Yucca baccata aka Banana Yucca

Taxonomy

Yucca baccata, also known as datil yucca, banana yucca, Spanish bayonet, and broadleaf yucca, is a common species of yucca that is native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, as well as reported in the wild in Colombia. This species is closely related to the Mojave yucca, with which it is interspersed where their ranges overlap, and hybrids between them occur. Banana yucca is one of about 40 yucca species that are all native to the New World. The specific epithet baccata means 'with berries', which refers to its banana-shaped, fleshy, and succulent fruits. These fruits look like short fat green bananas, thus the name "banana yucca". Banana yucca is a super rare houseplant that needs very little water to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window.

Common names

Banana Yucca

How to care for Banana Yucca

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Banana Yucca is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

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

Soil

To keep your Banana Yucca healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Banana Yucca requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Banana Yucca is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

Banana Yucca thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

The Banana Yucca is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Banana Yucca as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Banana Yucca’s native range is the Americas and Caribbean.


More info:
Wikipedia