / too much water
No matter whether outside or inside: If the yucca has brown leaves, this is almost always due to excess water. The plants should only be watered moderately and need good drainage so that excess water or (for planted specimens) rainwater can drain away quickly. If the plant is permanently too moist, the roots will rot. If the trunk and shoots finally become soft, the plant can usually no longer be saved - only cut, still he althy shoots can be planted as cuttings.
Overfertilization
Overfertilization can also cause the leaves to turn brown. Fertilize the plant moderately and, above all, only during the growing season between March and September - the yucca needs a rest period in winter. Palm lilies in the garden such as Yucca filamentosa or Yucca gloriosa do not need to be fertilized at all, they take care of themselves.
Tip
If the indoor yucca gets brown leaves during the winter months, this could also be due to a lack of light and/or dry heating air.
