Instead, get an inexpensive potting mix and blend in coarse sand and perlite to promote drainage. Excess water causes the roots to rot, killing the plant. Growing yucca in too little light can result in thinner and slower growth, while intense, direct sunlight can cause white spots on leaves or crispy, brown tips. When pups are green, they have enough chlorophyll manufacturing capacity to survive independently. This stress is usually caused by not knowing what is happening and how to fix it. getting enough light is that the leaves become greener. After all of the cold weather has passed, these brown areas can be trimmed away. Privacy Policy. Spray the diseased plant with a fungicide. The frost harms the leaves, and they may turn black or appear brighter than normal. This can take one or more days. To fix an overwatered plant: Stop watering and improve drainage by moving the plant to a pot with more drainage holes or providing well-draining soil. When yucca leaves get sunburned, they develop bright spots. Replant the pup in a new pot with fresh soil. The leaves on frost damaged yuccas will at first appear brighter or blackened (depending on how severe the initial damage) and will eventually turn brown. If your yucca has outgrown its space, cutting the plant's stem in half and repotting the pruned top portion may lead to a second plant. Place the cutting in a shady place for 2 to 3 days to allow the cutting to dry out. Inside, plant your yucca in a loose, well-drained potting mix. There are a few fungal and viral diseases that might be affecting your yucca. The first thing you should do after you buy a Yucca is not to transplant it immediately into a new pot. When exposed to a draft for an extended period of time, leaves turn yellow and drop off. When you change the plant pot or move the plant, the plant gets tense or stressed. A few are grown as houseplants, including Yucca gigantea (also known as Y. guatemalensis and Y. elephantipes) and the Yucca aloifolia. Remember that the yucca plant is generally a low-growing plant. Frost damage on yuccas typically will affect the leaves. Copyright Gardenerdy & Buzzle.com, Inc. Soggy stems signify too much water. Other problems that can lead to the dying Yucca plant are underwatering, disease, pests, light problems, or over-fertilization. I will be happy to help us improve the content by reading the content of the site and sending your comments. The plant's growth slows in the fall, causing less damage to the plant. If any snow falls on the foliage, brush it off with a gloved or mittened hand after the storm stops. Yucca plants need a chilling period before germinating. Click the links below to see on Amazon. Yuccas may be prone to frost damage, but at least they can grow back their succulent leaves in time! Lower leaves will also discolor as a natural part of aging. Yucca plant bugs eat the sap from the leaf as well. We hope you are enjoying Gardenerdy! Now, place the cutting in some potting soil and keep it in a place where it can get direct sunlight. So, if you want to acclimate your yucca to a new environment, you should do so gradually by introducing it to a bit more sunlight each day. Feed them in spring when the weather has warmed up and water it in well. In another article, we have examined all the reasons for the yellowing of the leaves of houseplants, be sure to read it. Proven Methods to Eliminate Spider Mites on Houseplants. The next threat is fungal diseases and blight. This article will help you identify the common problems, and get your Yucca plant back to health. Fortunately, yuccas are very hardy plants. Not to mention our super-high intelligence and sociability as a species, which has allowed humanity to establish itself at the top of Earths food chain. Though it's not absolutely necessary to keep the plant healthy, pruning yucca can keep it looking its best by removing damaged leaves and spent flowering stalks. The most common disease is root rot from overwatering, which I already told you about earlier. fungi thrive in the water on the yuccas leaves. Be careful not to damage the trunk. The spots are generally of 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter with a purple border. In addition to ample feedings, be careful not to overwater your yucca plant. Even though these guys arent the hardiest of ornamentals, theyre still capable of surviving the cold with the help of a well-prepared gardener such as yourself. Let the stalks naturally die back. When water freezes it expands in size, often causing damage to the structures containing the moisture. In the context of our photosynthetic friends, frost damage is sustained by vulnerable plants exposed to subfreezing temperatures. For example, you can grow an indoor yucca plant for at least five years without replanting or pruning it. The first time in early spring, the second time in late spring, and the third time in mid-summer. Thrips:This pest causes the Yucca leaves to wrinkle and turn gray, which is destroyed with insecticide . This 300-square-foot polypropylene cover thats available from Amazon can be cut to size to protect your specimens. It can cause dark spots on the plant Under the right conditions, yucca plants are not difficult to grow. This sometimes happens when owners move it outside in the summer. With the yucca plant, this can happen when they are abruptly This means that you have to move the pot about once a week to a brighter and brighter place. Despite your best efforts, yucca plants in cold weather may suffer cold damage, particularly if your cold snap is longer than a day or two. In cold rooms, yucca leaves darken and curl up more than in warm ones. Many of these yucca problems can be solved quickly and with easy solutions. You can also take a smaller part (a "branch") and propagate that instead. These creatures suck on the leaves and petioles of the Yucca and feed on its sap. In the early stages of overwatering, simply cutting back on watering and letting the plant and soil dry out is sufficient. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. How to Grow Plants Year-Round in an Unheated Greenhouse, How to Grow Plants Year-Round in an Unheated Greenhouse. These spots on the leaf first appears as tiny clear zones in older leaves. The disease is another possible cause of the Yucca plant dying. . The Yucca genus includes about 40 different species, with varying degrees of cold hardiness. Yucca leaves become brittle and wilted when watered frequently in the winter. Ensure that the However, it is susceptible to several diseases that can damage the plant. Therefore, yuccas are relatively adaptable to most indoor temperature conditions and fluctuations. While pruning is a quick and effective way to remove blemished leaves, make sure to address the cause of the damage to keep your yucca thriving. ASPCA. If you see rotten tissue, gently remove it. The pot should be thoroughly filled with water until the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot flows freely. Planting the yucca seeds directly in soil has a very low success rate. Yucca brevifolia (Joshua Tree) Yucca brevifolia is a tree-like species, usually solitary, erect, 3-12 tall, but occasionally up to 15 meters and canopy diameters of up to 6 meters. Assuming you are otherwise taking good care of the plant, the Yucca can handle temperatures over 90F (30C) down to roughly 45F (7C). If youd like to avoid problems with all your houseplants, and learn how to grow beautiful plants that thrive year after year,check out my book, Houseplants Made Easy. We have talked about browning of leaves tips in another article, be sure to read it. Whilst generally easy to care for, there are a number of common problems that can result in your yucca plant dying. The disease often causes spots on the leaves of your plant because spores from Read this article to learn how to identify and fix root rot for more info. How to Get Rid of Mealybugs for Good? If root rot has set in, youll need to take much more drastic steps to try and save your plant. Fungal leaf spots. Germination will begin at 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. For this reason, you should be Increase the ventilation around the plant and ensure the humidity is not too high near the plant. The leaves have sharp points and are an attractive pale blue-green color. As gardeners, we can combine our smarts and dexterity with the regenerative powers of yuccas to cultivate plantings that not only bounce back from frost damage, but are protected from it in the first place. Tamp down the soil in the pot, leaving about an inch of room at the top of the pot. Indoors, however, people tend to stick with two species: Indoors, yucca plants occasionally need to be pruned when they grow too tall for your space. Plants adapt to Clean the rot on the root system and plant the Yucca in fresh soil. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. These types of yucca problems show themselves by turning yellow. The leaves will start to turn yellow and the plant will die. The first signs are redness and drooping of the leaves. All this prevention and damage control requires a bit of work and forethought, but a yucca thats alive and well throughout years to come is its own reward. To solve this problem, you can spray with penetrating insecticide every two weeks. Sharpen and disinfect them well before working. Freeze damage and snow damage on a yucca is more difficult to deal with. In this situation, some of the roots may die and they will no longer be able to support the yucca. Since yuccas are often used as statement plants in desert garden designs, unsightly brown or yellow damaged leaves are unwelcome eyesores that are often removed. Plant the Yucca in well-drained soil. Pruning is also an easy way to collect a cutting and propagate your yucca. . One of the reasons of this yucca disease is Coniotyrium fungus, which causes yellow spots of 2 mm size on the leaves, especially on the old leaves, which can change the color of these spots to brown after time. If your yucca is droopy or turning yellow, brown, or black, it might be dying. Yuccas only need to be watered once the soil has almost completely dried out. Mulching a yucca with six inches of shredded bark or fallen leaves before the first frost can provide insulation and help to prevent frost damage. This tree has a top-heavy branch system. Yucca diseases and problems can be classified into several categories. Yucca plants naturally grow in sandy terrain. If any leaves turn brown and die later on, prune them away as well. Chilling injury is a milder form of frost damage that occurs when temperatures are above freezing, but still not warm enough to suit a particular plant. Common Yucca diseases and problems , save a dying Yucca, Yellowing and wrinkling of the yucca trunk, Irregular watering- excessive use of fertilizers and pesticide- high and direct sunlight. The first thing to do is to water it heavily Do this over a large tray so that the excess water drains out through the drainage holes. 0. This Yucca diseases is caused by excessive watering. their environment so if the yucca gets used to a certain amount of sun and is If you havent already, apply that frost blanket if weather colder than what your yucca can handle is ongoing. 9 leading causes along + Ultimate Solution Guide, A comprehensive Guide to 9 Pesticides for houseplants, Bye Mealybugs! In the right conditions, they live about five years as houseplants and up to 20 to 50 years if grown outdoors. Plants adapt to their environment so if the yucca gets used to a certain amount of sun and is then abruptly moved into the full sun, it may cause damage. copper fungicide to address a fungus infection. Maybe you were a bit lax with the above prevention steps, or perhaps a record-breaking winter occurred in your otherwise warm-enough garden. The most critical keeping point, as always, is correct and timely watering. also read the article about Best Time to Water Your Plants. By this point, what is and isnt a confirmed cold injury will be much more apparent. If you think over-fertilizing is the cause of your Yucca plant dying, flush the soil with plenty of water. In this situation, you should move the plant to a cooler place or spray water on the plant once in a while. Read this article to learn how to identify and fix root rot for more info. You can spray the plant once a week to eliminate this pest, but remember not to overuse the insecticide . In the Northern Hemisphere, placing plantings on the southern sides of structures such as buildings or walls will allow them to catch radiating heat and reflected sunlight while keeping them shielded from cold north winds. This plant can also tolerate 90F (30C) but will have reduced growth. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. make sure to water the plant when the soil has dried to a depth of 1 inch. Diseases and Other Plant Problems: No . Yucca plants are so easy to care for, drought tolerant, and pest resistant, but they can still get occasional problems if their care isn't ideal. As you can see, many infections and diseases are caused by excess water. Additionally, potted plants can be wrapped in burlap, old blankets, or even bubble wrap to keep the roots warm during winter but be sure to wrap just the containers, not the plants. How to Grow Christmas Carol Aloe: Anti-Sting and Makes You Sing! We will continue to explain Yuccas disease and suggest the possible solution fir them in the following. The color of the leaves turns pale or yellow. If yellowing occurs only at the tip of the yucca leaf, it can signify high temperature. If leaves higher in the plant are also browning, you've got a different problem. If you keep your yucca in the house, place it in Fungal disease in the yucca plant is mainly caused by excessive watering and high humidity. Unlock the Secrets to Lucky Bamboo Care ; Comprehensive Guide to Easy and Beautiful Lucky Bamboo Care, How to find the best fertilizer for Aglaonema plants? If planting yuccas outdoors, locate them away from paths and sidewalks since their leaf tips are sharp and can injure passersby. This can be avoided by using only sterilized pots and proper potting soil when planting the cuttings. Allow the pot to stand in the shade or semi-shade for a few weeks or even months. There can also be discoloration of the leaves along the tips and edges. By Nikki Tilley, Author of The Bulb-o . Yucca plants thrive in bright, indirect light indoors. Overwatering is usually caused by too frequent watering or poor drainage. yuccas love the sun, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. One of the most common symptoms of a sick yucca is browning leaves. The plant will store its nutrients in its roots. This whitening can be caused by the fungus that causes white spots on the yucca leaves. 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This 300-square-foot polypropylene cover thats available from Amazon can be cut to to! Size, often causing damage to the plant once a week to eliminate this pest, but not. In mid-summer 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter with a purple border water your plants you think over-fertilizing is cause! Direct sunlight our photosynthetic friends, frost damage on yuccas typically will affect the leaves and petioles of site! In late spring, and get your yucca plant is generally a low-growing.. & quot ; ) and propagate that instead be discoloration of the leaves start. Always, is correct and timely watering otherwise warm-enough garden dark spots on the plant to a of... Spray with penetrating insecticide every two weeks another article, we have examined all the for. Also read the article about Best time to water the plant and soil dry out not high. Greenhouse, how to identify and fix root rot has set in, youll need to take much apparent... 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Problems that can lead to the dying yucca plant be trimmed away light that. Number of common problems that can damage the plant will die have talked about browning of leaves tips in article...