Question
Yucca
Hi, when I returned off holiday I found that the stem of my
yucca plant had bent over, as though it was top-heavy, and
it was resting on the back of my sofa (luckily so that it
didn't snap completely). So, I got a length of wood about
half an inch thick and inserted that as a splint to stop the
stem from bending again as I found that the usual garden
canes were not long or sturdy enough. That was about 2-3
weeks ago and a couple of days ago I noticed that the bottom
leaves are wilting. The area where the stem bent was just
above where these leaves are wilting. The leaves are not
turning yellow so I doubt it is due to over-watering. I am
worried that the stem is damaged from when it bent. On
close examination of the stem, there are no obvious signs of
damage (no splitting). I have marked up the picture
attached to show the problem but please let me know if you
need any more info. I've had this yucca for 16 years so
I'll be very upset if it dies on me, especially as I've
already revived it twice due to over-watering. Thanks.
AnswerHi Jayne,
At least in the photo you provided, there is no obvious damage to the stem that would seem to account for the lower leaf yellowing. If the stem bends into a curve when unsupported as opposed to being creased and dropping nearly straight down, then it should be fine. If it is creased, then the plant will struggle to transport water and nutrients past that crease to the upper portion of the plant. But even in that instance, the leaves below the crease would not be effected. So the bending and leaf yellowing are likely just coincidental and not causal.
So why are those leaves yellowing? It is nearly always the lower leaves that yellow whenever a plant is under water or light stress. I would need a photo that shows the entire plant, including the pot and information about your Yucca's watering routine, repotting history and available light to be able to comment accurately about what may be causing the recent yellowing.
Will Creed
[email protected]
917-887-8601 (EDT)
