Yuccas

Question

We have mature yucca plants outside, about 5 years now, but I don’t recall any flower bloom on them. What I am wondering, as I have had to cut away brown leaves that have dried up, the leaves that turn dry on the end, do I just cut off the whole leaf since that leaves a bare stalk? Does the entire stalk eventually die? Also, some newer stalks have grown with leaves on them down below in the dirt. Will that just keep happening? I love the coverage, but as you can see, I’m not sure of gardening with them. I think in Arizona the plants do get burnt. Is that possible?

Answer 1

Actually, yucca plants thrive in full sun and a few brown leaves is really nothing to worry about. It could be due to overwatering or poor drainage. If you notice additional browning of the leaves (spreading to others), then it could be a fungus, in which case, neem oil or other fungicide would help. You may be seeing the formation of pups at the base of the plant, which can be reemoved to create additional plants. Here is more info on that and pruning: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/yucca/separating-and-repotting-yucca-offshoot-pups.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/yucca/yucca-plants-care-and-pruning-tips-for-pruning-a-yucca.htm