Question
Hi Will,

I bought a Yucca Elephantipes plant about two years ago. It is about 6 feet tall in a 12" diameter pot. I have never repotted it. It is in a West facing window, but I am in Canada so it does not get a ton of intense light, especially in winter. I have watered it weekly as the soil feels dry on top, but suspect I have overwatered as the leaves have turned brown and died in most spots (there are still a few healthy green ones here and there) and some of the green ones are starting to get twisted and droop. If I pick up the plant the soil has a slightly rotting smell to it.

Should I repot it and if so, in what kind of soil mix? Is the pot size okay as is? (no roots are coming out the bottom holes). Also, should I cut off the dead leaves right to the stem of the plant and just leave the healthy ones? How do I tell when it needs to be watered? Anything else you would suggest?

Thank you so much for your time.

Regards,

Autumn

Answer
Hi Autumn,

If nearly all of the leaves have died or become distorted and you are getting the odor of rot, I have to be frank with you and say that the prospects are not good.

With Yuccas, it is best to let the top 3 to 4 inches of soil to dry out in between waterings. Based on your description, it would appear that it has been kept too moist since you have had it and the roots have gradually rotted and can no longer support the leaves. Once the roots die the plant cannot be saved.

If you want to try to salvage it, you would have to unpot it and remove all of the loose, probably very wet, soil. Look for signs of healthy roots that are whitish in color and not soft and mushy. I suspect you will not find any, in which case, you will have to discard the plant.

If you do find a half dozen or more healthy looking roots, then you can repot your Yucca into the SMALLEST pot that it will fit into. Use a fresh soilless, peat-based potting mix. Recovery will be very long (several years) at best.

If you want to e-mail me a photo at my address below, I may be able to tell you if such heroic efforts are worthwhile.

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

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

If this information has been helpful, please remember to give me an AllExperts rating and nomination.