Expert: Diana Hamilton - 6/19/2009

Question
I have had my Yukka for almost 2 years and it is very healthy and sprouting new leaves continuously. Recently the tips of the leaves have turned brown and dry looking as if they have died. Other than this the plant keeps growing. Am I doing something wrong?

Answer
Dear John,

It's not that you are doing something wrong but probably just because you are NOT doing something!  

Yuccas like plenty of light and if you can find a sunny spot near a south facing window they will be happy.  Since you have had your plant for nearly 2 years it could be in need of repotting - it will have used up all the nutrients in the compost and needs space for roots to grow and more nutrients.  So choose a pot no more than 2inches in diameter larger than its present one, fill the gap around the root ball with a good potting compost plus a layer of compost on the top of the present soil, water it and in about a month start feeding it twice a month.

Cut off the brown tips of leaves to make it look neater and healthier.  It could be that it needs more water than you have been giving it - they do like liberal watering from spring to autumn which should be reduced during the winter.  Sponge the leaves occasionally to remove dust and keep insects at bay.

I hope the above will be of help to you.


Diana