Yucca glauca aka Bear Grass
Taxonomy
Yucca glauca, also known as small soapweed, soapweed yucca, Spanish bayonet, and Great Plains yucca, is a species of perennial evergreen plant adapted to xeric growth conditions. It forms colonies of rosettes and has long, narrow leaves that can grow up to 60 cm long but rarely more than 12 mm across. The plant produces an inflorescence that can reach up to 100 cm in height and is sometimes branched. Its pendent flowers are white to very pale green, and its fruit is a dry capsule with shiny black seeds. Yucca glauca is native to North America and is found in the rocky and deserted grassland ranges of the Great Plains, extending from Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas panhandle to Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada. It belongs to the Yucca plant genus and family Asparagaceae. Great Plains Yucca is a rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs very little water to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and well-draining soil. If repotted each time it doubles in size, it shouldn't need added fertilizers.
Common names
Bear Grass, Yucca, Great Plains Yucca, Spanish Bayonet, BeargrassHow to care for Bear Grass
Difficulty
Bear Grass is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Water
Bear Grass does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
The Bear Grass is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Bear Grass prefers bright diffused 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
Bear Grass is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
Bear Grass 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 growth of Bear Grass is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
Region of origin
Bear Grass’s native range is the Americas and Caribbean.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Yucca Genus
Yucca arkansana Arkansas Yucca
Yucca carnerosana
Yucca harrimaniae Harriman's Yucca
Yucca aloifolia Yucca
Yucca treculeana Don Quixote's Lace
Yucca rupicola Twist Leaf Yucca
Yucca baccata Banana Yucca
Yucca decipiens Chinese Palm
Yucca necopina Brazos River Yucca
