Question
Hi Will,

I am hoping you will be able to help me. I have had three yucca plants for the last 8 years that have done just fine. In the last 2 months their lowest leaves began to lose their green color, curled inwards, turned white then died. I have been treating them exactly as normal and they have not been moved.
They were originally together in one pot but quickly outgrew it and were repotted about 4 years ago to separate pots, and had been doing very well and have grown considerably. However until now they had lost no leaves at all, so I wonder if this may simply be a normal proccess? I have mailed you a picture.

Thanks for your help and time,
Regards
Craig

Answer
Hi Craig,

Thanks for sending the photo. That helps a lot.

The yellow leaves are a symptom of a number of things; improper watering and inadequate light are the two most common causes of those symptoms.

I see the windows near the Yucca, but I cannot determine just how much light comes through. The tops of the stems, where the new growth comes in, have now reached higher than the tops of the windows and are not getting as much light as they should. Unless the window is facing south or west, your plant is not getting enough light to thrive, especially at this time of year.

Of course, I cannot tell about your watering technique. However, it is best if you water thoroughly only when the top quarter of the rootball feels dry.

The photo doesn't show the entire pot, so I cannot tell if the pot has drainage holes in the bottom. If it does not, then that is definitely a problem. Let me know if that is the case.

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]

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