Yucca filifera aka Palma China Yucca

Taxonomy

Yucca filifera, a member of the subfamily Agavaceae in the family Asparagaceae, is native to central Mexico. In its natural habitat, it eventually forms a tall, sparsely-branched evergreen tree, but it is commonly seen in cultivation with a single, short trunk. This plant features stiff, spine-tipped leaves that can grow up to 50cm long, arranged in a dense rosette and adorned with peeling, thread-like edges. When mature, Yucca filifera produces large, hanging clusters of creamy, bell-shaped flowers. On the other hand, Bají is an extremely rare houseplant that thrives with minimal water requirements. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be positioned less than 1 foot away from a window. Proper soil drainage is crucial for Bají, as it favors extremely well-draining soil. Repotting the plant each time it doubles in size is recommended, eliminating the need for additional fertilizers.

Common names

Palma China Yucca, St Peter's Palm

How to care for Palma China Yucca

Water

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

Soil

To keep your Palma China 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

To ensure optimal growth, the Palma China Yucca prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

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

Palma China Yucca enjoys dry environments, but misting the plant or providing extra humidity can create an environment for harmful fungi to thrive on the leaves.

Fertilizer

The Palma China 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.

Region of origin

Palma China Yucca’s native range is the Americas and Caribbean.


More info:
Wikipedia