Expert: Greg Simpson - 7/19/2006

Question

WE HAVE SIX WONDERFUL YACCA PLANTS IN OUR BACK YARD THEY HAVE BEEN GROWING NOW FOR FIVE YEARS THEY ARE OVER A METRE HIGH AND IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS ONE OF THEM THE BOTTOM LEAVES HAVE STARTED TO TURN YELLOW MY WE TOOK OFF A FEW OF THEM BUT CANT WORK OUT WHY THIS IS HAPPENING THERE ARE TWO NEXT TO IT AND THEY ARE FINE CAN YOU HELP US ALSO WE LIVE IN AUSTRALIA MELBOURNE HOPE U CAN HELP AS WE LOVE THESE PLANTS AND IT WOULD COST US HUNDREDS OF DOLLORS TO REPLACE IT.

Answer
Dear Luisa,

The easiest thing to compare your Yuccas with are either a palm tree or your own grass tree (which is native to Australia). As the plant grows taller, the bottom leaves will yellow and die. With most Yuccas, they can be removed pretty easily after they die.

As long as the plant is growing vigorously, this type of leaf die back is normal. If you don't feel that it is normal, please send me some photos of the plant close up and from a distance to: gregandkat@msn.com

Thanks, sincerely,

Greg