Yucca plants help to bring a unique tropical vibe to the outdoor and indoor space. One of the most incredible things is that yucca cane care is easy.
The plant faces a few problems, and you can neglect the plant for a couple of months. The only crucial issue affecting the yucca plant is the yellowing of leaves.
But do not freak if you notice the leaves of your yucca cane turning yellow. This article provides helpful insights into the causes and ways how to fix the issue.
So, why does my yucca cane have yellow leaves? The most common problems are improper watering, water stress, aging, and pests. Other causes are diseases and nutrient deficiency.
Investigating the cause of the problem will help take the right course of action to save your yucca leaves from turning yellow and dying. Take time to read through the article and learn how to save a dying yucca plant.
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Why Is My Yucca Plant Leaves Turning Yellow?
The article will help you identify the problem and techniques for fixing the issue. The good news is that the yucca plant tends to have a quick recovery. Let’s find out:
Improper Light
Yucca plants thrive in bright indirect light. Exposing the plant to direct sunlight will scorch the leaves and even kill the plant.
Another important feature to note is that the indoor plant can survive under low light. But prolonged exposure to dim light will facilitate a slow growth rate.
Exposing the plant to direct high-intensity UV rays from the sun will make the leaves turn yellow and burn. It is one of the reasons behind growing the plant indoors.
Solution: Place the pot containing the plant near the window. The region should be receiving bright indirect light to allow the plant to undertake photosynthesis. Sufficient light helps to prevent the yellowing of leaves in the yucca plant.
Overwatering Stress
Another common cause of yellow yucca leaves is overwatering. Excess moisture in the pot results in root rot and this inhibits intake of nutrients from the soil.
Keep in mind that the yucca plant does not thrive in soggy soil. The condition damages the plant roots and it becomes difficult to absorb essential minerals that foster proper growth.
Solutions: Use well-drain soil and container with drainage holes. These holes help to expel excess water from the pot. Also, check the level of moisture in the soil before watering. It is one of the ways that can help to prevent overwatering stress.
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Pest Infestations
Indoor yucca plants are highly susceptible to getting infected by spider mites. These insects usually suck the sap from the leaves and cause discoloration.
Yellowing of yucca plant leaves is a clear indicator of pest infestation. You need to examine the leaves closely to confirm the presence of spider mites.
Solutions: Investigate the leaves by paying close attention to the texture of the leaf surface. Damp a cotton swab in an alcohol solution and wipe the leaves for 2-3 days to kill spider mites. Ensure the solution is not aggressive to the leaves.
Aging Plant
Yucca plants have a slower growth rate. It takes many years for the plant to start showing signs of aging. Meanwhile, the plant will make your backyard and indoor space stunning.
Old leaves tend to turn yellow and this is considered to be normal. There is no need to freak if the lower leaves of the plant are getting yellow.
Solution: Use a sharp knife to cut the lower yellow leaves from the plant. The discolored leaves might distort the general appearance of your space. Sometimes, pulling the yellow leaves off with a gentle tug is advisable.
Nutrients Deficiency
Yucca plants are not heavy feeders. It is one of the reasons behind the slow growth rate. But these plants do require some nutrients to enhance their well-being.
Insufficient nutrients in the soil will make the plant to experience stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. The most incredible thing the issue can be fixed without stressing your plant further.
Solution: Yucca plants need to be fertilized fewer times in a year. Use liquid fertilizer to foster a healthy yucca plant. Try to avoid over-fertilization since this can make your plant to die. Repot the plant if the issue persists.
Repotting Stress
Repotting stress is another indoor yucca plant problem that results in the yellowing of leaves. The issue is quite common due to abrupt changes in growing conditions.
The yucca leaves turning yellow and dying implies that the damaged root systems can no longer absorb water or minerals to support the plant.
Solution: Choose a large container for transplanting. It will create enough room for the roots to grow out and support the plant. Yellowing of yucca plant leaves due to transplant shock is temporal.
Fungal Diseases
Yucca plant is prone to fungal diseases and yellowing of leaves is a sign of poor health. The disease usually causes the formation of yellow spots on the leaves.
Overwatering is the major cause of fungal diseases in the yucca plant. The wet condition makes fungal spores to thrive on the leaves of the plant.
Solution: The application of fungicide on the plant will help to restore the plant. Try to avoid overwatering by checking the soil moisture level. The plant does not need a lot of water to flourish indoor and outdoor.
What Kills a Yucca Plant?
Getting rid of the yucca plant in your backyard space is not easy. It might involve several attempts to kill the plant completely.
The best option is digging out the root system of the plant. The yucca roots get weakened and die after some months.
Another exciting option is the use of pour stamp remover into the holes. The solution spread to the root system and finally kill the entire plant.
Do You Cut the Yellow Leaves off Yucca Plant?
Old leaves on the yucca plant are usually yellow. Cutting off the lower yellow leaves from the indoor plant is a good option.
You can cut the leaves far from the main branch. The purpose is to encourage the growth of new leaves with vibrant colors.
If you notice the edges and tips are yellowing, it is an indicator of the underlying issue. You need to examine the plant and identify the possible problem.
In Conclusion
Yucca leaves turning yellow and dying can be stressful. The biggest problem would be identifying the cause and devising the strategies for fixing the issue.
Hopefully, this article will help you identify the yucca plant problems and strategies for saving your plant. Improper light and overwatering are the crucial problems causing yucca leaves to yellow and droop.
Yucca plant is a great addition to your indoor and outdoor space. The houseplant can be handled by both novice and experienced growers.
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