Question
hi i brought a yukka plant from my local florest about 5 months ago, it has 3 trunks to it 2 little ones and a tall one, when i brought it it was beautifull  but in the last few weeks the leaves on the bottom two trunks have fallen down and have died, it sits near the window so gets plenty of light and i water it every two weeks as told to, r they ment to do  this or have i killed it much thanks for any advice kelly ford

Answer
Hi Kelly,

If all or most of the leaves on the shorter canes have died, then the prognosis is not great. If the stems growing out of the tops of the canes have shriveled, then they are definitely beyond recovery.

The good news is that the tallest cane apparently is still okay, but you need to determine the reason the others failed so you don't lose the tall one, as well.

You wrote, "near the window with plenty of good light." My experience is that most people over-estimate light intensity. The window should face south or west, should be completely uncovered (no sheers) throughout the day and should not be blocked outside by an awning, deck or shade tree. The Yucca has to be located right in front of the window and no more than a foot away. If you cannot meet all of those conditions, then your Yucca is not getting enough light. Yuccas are not low light plants.

Anyone who tells you to water by some predetermined calendar schedule doesn't know what they are talking about. All plants should be watered based on need. Assuming your Yucca is still in its original nursery pot, as it should be, then you should allow the top quarter of the soil to dry to the touch  before watering. If your Yucca was repotted, then all bets are off and there is no way for me to tell you how to water. All I can say is that a repotted plant is very vulnerable to root rot and root disease, which is why I counsel against repotting.

Although I cannot say specifically what has adversely affected your Yucca, I am quite sure it is either inadequate light or improper watering or repotting. Whichever it is, try to remedy the situation so you don't lose the remaining cane.

I have written articles on repotting, light and on Yucca care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com