Yucca – uneven new growth, stunted shoots

Question

I had to move a yucca plant that was over 6 foot and decided to do this by cutting it in half. After a couple of months, three shoots appeared symmetrically around the top of the stem. Only one has gone on to produce lots of leaves the other two remain as shoots. This has been the case for 4 months.

The plant did get attacked by aphids which can’t have helped (the stunted shoots look unaffected), but I think I have gotten rid of these now and I’m sure a larger pot would help, but I’m really limited on space. The plant is in an east facing window on the south coast of England.

Do you have any ideas?

Answer 1

It could be a fungus that is attacking the plant as well, this could explain the stunted shoots. As a precaution, I would recommend treating the plant with a fungicide.

A lack of nutrients could also explain the stunted growth as well as salt build up in the soil from fertilizing. How often do you fertilize? If it is more than every other month, you may want to try just swapping out the soil. You can keep it in the same container, since it sounds like you are limited on space, but just take out the old soil and put in new clear soil to remove any possible salt build up. If you are fertilizing less than every other month, I would recommend that you give the plant some fertilizer.

Answer 2

Thank you so much Heather! Would the fungus be where I cut the stem?
I took the plant on for someone so not sure about feeding, I suspect it was underfed. I have fed it since every 4 weeks or so. The soil change sounds like a good idea even if it isn’t a salt build up just to get some fresh stuff in there.