Yucca filamentosa aka Yucca

Taxonomy

Yucca filamentosa, commonly known as Adam's Needle and Thread, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae native to the southeastern United States. Growing to 3 meters (10 feet) tall, it is an evergreen shrub valued in horticulture, and related to many other commonly-grown cacti and succulents, and Asparagus. It is virtually stemless, forming a basal rosette with the classic blade-like leaves, and possessing curled threads lining the edges of the leaves, giving it its species name—filamentosa. Mature plants can produce flowers on their stalk, reaching up to 8 feet tall, in late Spring and early Summer. Often used in Southwest themed landscapes, they do best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window and need very little water to thrive with well-draining soil and re-potting when they double in size. Adam's Needle is native to Long Island and Pennsylvania and south to Florida and Louisiana.

Common names

Yucca, Common Yucca, Adam's Needle

How to care for Yucca

Difficulty

Caring for Yucca is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

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

Soil

To keep your 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

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 Common 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

Yucca plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.

Fertilizer

The 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

Clumping is a defining characteristic of the Yucca, with new growth appearing from the soil surrounding the primary plant.

Region of origin

Yucca’s native range is the Americas and Caribbean.


More info:
Wikipedia