From Overwatering To A Lack Of Light: The Typical Reasons For Yellowing Leaves On Yucca
Chris is a gardening writer and nature enthusiast. He graduated from Oxford Brookes University in 2022 with an MA in Psychology. Chris works with the Leeds Green Action Society, helping their food cooperative by growing various fruit and vegetables on their two allotments in Hyde Park, Leeds.
Reviewed By COLIN SKELLY
Colin is a Horticulturist and Horticultural Consultant with experience in a range of practical and managerial roles across heritage, commercial and public horticulture. He holds the Royal Horticultural Society’s Master of Horticulture award and has a particular interest in horticultural ecology and naturalistic planting for habitat and climate resilience.
IN THIS GUIDE
If there was ever a list of plants for a neglectful gardener the yucca plant would probably be at the top.
This plant is incredibly low maintenance and thrives when watered very sparingly.
In fact, if you notice something amiss with your yucca, it’s probably because you are actually doing too much!
If you aren’t blessed with green fingers and are absent-minded about watering and caring for your houseplants, this resilient plant is definitely for you.
Yucca plants grow slowly and can grow as high as 10m in height, producing impressive green sword-like leaves that can be a real showstopper.
One of the first signs that something is wrong with your yucca plant is if you notice those gorgeous green leaves starting to turn yellow.
In this article, we will look at all the reasons why your yucca plant is yellowing and what you can do to fix it.
1) Overwatering
Perhaps the most common cause of yellow leaves on yucca plants is down to overwatering.
Watering your plants too much or too often will lead to root rot.
Be sure to plant your yucca in sandy, well-draining soil so that the water drains easily and the soil doesn’t stay wet for too long.
You should also avoid using organic mulch so excess moisture is not retained at the roots.
2) A Lack Of Light
Another common reason for a yellowing yucca is insufficient light.
Yuccas are used to hot, dry, and even arid conditions in full sunlight, so you really need to find a spot where your plant can benefit from as much light as possible.
Ideally, your yucca should be placed in direct sunlight where it can receive light all day long.
South-facing windows will usually be best for this.
“If planting on a south-facing windowsill, make sure to monitor compost moisture regularly as in hot weather it may dry out very quickly,” says Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly.
“Temperatures will fluctuate rapidly, so keep an eye on your Yucca when first putting it in position and move it to a west or east-facing window if leaves start to yellow as this may provide still bright but more stable conditions.
“The RHS recommends a south-facing window in winter and east or west facing windows in summer.”
3) Pests
Yucca plants are actually usually pretty pest-free, however, you may occasionally encounter spider mites which will cause the leaves to yellow.
Thankfully, spider mites are easy to get rid of.
Simply wipe down the leaves every couple of days with a wet cloth and the problematic pests should disappear.
Alternatively, you can pop the plant under a shower or sink to wash the bugs away.
4) Old Age
With age, the yucca’s leaves may begin to yellow.
All you need to do is gently remove the yellowing leaves, making way for fresh new green ones to appear.
As you can see, there are plenty of solutions for yellowing yuccas and, by following this advice, you will be able to enjoy your happy and healthy yucca for many years.
