Hesperaloe parviflora aka Red Yucca

Taxonomy

Hesperaloe parviflora, also known as red yucca, hummingbird yucca, redflower false yucca and samandoque, is a plant native to the Chihuahuan desert of west Texas east and south into central and south Texas and northeastern Mexico around Coahuila. This member of the Century-Plant family produces soft, yucca-like, evergreen leaves, 2-3 ft. in length, crowded on the perennial's short, woody base, with a fringe of white threadlike hairs along the edges. The flower stalk rises 5 ft. and produces showy, coral-colored, tubular flowers that occur on arching, wand-like, pink stems. The Latin specific epithet parviflora means "with small flowers". This species has become popular in xeriscape landscape design for public and private gardens in California and the Southwestern United States for its drought tolerance, heat resistance, low maintenance needs, hummingbird-attracting flowers, and architectural form. It is also a spineless alternative to Agave and Yucca horticultural species and can make for a relatively rare, but easy-to-grow houseplant that needs very little water.

Common names

Red Yucca, Red Hesperaloe, Red Flower Hesperaloe

How to care for Red Yucca

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Red Yucca due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Red Yucca does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To ensure the health of your Red Yucca, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Red Yucca thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Red Flower Hesperaloe.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Red Yucca to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Red Yucca is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

The Red Yucca is a clump-forming species, with new growth originating from the soil surrounding the main plant.


More info:
Wikipedia