Expert: Greg Simpson - 3/24/2003

Question
Hello Greg,

I have an indoor yucca.  About a month ago one of the branches(bulbs) started dying.  The bulb had only one leaf left on it, which was yellow and pretty much dried up.  As I was trimming it one day, I accidentally pulled off the whole bulb.  The base of the bulb is exposed and now there is a distinctive smell when I pass it.  

Just a week ago there appears to be brown sap that is coming out from the cane (bark) in different areas.  The other two stalks are OK and look very healthy.  The affected stalk seems to be softer than the other healthy ones.

When I purchased the Yucca, I noticed a bulb had fallen off in the same manner.  The exposed was white and dried up and didn't have any remanding part of the base (bulb) left on it.  Unlike mine...there is part of the bulb still left on.   

1. Is there something I should get to seal the exposed part, where the bulb was removed?

2. Shall I remove the remaining part of that dead bulb?

3. What safe method should I take to clean up the brown sap from the stalk?

Any advise on caring for my sick Yucca would be gladly appreciated.  Thanks!

Brian

Answer
Dear Brian,

Let the exposed area dry out. It sounds like your plant is rotting for some reason. I would remove the branch that is rotting (the one that has become soft). Whatever you do, don't water it. Let the soil dry out completely before you water it again. Yuccas generally only rot from too much water or if they are exposed to too much heat, not a problem this time of year.

After your sure your yucca is no longer rotting (probably 3 months from now), replant it in fresh soil in a new pot. Once they start to rot, there will be bacteria in the soil that will continue to affect your plant. Knock as much of the dirt as you can and sprinkle powdered sulfur on the roots. Hopefully this helps. Make sure to use a product called Superthrive when you replant, just cut the dosage in half. Good luck!

Sincerely,

Greg