Question
Repot Yucca
Hello Will, (this is a resend - I forgot to attach the picture).
I am about to repot my Yucca and I would very much appreciate some advice. Its 22 years old and hasnt been repotted for about 5 years. Its quite heavily root bound.
The existing pot is 37cm (14.5 inch) wide (at the top) x 34cm (13.5 inch) Deep. Im intending repotting to a pot sized 47(18.5) x 41(16) which I hope is ok for the plant..?
I was advised at a garden centre to put 1 inch of gravel/chips at base and mix a quality soil based compost for mature plants with a little sand.
Can I ask, is it advisable to trim the roots of rootbound plants?
How long is it best to shade my plant after repotting?
I used to cut the dead leaves off, but I wonder why the plant doesnt drop them off - maybe it still wants them attached?
The leaves always go brown at the tip and occasionally it gets brown spots on the face of the leaves. Is this due to overwatering?
Many thanks for your help.
Kenny Steele"
AnswerHi Kenny,
Your photo confirms that your Yucca does not need a larger pot. However, it does need to be pruned back because it appears to be close to the ceiling or above the top of the windows.
I suggest pruning the tallest stem back to a height of about 3-4 feet. New growth will emerge on that stem just below where you make the pruning cut. The top cutting with all but 8 inches of bare stem removed can be rooted in water, in soil or in the base of the existing pot. After the pruned stem starts to grow in, you can prune back the next tallest stem. And so on. Eventually, you will have a shorter, less leggy, more compact plant.
I also suggest that you remove all of the dead eaves.
~Will
