Expert: Greg Simpson - 5/9/2007

Question
QUESTION: how do i propergate a cutting from my yacca tree,thanks
ANSWER: Annemarie,

There are really only 2 ways, seed and separating the "pups" from the main plant. If your Yucca produces seed, that is the bast way. If not, most yuccas produce "pups" around the base of the main plant. You can dig those up and separate them from the main plant. Replant them immediately in pots of soil and water them when ever the soil dries out.

You can also use a product called "Superthrive" which I have found to be very helpful when transplanting Yucca's. I should tell you though that transplanting Yucca's can be difficult depending on the species, so good luck!

Sincerely,

Greg

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for your reply, but how is it that the nursery seem to have them growing from cuttings, like sticks with shoots off them, not pups or seeds.done more like a cutting of a frangipani or the like without the leaves just stuck in a pot and somehow shooting.?

Answer
Annemarie,

Nurseries have special set ups with very controlled temperatures, sunlight, watering, rooting hormones and even heat from below. The general public (you and me) will have very little success trying to propagate Yucca's by stem cutting. You can try it, but the success rate is very low unless you have a set up like most commercial nurseries do. Check out this web page for some additional ideas:  http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/forums/showthread.php?t=7267

Good luck!

Sincerely,

Greg