Expert: Greg Simpson - 8/13/2005

Question
can you transplant a yacca like you do all other cactus? Someone gave me a large yacca in hopes I could get it to grow, It has no roots but some cuctus don't need roots, Is this true here? Can I save it at all?                                Thank you,    Paulette

Answer
Dear Paulette,

Unfortunately a Yucca is not a cactus. While it is true that most cactus do not need roots when planted, that is not the case for Yuccas. If what you have is a cutting from a branch of another Yucca plant, the chances that it will root are very slim.

You can try placing it in some very porous soil and use a product called "SuperThrive" when you water it. SuperThrive is not cheap, so it may be more cost effective to purchase a plant grown from seed. Sorry I could not be of more help.

Sincerely,

Greg