Question
Hello Darlene,

I just recently purchased our Yukka plant from Ikea which is about 6 feet tall. It's in a small black pot that we purchased it in. The first week we bought it, we went out and bought a 20 inch terra cotta pot for it, but when at the nursery they told us we shouldn't re pot it until spring.

Now here's a couple questions. We have it in front of a South facing window, and its bottom leaves are dying. I don't know (after reading your other posts) if it's due to the fact that it's not getting enough light, or the pot is too small(pretty small maybe 14-15 inches)?

Also we noticed there are fungi or mushrooms growing in the soil,  and the soil does not have rocks or sand in it, which I think this plant needs?

Sorry about all the questions, just needed some advice.

Thank you very much,

Jenny

Answer
Jenny,

The fungi are growing because it is peat based soil and you are overwatering it. Go ahead and move it to a terra cotta pot but it should be one that is no more than 4 inches larger diameter than the pot it is in now. You should use a mix of one third potting soil, one third perlite (which can be found where you get the potting soil and looks like little white styrofoam pellets, it is very light weight and will keep your soil lighter, it is a volcanic product) and one third builders sand which you can get at Lowes, Builders Square, or Menards.  I would also reccommend that you pick up a water meter at your garden center. It can be inserted into the soil in the center of the pot and it will tell you if it is wet or dry. Frequently the surface feels dry but the soil down further is actually wet. I feel that is the problem you have now. The roots are never totally drying out. This is a desert plant and it actually needs to get dry and be dry for a week before it gets watered again during the fall and winter months. During spring and summer months it only needs to be dry for 3- 4 days. If it is not allowed this dry period the roots begin to rot, you get mushrooms and dying lower leaves. The light is not a problem. Keep it in front of that south facing window. Normally I would also tell you not to repot till spring also but this plant needs sandy soil now and the terra cotta pot will let the roots breathe better than the plastic pot. Just be very careful about not overwatering through the winter. Good luck.

Darlene