Question
Hi Darlene,I have a yucca plant that is 4-1/2 feet tall,the bottom ends are fading they are not turning brown they are just dieing off. it's in a 12 inch pot.I water every 10to 12 days when it is dry on top.It's close to no drafts and it's next to a window.Will all the bottom leaves fall off?
I hate to have anything happen to my nice plant Can you help please thank-you so much.

Answer
Sandra,

Rooting hormone is a white powder that helps difficult plants root easier. Rootone is one brand. It is available in most garden centers such as at Walmart, Lowes and Home Depot. Hope that helps.

Darlene


Sandra,

It is the nature of the beast. I have a 24 year old yucca. As they age the lower leaves turn brown and when you remove them it reveals a trunk that looks something like bamboo. Yuccas end up looking a lot like palm trees in your home with all the leaves at the top.

I do reccommend that you cut back on the water during the winter. I only water mine about once a month. In the desert which is their native habitat winter is very dry. When the surface feels dry there is still a lot of moisture down lower in the soil.

It will eventually get too large and in the spring you can cut off the top part of the plant with at least 6-12 inches of bare cane and put rooting hormone on the tip of the cutting and insert it in the soil beside the original plant. The top will grow new roots and the original top will send out 2-3 side branches which ends up making it a really interesting looking plant. Good luck with yours.

Darlene