- The yucca plant traditionally grows in warm, arid climates with a low level of moisture and temperatures that rarely or never drop below freezing. Yuccas grow in full sun and tolerate dry soils well; transplanting a yucca to an area where it does not receive enough light or is exposed to cold temperatures can lead to wilting. Yucca plants are primarily desert or arid plants and grow best under similar conditions to their native areas.
- Water the yucca plant regularly, but ensure the planter or soil drains water quickly to prevent problems with standing water. Excess water in the soil prevents the roots from taking in air, which causes the plant to suffocate or drown. A complete lack of water, on the other hand, causes the yucca plant to dehydrate, which leads to yellow, drooping and shriveled leaves. Keep the soil around the yucca moist but not saturated with water.
- Root crowding prevents the yucca plant from taking in nutrients and water, which leads to yellow leaves. If the yucca plant is growing in a planter, check to see if roots are emerging from the bottom: this is a sign of root crowding. Repot the yucca in a larger planter. If the yucca is growing in the garden, thin out the space between the yucca and other plants to reduce competition for nutrients in the soil.
- Full and direct sunlight throughout the day is key to a healthy yucca plant. Yucca plants require a great deal of direct sunlight and high daytime temperatures to grow properly and produce strong green leaves; the best temperatures for a yucca range between 70 and 80 degrees F. Keep the yucca plant where it can grow and remain warm to avoid wilting, yellow leaves and associated problems with stunted, weak growth.
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