The Germans' favorite palm, which isn't actually one: Even though the yucca "palm" looks quite similar to a type of palm tree and is also called that, it still belongs to the asparagus family. Like the popular vegetable, the palm tree grows upwards and forms a straight trunk. The houseplant is used to a rather dry climate in its homeland, which is why you shouldn't water it too often.
How often should you water a yucca palm?
A yucca palm requires little water and should be watered sparingly. Water them about once a week to every two weeks during the growing season and even less frequently in the winter. Before watering, check the dryness of the substrate using the finger test.
Yucca palm needs little water
The various Yucca species are at home in the south of the USA as well as in the deserts and semi-deserts of Central America. The climate here is rather hot, dry, to which the plants have adapted perfectly. What this means for you at home: Water the yucca only a little and not too often. During the growing season, a cycle of once a week to perhaps even once every two weeks should be sufficient - even less frequently in winter. How often you water depends on the ambient temperature, the time of year, the age and size of the plant, and the humidity. Always do the finger test beforehand: stick your index finger about one to two centimeters deep into the substrate. If it is dry, you can water. Then ensure that excess water is removed from the planter or saucer.
Yellow leaves often indicate excessive humidity
If your yucca has a noticeable number of yellow leaves, this may indicate an excess of moisture. Waterlogging must be avoided at all costs, otherwise root and trunk rot can occur.
Tip
Instead of watering the yucca, you can simply spray it with room temperature water from time to time. It is preferable to use calcareous water for both spraying and watering.