Question
I have 2 Yucca 'elephantipes' canes indoors.  One is fine; the other has problems:  1. Cane foliage [especially those closer to the base of the plant] is turning yellowish-white [not the leaf tips]; and 2. There is also a 'yellowish-white' crust on the top of the soil.  Is this a mold or what?  Am I over-watering?  The cane with the problems is in my living and doesn't receive as much sunlight as the one in my bedroom [which looks great].  I have had gnat problems with the one in the bedroom but have since gotten rid of the gnats.  It's the living room plant that's the problem.  I also have a Dracaena Marginata in the living room which has just started showing signs of the 'yellowish' crust on the soil.  Any Help Appreciated!

Answer
Hi Shelia,

It is much easier to overwater a plant that is in reduced light. If you are keeping the living room Yucca on the same schedule as the healthier one in the BR, then  you are overwatering for sure. Yuccas really do require lots of sunlight to thrive. Make sure it is close to a an uncovered window. They also need the soil to dry out a quarter of the way deep into the pot before watering.

If your local tap water is on the hard side, that will cause mineral salts to build up in the soil, especially if the soil is not allowed to dry out properly. If your tapwater is hard, switch to filtered or distilled water.

I should also note that any beverages other than water poured into the soil may cause the crusty stuff you see. Many people (a guest, family member) think it is perfectly okay to pour beverages into potted plants.

I have written an article 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 PlantCareExperts.com