Yucca- a beautiful evergreen plant with a tree-like stem from the Agave family. The family includes just over fifty species of these palm-shaped plants, but the varieties popular among our gardeners include 5-6 decorative indoor varieties and several garden ones. Despite the fact that domestic yucca is very reminiscent of a miniature palm tree, nevertheless it is absolutely not related to palm trees (as well as dracaena marginata, which is very similar in appearance to yucca). Lovers of indoor plants value yucca for its graceful trunk, on the top of which beautiful long leaves of bluish or dark green color grow.
Depending on the type of “miniature tree,” the narrow leaves can be either drooping or erect, and the tree-like stem can have several growth points and branch beautifully. The shape of the trunk and the degree of branching can be adjusted by annual pruning of the shoots. Caring for the unpretentious yucca at home does not cause difficulties even for novice gardeners, but it is important to strictly follow the few rules for growing this indoor plant, which we will discuss below. Photos of popular home species of yucca will help you choose the appropriate option for decorating a room or office space. Interior designers often choose yucca to create a composition along with such popular flowers as phalaenopsis orchid, house violets (Saintpaulia), gloxinia with bell flowers, decorative potted rose, European or Persian cyclamen.
Blooming yucca- quite a rare occurrence among similar indoor plants. Even if you organize the cultivation of this miniature tree at home according to all the rules, you will not be able to see yucca flowers very soon - usually flowering occurs no earlier than 5-7 years from the moment the plant is planted in the summer. Experienced gardeners stimulate the formation of flower buds by organizing a cold dormant period in winter (12-14°C), when the plant reaches the required age. Yucca flowers are collected in panicle inflorescences and look like small white bells.
With an unpretentious home care Elephant yucca (Yucca elephantipes) or aloe yucca (Yucca aloifolia) get along well in one container with some dryness-resistant indoor plants (for example, flowering Kalanchoe or homemade geranium pelargonium), which can be used to form interesting composition in phytodesign of residential premises.
- photo of species of yucca domestica -
In addition to the above-mentioned ivory and aloe-leaved domestic species of yucca, our country practices the cultivation of such varieties as Yucca whipplei with a crown of grayish-green leaves in the shape of a prickly ball, Yucca glauca with drooping long leaves on a short stem , as well as southern Yucca (Yucca australis) with densely spaced dark green leaves and a branched trunk. On open ground(in the garden or on personal plot) you can grow filamentous yucca (Yucca filamentosa) with dark green leaves that form a rosette with lateral shoots.
♦ WHAT IS IMPORTANT!
Location and lighting.
It is advisable to place the pot of yucca on sunny place, well lit during the day. The most favorable location for this house plant is window sills or floor stands near a window on the east or west side of the room. If the yucca is placed next to a south-facing window, then be sure to shade the glass in the summer and on sunny spring days so that diffused light falls on the plant. In the autumn winter period Yucca may lack natural light. Therefore, it is advisable to place fluorescent lamps next to the plant (at a distance of 50-60 cm) as additional lighting. If possible, place the pot with the plant on the balcony or next to the house in the summer, slightly shading it from direct sun rays.
Temperature conditions.
The optimal temperature in autumn and winter is 10-14°C. Problems may begin as soon as heating season- at temperatures above 16°C (especially in low or insufficient lighting), the leaves become elongated, thinner, and turgor weakens. If possible, place the plant pot on glassed balcony or install an air conditioner near the plant, and ventilate the room more often. Comfortable temperature for homemade yucca in summer - 18-25°C.
Air humidity.
The best option is a moderate level of humidity in the room (40-50%). But dry air will not harm the plant if you regularly spray the yucca with settled, boiled and warm water from the sprayer. In summer, you can wash the leaves of the plant several times in the shower so that water does not get into the substrate. In hot weather, you can place a pot with a plant on a tray with wet river sand or expanded clay, and place a wide container of water nearby to increase the humidity level.
Watering.
In summer, yucca is watered generously after upper layer soil (4-5cm) dries completely. It is important not to allow water to stagnate at the level of the earthen clod - immediately pour all excess water out of the pan. In the autumn-winter period, water the plant very rarely (once every 10-15 days). Yucca tolerates drought quite calmly, but overwatering can cause rotting of the root system, as well as damage to the plant by diseases and pests. Some novice gardeners use a special moisture indicator to determine the degree of drying of the soil layers.
Earth mixture and fertilizing.
You can prepare the soil mixture for your yucca yourself. If the plant is young (up to 4 years), then mix turf soil, leaf soil, coarse sand and humus in a ratio of 2:2:2:1. Mixture for planting an adult plant: turf soil, leaf soil, river sand in a ratio of 3:2:2.
For feeding, you can use diluted mineral fertilizers or prepare them yourself (for example, an infusion of horse or cow manure with leaf humus). Can be additionally sprayed with diluted mineral fertilizers leaf plates from the bottom side. In spring and summer, fertilizing is applied once every few weeks. It is not recommended to fertilize the soil in winter and autumn.
Transfer.
Homemade yucca is replanted as needed (given that the plant grows very slowly) in the spring approximately once every two years, except in emergency cases if the roots begin to rot severely. It is advisable to use the transshipment method when transplanting into a ceramic pot in order to keep the earthen ball intact. Carefully inspect the yucca root system and, if necessary, remove rotten roots.
Trimming.
Pruning can significantly improve appearance yucca, make it a “lush palm”, using the beginnings of new shoots to grow additional tops. It is desirable that the height of the plant be 60-70 cm and the diameter about 6 cm. The procedure is performed in March-April, watering abundantly a few days before. Use only sterile pruning tools and thoroughly disinfect the sharp knife with alcohol. We choose the place of the cut, retreating 7-8 cm from the lower leaves. We grab the leaves with our hands and sharply cut off the trunk in one movement. Then the cut area is sprinkled with chopped activated carbon. After a few weeks or earlier, apical buds (from 2 to 5 pieces) will appear in the upper part of the cut trunk. If the trunk thickness is less than 5 cm, then leave 2 buds and cut off the rest. And if the thickness is 6-8 cm, then we leave 4 buds, from which the tops with new leaves will grow.
Reproduction.
Yucca is propagated by seeds, stem sections and apical cuttings.
Cuttings. Usually done during pruning (to improve the decorative qualities of the plant). Using a sharp knife, cut off the top and sprinkle the cut area with crushed activated carbon. Within a few hours, the cut site will dry out and you can plant the cuttings in clean, damp sand. After 2-3 weeks, roots will appear and the sprout can be transplanted into the prepared substrate.
Sections of the trunk. In summer, cut (or saw off) several pieces (20-30 cm) from the trunk. Sprinkle the cut areas with crushed charcoal, and cover the cut areas on the parent plant garden varnish. Pour a mixture of peat and clean river sand into a container, moisten it and plant parts of the trunk in the mixture (the cut point is in the substrate). Cover the container with film and support it temperature regime- 20-25°C. The substrate must be moistened regularly. After a month or more, roots will appear.
Seeds. Sow in a mixture of leaf soil, turf soil and sand in equal parts. Cover with a glass container. The earth mixture must be moistened regularly and ventilated daily. After about a month, sprouts will appear. A few months after the sprouts appear, we plant the seedlings in pots with prepared soil mixture.
♦ ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR BEGINNING FLOWER GROWERS:
Question: What should I do if the leaves curl and become too soft and lose their tone?
Answer: Typically this problem occurs due to the temperature being too low. In this case, you can place the pot of yucca away from the cold window.
Question: Why lower leaves Do yuccas turn yellow and fall off?
Answer: This is normal during the growing season (spring-summer). In rare cases, the cause may be damage to the plant by pests (information about pests and diseases of yucca is below).
Question: Why on outside spots began to appear on the leaves Brown, but do the leaves themselves dry out?
Answer: This often happens in the summer, if the air is too dry, the room is not often ventilated and watering is rare.
Question: What should I do if light spots appear on the outside of the yucca leaves?
Answer: Most likely, the leaf plates received sunburn. You need to shade the window glass a little and move the pot a little further from the window (especially if the windows are south).
♦ COMMON DISEASES AND PESTS:
Today, the garden palm or yucca grows among many owners of garden plantings, and this phenomenon will not surprise anyone.
Many gardeners can rightfully be proud of the amazingly beautiful plant that resembles a palm tree and grows in their plots. But some are afraid to grow such beauty, mistakenly believing that the plant is too demanding in terms of growing conditions and care. In fact, propagation and care for this plant do not require special effort and costs.
Description and origin of the garden palm
Description of Yucca
The homeland of evergreen yucca is America. This plant belongs to the Asparagus family; in its appearance it resembles the Mediterranean agave, but unlike the latter, its leaves form a dense spiral rosette.
Domestic representatives of this family have a well-developed stem, while specimens growing in open ground have almost none; the rosettes are located tightly pressed to the ground. The peduncle is represented by a large panicle, the flowers of which are lowered down like bells. It protrudes from the central part of the rosettes, reaching a height of 1.5 to 3 meters. Reproduces exotic palm root suckers.
In America and Mexico, industrial cultivation of agave, a relative of yuca, is practiced on huge plantations. The world famous tequila is produced from its stem.
The exotic appearance of the plant would seem to suggest comfortable natural growing conditions, but the tropics and subtropics of America, natural environment Yucca plants do not have similar characteristics at all. The plant is adapted to prolonged drought and sudden changes in temperature. Such amazing endurance allowed the plant to spread from the southern regions to middle zone continents.
Yuca appeared in Russia over a century ago. But if in the last century only the parks of famous palaces could boast of this amazing plant, today squares and city parks are replete with it, as well as many private plots.
What types and varieties are there?
filamentous yucca
Among the F. variegata filamentose hybrids, the following interesting varieties are distinguished:
- Bright Edge - bright bluish-green foliage, surrounded by a yellowish-crimson ribbon;
- Color Guard - wide leaf plates of yellow color, edged with a green stripe;
- Gold Heart – yellow foliage, green edge running along the leaf blade with blurred boundaries;
- Ivory Tower – green foliage, whitish border.
Garden palm care and planting in the garden
Despite its unpretentiousness and hardiness, yucca feels especially comfortable in elevated places with good lighting. Representatives growing in dark places are characterized by thin, loose rosettes and pale leaf blades.
When and how to plant a flower of happiness
Spring is the most favorable time for planting, but temperatures should not fall below +10C. The dense structure of the leaves can lead to numerous cuts and hand injuries, so gloves must be used when replanting the plant. The plant transplant itself is carried out in the spring, but preparatory work should be done in the fall: dig up the ground and form a hole for the spring replanting of the plant.
What kind of soil is needed
Yucca can grow in almost any soil, but you need to remember that air should flow to the roots in large quantities, and the soil should not be overly moist, preferably without close proximity groundwater to avoid rotting.
But most of all, garden yucca prefers calcareous, sandy, clay-stony soils and black soil.
If the soil in which the plant grows is poor in nutrients, it is saturated with humus.
Before transplanting, the hole is filled with coarse gravel or sand with the addition of two handfuls of ash. After planting, the soil should be pressed (compacted) and watered.
- Size landing pit depends on the size of the plant itself.
- Adult plants will need a recess up to 50 cm deep and an area of up to 1 m in circumference.
- Young specimens will require less space, but it is necessary to take into account the area required for the growth of young animals.
For easier adaptation purchased plant To street conditions, it is recommended to harden the plant for 11-14 days, regularly taking the plant outside, gradually increasing the time it stays outside outdoors. Only after such preparation can the bush be safely transplanted to a personal plot.
Watering and fertilizing
In the processes of watering and fertilizing, the main thing is to know when to stop. Excessive watering threatens rotting of the roots, and lack of moisture will certainly affect the condition of the leaves. They will begin to curl into tubes. Proper watering will help straighten the leaf blades. There is no need to water the plant often and only when the top layer of soil has dried out. Spraying the leaves is useful, which is carried out in the morning or evening hours, when there is no longer scorching sunlight.
When does yucca bloom? The flowering of this exotic plant occurs when it grows for 3-4 years. To begin this process, at the beginning of summer, the plant trunk is surrounded with superphosphate, which, dissolving in water, penetrates to the roots of the plant, starting the process of the formation of numerous buds.
Feeding the plant should be completed 30-40 days before the onset of autumn cold weather. During this period, the plants will have time to prepare for winter season and severe frosts.
When to replant garden yucca
If the plant grows in conditions that are comfortable for it and with the same good care, then it can live perfectly in one place, without requiring transplantation, for up to 20 years. And replanting a plant may only be necessary when the bush has grown excessively. This is especially painless for the plant if the age of the specimen has not yet reached three years.
Transplanting filamentous yucca video:
But even an adult, heavily grown plant needs a transplant. Plants often cannot tolerate transplantation.
Experts give some advice when replanting this plant, because you need to take into account some planting features.
- Transplantation period is spring or late summer.
- When replanting, remember that the roots of the plant can be located at a depth of up to 80 cm, so you need to dig it out carefully, without damaging the root system.
- All shoots must be separated from the adult specimen and planted separately.
- The conditions of the place intended for transplantation should resemble the previous one, have good lighting, and no drafts.
- It is better to carry out the first feeding after transplantation no earlier than two weeks.
Yucca propagation: how to do it right
For breeding there are the following methods.
- Root division
- Cuttings
- Propagation from seeds
- stem
Yucca propagation at home is simple - plant division. During the replanting process, the rosettes can be easily separated, not forgetting to dry them and sprinkle the cut areas with cinnamon powder or charcoal. Otherwise, infection or pests may enter them.
If the transplant is carried out in the spring, then the root of the plant can be divided into cuttings, the length of which does not exceed 10 cm. Such cuttings are placed in a greenhouse, after first cutting off the top of the stem and treating it with charcoal. With this method, sprouts emerge from dormant buds.
Garden yucca in open ground sets seeds, which are collected at the end of summer. They are sown in a mixture of soil, which is represented by turf, leaf soil and coarse sand in equal proportions. Plants grown in this way begin to bloom only three years after planting.
Yucca can also be propagated by stems. In this case, the cut section of the stem is dried and planted horizontally in river sand. The substrate around the stem must be constantly kept moist. When sprouts appear, the stem is cut into fragments, each of which should contain a sprout, and planted in the substrate.
You choose the most suitable way for yourself to plant yucca.
How to trim yucca at home
Pruning the plant rejuvenates it and helps produce strong young seedlings. This method is also used for frostbite of flowers and their rotting. In the spring, when the plant is no longer under winter cover, the stem is pruned. At the same time, further growth of the plant stops, and dormant buds begin to wake up, which will give rise to new rosettes with leaves.
- Before pruning, the plant must be watered.
- It is necessary to cut the stem below the growing leaves by 6-9 cm.
- After drying, the cut areas are sprinkled with charcoal.
Flowering and why yucca does not bloom
Yuccas are blooming gorgeous flowers of various shades and color combinations, their appearance resembles delicate bells placed on a giant rod.
The arrangement of numerous bright bell flowers on one leg gives the plant decorative properties. But there may be several such peduncles. And you can’t even imagine what amazing beauty it is.
The snow-white color of numerous bells is clearly visible even at dusk and from the far corners of the garden. The delicate and not cloying aroma attracts the attention of both people and many insects.
What year does yucca bloom?
- Sometimes it can bloom after transplantation only in the 4-5th year.
- The reason for this may be severe winter frosts, which can damage the above-ground part of the plant.
- Lack of lighting can also slow down the flowering process.
If the growing conditions and care of the plant were good, this will certainly be reflected in its appearance; flowering will be abundant and will last up to 2-3 weeks, which necessarily fall in the first two summer months. Blooming yucca is an unforgettable sight.
How to cover for the winter
Is it necessary to dig up yucca before frost?
It is enough to insulate the plant before the cold season sets in. Plants tolerate short-term cold in spring and autumn quite easily. It is important that the fallen snow melts quickly. Frost-resistant specimens perceive such temporary inconveniences especially easily. But real long frosts during a snowless winter are certain death for garden yucca.
The yuca foliage is wrapped with twine to gather it together and the plant is covered with a box, on top of which spruce branches or fallen leaves are laid. This composition is secured by a covering material wrapped with tape. In such a shelter, the yucca will easily overwinter without fear of any frost, especially when a large layer of fluffy snow falls on top.
In the spring, when the temperature becomes stable, it is time to free the plant from its winter shelter. Do not delay this for too long, otherwise it may lead to the appearance of mold.
Yucca flower, how to care if problems arise
Yucca, like all plants, can be attacked by pests or diseases.
The most common are slugs, whiteflies, scale insects, and aphids.
The latter easily gets on the flowers, which quickly dry out and fall off. Wood ash in combination with a soap solution will help in the fight not only against aphids, but also against other insects.
You need to take 0.250 wood ash, pour water (10 l) and bring to a boil, adding 0.50 grams of regular laundry soap(grated). When the resulting solution has cooled completely, immediately treat the affected leaves.
Possible problems
- Dry air and cold drafts contribute to the formation of untidy brown leaf tips that spoil the appearance.
- Brown spots throughout the leaf may indicate fungal diseases caused by possible overwatering.
- Bright sun rays can affect the appearance of light, dry spots.
In landscape design
If yucca grows in the garden, then the surrounding landscape immediately takes on a Mediterranean hue. It will look great even in the driest areas and territories.
It is the appearance, reminiscent of a palm tree, that gives the garden plot a special southern atmosphere, especially if there are other southern representatives in the neighborhood, for example. Even if yucca grows as a single plant, it is able to captivate with its appearance during the flowering period and at this moment become the brightest and most colorful spot on the garden plot.
Some types are used in the design of verandas, staircases and other architectural structures. Such options do not require winter shelters or special rooms for the winter season.
Blooming yucca in the garden video review:
Indoor yucca is a beautiful and rather unpretentious plant for household use; it has taken up permanent residence in city apartments. If you like her, we will tell you about all the features of care and maintenance, and you can decide whether you need such a pet in your home.
Yucca belongs to the lily family and, despite its external similarity to the palm tree, has nothing to do with it. Its stem is tree-like, it is crowned with green or bluish leaves, as if collected in bunches. Depending on the type, its leaves can be smooth or covered with thorns along the edges.
The palm tree blooms with large, cup-shaped flowers; as a rule, the flowers do not come out one at a time, but are collected in large inflorescences. However, it is not a fact that you will get to see this spectacle - yucca blooms at home very rarely. The fruits look like a dry box and are of no aesthetic interest, although in some species they are edible.
Select the desired type
Although there are about 30 varieties of yucca, in urban apartments only two are usually grown - ivory and aloe vera.
- Yucca ivory got its name because of its trunk, which with its wide, massive base resembles the leg of the animal of the same name. The plant is very unpretentious to external conditions, does not require special knowledge and is ideal for living even in the most cramped conditions.
- Yucca aloe leaf is less common; caring for it requires theoretical training. An adult palm tree, growing, takes the shape of a ball and has wide, leathery leaves.
Yucca elephant 
Yucca aloefolia
Both of these types of indoor yucca will decorate your home. Which one to choose is up to you, but remember that regardless of your choice, both palm trees are unpretentious in care and will take up the minimum of your time.
There's a new tenant in your house
The first thing a flower’s life in your home begins with is proper acclimatization, because new conditions are stressful for the plant. Experts recommend transplanting it into a garden immediately after purchase. new pot larger diameter than the one in which it was sold, and completely change the soil. It is better if the new container has high walls so that you can provide a sufficient level of drainage - at least 5 cm.
Particular attention should be paid to the soil. You can make the soil for the plant yourself or purchase ready-made soil in the store; in this case, give preference to mixtures for palm trees and dracaenas. If you prefer purchased ones, choose soil with a neutral acidic environment.
It is not difficult to prepare the soil yourself. You need to take one part of humus, two parts of sand and the same amount of turf and leaf soil. It is better to use coarse sand to ensure even better drainage effect.
Before immersing yucca in a container intended for the plant, you need to line the bottom with gravel or expanded clay. The stem must be planted to a depth of no more than 3 centimeters; immersion to greater depths threatens the stem rotting and the death of the plant.
Features of the existence of a palm tree at home: lighting, watering, ambient temperature
Since yucca is a native of hot countries, an important question you will ask yourself is how to care for your indoor yucca palm.
Lighting, humidity
First you need to install it in an area of the apartment with sufficient lighting. It is especially important to have constant access to light for young plants. At the same time, you should protect the plant from direct sunlight.
With the onset of the warm season, it is advisable to place the palm tree on the balcony or on open terrace. Be sure to ensure that it is not exposed to sudden temperature changes and is not in a draft.
In winter, you can notice how the plant bends, turning its entire body towards the light source. To avoid deformation of the stem, it is recommended to additionally illuminate the yucca starting around September. By the way, experts attribute the fact that the plant blooms extremely rarely to the lack of light in the cramped conditions of city apartments.
The optimal choice of place to place the yucca is a floor stand so that it is approximately level with the window sill. Be sure to ensure that it does not overheat due to the action of the central heating radiator. It is not recommended to place a pot with a plant on the floor due to insufficient light, or close to a window glass due to the possibility of hypothermia.
For normal life, it is necessary to ensure the humidity of the apartment microclimate at a level of at least 40%. If the air in your apartment is dry, it is recommended to additionally moisten it around the plant using a spray bottle; spray the plant a couple of times a day, especially in winter.
In its usual homeland, the palm tree exists in subtropical and temperate climates. The temperature in summer should not exceed 26 degrees, in winter – 20 degrees. The main thing is to try to avoid sudden changes in temperature, for example, opening windows at night to ventilate them, because this short term may lead to the death of the plant.
If you want to get a palm tree and are hesitant, know that the yucca palm tree requires minimal care at home; even a beginner in plant growing can handle it without any problems.
Watering
Irrigation features depend primarily on the time of year. The palm tree is quite resistant to arid climates, so the intensity of watering should be influenced by the size of the pot and the palm tree itself, as well as its age. For example, a small palm tree that you just brought home needs to be moistened every day, but little by little, while an adult plant in a floor planter needs watering once every two to three weeks.
In the summer from May to September, with an average daily temperature of 22 degrees, you need to water the yucca approximately once a week; the colder it gets, the less often it needs watering. If the room temperature has stopped at 18 degrees, you only need to moisten the soil a little more often than once a month.
Pay attention to the condition of the top layer of soil in the pot. It must be dry before watering. With the help of a wooden stick stuck into the pot, you can assess the moisture content of the soil and below, in the interval between waterings it should dry out by half or even two-thirds of the total height.
It is important to know some features of watering and always pay attention to them.
- Do not allow water to stagnate in the tray of the pot, where it can drain during watering. Always empty the tray, otherwise the roots may begin to rot from excess moisture and the plant will die.
- If the top layer of soil remains wet for several days after watering, it means that it has become very hardened and water is not penetrating into the pot. You need to loosen the soil using a handy tool, for example, the wooden stick mentioned above.
- Pay attention to the condition of the soil during periods when the humidity level in the apartment changes. At this time, it dries much more slowly, maintaining the usual watering regime, you risk ruining the roots of the plant.
Top dressing
The palm tree does not need any special feeding. Fertilizers are applied between April and August; it is best to use a special liquid product for this, which is sold specifically for feeding palm trees and dracaenas. In winter, the plant does not need feeding.
Remember that you do not need to feed the plant immediately after purchase or after replanting, as you need to give it time to recover and not expose it to additional stress. If, when replanting, you used special balanced soil for palm trees, then for about a year the yucca does not need additional nutrition.
Video “How to care for your home yucca palm tree”
Yucca transplant
Yucca, like any other plant, requires replanting in addition to care. It is recommended to carry out this procedure no more than once every two years, each time replacing the pot with a larger one and partially replacing the soil. There are no special restrictions on the time of transplantation, but the spring months are considered the best.
When removing the plant from the pot, try not to injure the roots, otherwise after replanting the palm tree will hurt for a long time, and the adaptation process will drag on for a long time, if it survives it at all.
Before replanting the yucca, you need to place at least 5 centimeters of drainage at the bottom of the new pot. If it seems to you that the soil has not lost its nutritional properties, the palm tree should be replanted by transferring an earthen ball with roots to a new pot. The space between the lump and the walls of the pot is filled with new suitable soil. It is better if it is the same soil mixture that you used for the previous transplant, in this case the stress time will be reduced.
Trimming
The palm tree is pruned in order to rejuvenate the plant and give it beautiful shape. If the yucca is strongly stretched upward, pruning is also carried out.
The procedure is best carried out in the spring, when the plant stops growing. Before trimming your yucca indoor instrument need to be disinfected with alcohol.
The cut should be completed to the end, and not break off branches with leaves, so as not to touch the growth points. The cut areas must be treated with crushed coal to prevent the process of rotting. After the operation, the plant is returned to its usual habitat and watered according to existing climate conditions. The cut parts of the plant are not thrown away, but are used for propagation.
Video “Yucca propagation”
Diseases
The main indicator that something is wrong with the plant is the leaves. Any change in their color and shape should alert you. Yucca indoors tolerates diseases quite easily, it is only important to know their symptoms so as not to cause damage.
- If you notice that the yucca leaves suddenly become covered with large brown spots, this is evidence that a fungus has settled on them, caused by waterlogging of the soil or air. Diseased leaves must be removed to prevent the fungus from spreading. After this, you immediately need to change the plant’s place of residence, moving it to a drier part of the apartment, and stop spraying the air around it.
- A more serious type of fungal infection is stem rotting. This is again due to waterlogging and lack of fresh air. After taking the measures described in the previous paragraph, a partially diseased plant can still be saved by cleaning the festering areas of the stem. If the rotting process cannot be stopped, the palm tree should be disposed of along with the pot so that the disease does not spread to other house plants.
As you already understand, yucca is not particularly capricious, it is extremely unpretentious and proper care practically not susceptible to diseases.
Pests
- A plant affected by false scale insects cannot be confused with anything. It looks as if it has withered without watering, the leaves wither and fall off, and without treatment the yucca may die. In stores specializing in house plants, you can easily find a product called Actellik, which will help get rid of this scourge.
- The symptoms of tick infestation are similar, as is the treatment; in addition, it is necessary to increase the level of air humidity, since ticks only grow in rooms with a dry climate.
- Aphids are difficult to control, so insecticides are used. Together with them, you can wipe the leaves of the plant with a solution with the addition of ordinary laundry soap.
Yucca and family environment
The plant requires moderate humidity and constant temperature, and this will benefit the other inhabitants of the apartment. You will never forget to maintain a healthy microclimate in the apartment, and if it ceases to be healthy, the palm tree will tell you about it with its appearance so that you can take action in time.
Now you know how a house plant is - yucca is simply a godsend. Keeping it at home is a pleasure, in addition to all the advantages described in the article, such as unpretentiousness, minimal required care, it also looks very beautiful and impressive and is part of the interior of the apartment.
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Bigos in Belarusian - a hot dish from sauerkraut and meat, which is prepared in many countries: Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine and Belarus. Each country has its own cooking characteristics, but the base is approximately the same everywhere - a mixture of pickled and fresh white cabbage, pork belly and smoked meats. Bigos takes quite a long time to prepare, but the result is worth it. You can easily get rid of the not-so-pleasant aroma of stewed sauerkraut by following my recommendations.
Gardeners, waking up from hibernation, missed gardening work, and hands reach out to the tools. But approaching the issue of pruning ornamental plants important with knowledge of the matter. It’s not for nothing that they say “measure twice and cut once.” Our article will help you figure out how to give plants the right spring “hairstyles,” which of your green pets will be happy to respond to a new haircut, and for which garden residents it is better to wait a while with pruning.
Cucumbers are the favorite crop of most gardeners, so they grow on our vegetable beds everywhere. But quite often, inexperienced summer residents have many questions about growing them, and, first of all, in open ground. The fact is that cucumbers are very heat-loving plants, and the agricultural technology of this crop in temperate climate zones has its own characteristics. We will tell you everything you need to know about growing cucumbers in open ground in this article.
May days delight with warmth and the opportunity to spend more time on the plots. But the long-awaited month of arrival of stable heat cannot boast of balance lunar calendar. In May there are periods favorable for work only in ornamental garden or only in the garden, are quite long, and there are quite a few days suitable for any plants. The lunar calendar for May 2019 requires planning and skillful distribution of planting and sowing times.
Snack cake - simple and delicious! This chicken liver cake with vegetables and delicious sauce will decorate a modest family holiday or Sunday lunch. Liver pancakes, also known as the layers of our cake, are very easy to prepare; liver dough is easiest to make in a blender. Pancakes are fried for several minutes on each side. The cream (sauce) for the snack cake is made from sour cream, mayonnaise and herbs. If you grind dill with salt, the cream will turn a light green color.
Despite the popularity of the popular nickname “bottle palm,” it is very difficult to confuse the genuine hiophorba bottle palm with its relatives. A real indoor giant and quite rare plant, Giophorba is one of the most elite palm trees. She became famous not only for her special bottle-shaped trunk, but also for her very difficult character. Caring for hyophorba is no more difficult than caring for ordinary indoor palm trees. But the conditions will have to be selected.
Warm salad with funchose, beef and mushrooms is a delicious dish for the lazy. Funchoza - rice or glass noodles - is one of the easiest to prepare among its pasta relatives. Just pour boiling water over the glass noodles and leave for a few minutes, then drain the water. Funchoza does not stick together and does not need to be watered with oil. I advise you to cut long noodles into smaller pieces with scissors so as not to inadvertently snag the entire portion of noodles in one sitting.
Surely, many of you have come across this plant, at least as a component of some cosmetic or food products. It is “disguised” under different names: “jujube”, “unabi”, “jujube”, “Chinese date”, but they are all the same plant. This is the name of a crop that has long been grown in China, and was grown as a medicinal plant. From China it was brought to the Mediterranean countries, and from there jujube began to slowly spread throughout the world.
May chores in the decorative garden are always associated with the need to use every free minute as productively as possible. This month, flower seedlings are planted and seasonal decoration begins. But you shouldn’t forget about shrubs, vines, or trees. Due to the imbalance of the lunar calendar this month, it is better to work with ornamental plants in early and mid-May. But the weather does not always allow you to follow the recommendations.
Why do people move to the countryside and buy dachas? For a variety of reasons, of course, including practical and material ones. But the main idea is still to be closer to nature. The long-awaited summer season has already begun; a lot of work awaits us in the garden. With this material we want to remind you and ourselves that in order for work to be a joy, you must remember to rest. What could it be better than rest on fresh air? Just relax in a furnished corner of your own garden.
May brings not only long-awaited warmth, but also no less long-awaited opportunities to plant even heat-loving plants in the beds. This month, seedlings begin to be transferred into the soil, and crops reach their peak. While planting and new crops are being planted, it is important not to forget about other important chores. After all, not only the beds need enhanced care, but also the plants in greenhouses and seedlings, which are beginning to be actively hardened off this month. It is important to form plants in time.
Pie for Easter - home recipe a simple sponge cake filled with nuts, candied fruits, figs, raisins and other goodies. The white icing that decorates the cake is made from white chocolate and butter, it won't crack, and it tastes like chocolate cream! If you don’t have the time or skills to tinker with yeast dough, then you can prepare this simple holiday baking for the Easter table. I think any novice home pastry chef can master this simple recipe.
The yucca flower (Yucca) is often found in modern offices and apartments. It has endurance and is not picky about growing conditions. You can find out comprehensive information about growing yucca and caring for the plant at home and in the garden in the material provided. Species presented home flower yuccas, which will add greenery to the apartment and at the same time will feel great as a container crop in the garden in the summer. It is worth ensuring that the growing conditions for yucca meet the botanical requirements of this crop. If you follow this rule, then growing yucca at home will become a simple and fun process. When propagating this crop, slight difficulties may arise when trying to propagate by seed. Cuttings take root well in sand and special soil. How to prune the plant and prepare cuttings for planting is described further on the page.
What yucca looks like and how it blooms: photo and description of the plant
Family: Agave.
Homeland - North and Central America, India. The houseplant yucca in its appearance strongly resembles a miniature palm tree. Description of the Yucca plant: tree plant with a thickened trunk. The leaves are hard, sword-shaped, glaucous, green or variegated, similar to the leaves of cordyline or dracaena, up to 50-100 cm long, collected in a bunch on the branches of the trunk or at the top. There are also stemless species. The crown consists of several or one rosette of leaves. If you don't know what yucca looks like, pay attention to the photo below:
Depending on the type, plant height is up to 1 m. B natural conditions habitat reaches a height of up to 1.8 m. The flowers are predominantly white, bell-shaped, up to 8 cm long, collected in a panicle inflorescence. In nature, there are other color options for this representative of the flora - creamy-greenish or yellowish tones. The plant is characterized by numerous flowers; one yucca can have about 300 flowers. In indoor conditions, Yucca blooms extremely rarely. Notice how the yucca blooms in these photos:
Fetus- a dry box or a juicy fruit, and in some varieties it is even edible. It is unpretentious in cultivation and reproduces easily. The plant blooms in summer.
Types and varieties of indoor yucca: photos, names and descriptions of house plants
About 40 species of this attractive evergreen plant of the Agave family are known. The most famous and popular varieties of this plant are:
Yucca aloefolia ‘Marginata’ (Y. aloifolia ‘Marginata’)- unbranched trunk, leaves with denticles along the edge.
This species is native to the arid regions of North and Central America, Jamaica, and Bermuda. Marginata grows rather slowly and over time takes the form of a spherical compact bush. Its height does not exceed 8 m. With the arrival of summer, the plant develops an inflorescence up to 45 cm long, on which there are many bell-shaped flowers. They reach a length of up to 3 cm, the color is creamy white with light purple tint. Pay attention to this variety of yucca, in the photo below:
Yucca Vippla (Yuccawhipplei). This variety grows in the North western regions Mexico, Arizona, California.
It is one of the slow-growing, compact representatives of this plant genus. It is characterized by a shortened stem, hard fibrous leaves, collected in rosettes more than 1 m in diameter. The color of the leaves is grayish-green, they reach a length of up to 90 cm, and are distinguished by jagged edges with a prickly thorn at the end. In the summer, a peduncle up to 2 m long grows, on which there are many bell-shaped flowers up to 3.5 cm long. Yuccawhipplei flowers have a delicate, pleasant aroma and are creamy-white in color with a light purple tint. The variety blooms only once, after which it dies completely. At the same time, many new shoots are formed at the base of the plant.
Yucca shortifolia (Y. brevifolia). A well-known variety under other names is Yucca tree (Yuccaarborescens) and Yucca giant.
It has the appearance of a large tree, the height of which reaches up to 4-9 m. The trunk is repeatedly branched, up to 50 cm in diameter. The leaves are densely located on the trunk, hard and short - 15-30 cm in length and up to 1.5 cm in width in the middle , brownish at the edges and pale green at the base. The peduncle of this variety is short, the color of the flowers is pale yellow.
Yucca coracata (Yuccarostrata). This representative of plants of the Agave family has the appearance of a tree that reaches a height of up to 3 m.
The trunk of the exotic tree is thick with a branched crown. It bears many leathery, thin and elongated leaves. They are quite narrow - at the widest point the width of the leaves is no more than 1 cm. On a long peduncle there is an inflorescence-panicle with white flowers.
Yucca radiata (Yuccaradiosa). A tree that in its natural habitat reaches a height of 5-7 m.
Characterized by the presence of numerous leaves densely located on the trunk. The length of the leaves reaches 45-60 cm, while the width is very narrow - up to 1 cm. The leaves narrow towards the base, have a sharp apex, the edges are white, dense, narrow, covered with many thin “threads”. The peduncle reaches a height of up to 2 m, at the top of which there is a branched inflorescence with numerous flowers.
Yucca filamentosa (Y. filamentosa). This variety is native to eastern North America.
This is an almost stemless plant that grows in width thanks to root suckers. Root system well developed, it penetrates deep into the soil. Yucca radiata (Yuccaradiosa) is one of the most frost-resistant varieties, can withstand temperatures down to -20 degrees. The leaves are bluish-green in color, grow up to 70 cm in length, up to 4 cm in width, have a pointed top with slightly drooping edges, on which there are numerous twisted white threads. The peduncle of Yuccaradiosa is up to 2 m in height. The plant blooms with drooping yellowish-white flowers up to 8 cm in length. The fruit looks like a round capsule up to 5 cm in diameter.
Yucca elephant (Yuccaelephantipes)- the base of the trunk is tuberous-thickened.
This variety is native to Central America. The name of the species comes from two roots “elephas” - elephant and “pes” - leg. This name was given to the plant for a reason; the fact is that in old age the trunk really becomes like a huge elephant’s leg. The species grows and develops slowly, usually turning into a large lush bush or tree up to 8-10 m in height. The stem is tree-like, multi-branched, at its top there are rosettes with hard and fibrous leaves of light green color, 50-100 cm long. Yuccaelephantipes blooms in the summer, during this period the plant forms a meter-long peduncle, on which there are many hemispherical flowers up to 5 cm long. You can see this type of yucca plant in this photo:
Yucca gray (Yuccaglauca). This variety of yucca grows in the western regions of America.
It is an evergreen plant with a greatly shortened stem; Yuccaglauca reaches a height of up to 2 m. The leaves of the variety are leathery, fibrous, collected in dense rosettes about 90 cm wide. The leaves are bluish-green, their length is approximately 60 cm, with white or white edges. gray with flaking fibers. With the arrival of summer, the plant develops paniculate inflorescence up to 1 m in length, on which there are many small creamy-white flowers with a brownish or greenish light tint.
This photo shows all types of yucca and their names:
In culture, the most common variety is considered "Variegata", characterized by leaves with a yellowish border.
To the number indoor species Yucca belongs Yuccaelephantipes (ivory). Housewives often plant it in the same container with indoor plants resistant to dry soil.
When compiling floral compositions domestic species of yucca will look great against the background of a Dollar or Money Tree.
Caring for a yucca palm when growing at home
A bright, sunny room is required. The choice of a pot for growing and caring for a yucca palm at home must be taken seriously; the growth, development and appearance of the flower will depend on this. Experienced gardeners recommend placing the pot with the plant in a sunny, well-lit place throughout the day. The most optimal place for yucca to grow in the house is window sills or special floor stands on the east or west side of the house.
If it is not possible to place the yucca in the east or west of the room, you can place it in the southern part of the room, but then in the summer the windows must be shaded to protect the flower from direct sunlight. Only diffuse sunlight should fall on the plant, otherwise sunburn will form.
In summer, it is advisable to take it out into the garden, onto the balcony or terrace. In winter, Yucca may be in short supply. natural light. To compensate for the lack of light, fluorescent lamps should be placed next to the plants at a distance of approximately 50-60 cm.
In winter, can be kept in cool rooms, optimal temperature air in the autumn-winter period – 10-14 °C. Sometimes, with the onset of the heating season, problems may arise with the plant. Flower growers often notice that yucca leaves become elongated, become very thin, and turgor weakens. To avoid such problems, use air conditioning to lower the room temperature whenever possible or open windows. It is advisable that the temperature does not exceed 18-22 °C, only in this way the plant will develop well and have a healthy appearance.
For good conditions growing yucca high humidity not required, the best option is moderate humidity - 40-50%. If the air humidity is lower, the plant will feel comfortable even in such growing conditions, but it is necessary to regularly spray the leaves with boiled and well-settled water.
How to care for indoor yucca: how to water and feed the plant
When caring for indoor yucca at home, it is important to provide the plant. Water this summer indoor flower it is necessary generously, but after the top layer of soil - 4-5 cm - dries completely. It is important not to allow water to stagnate at the level of the earthen clod, throughout excess liquid Each time after watering it should be poured out of the pan.
How to water yucca at home in the summer? IN summer time Yucca can be periodically watered from the shower, but it is important during this procedure not to allow water to get on the substrate. To do this, you can wrap the pot with polyethylene.
When growing yucca at home in the autumn-winter period, the frequency of watering should be reduced to once every 10-14 days. The plant tolerates drought much better, but overwatering can cause rotting of the root system. Too high soil moisture also often causes the development of many diseases and plant damage by pests.
Among the recommendations on how to care for yucca at home, specialists in the field of floriculture assign a special role in the good development and growth of this species to fertilizing. You can feed the flower with universal mineral fertilizers, which are sold in flower shops, or you can prepare them yourself. As a fertilizer for garden yucca, you can use a mixture of horse or cow manure along with leaf humus.
In spring and summer, plants need to be fed once every few weeks. It is not recommended to fertilize in winter and autumn.
How to properly transplant yucca at home
A drainage layer consisting of gravel or crushed stone should be placed at the bottom of each pot. For planting young plants, prepare the soil from the following mixture:
- turf land;
- leaf soil;
- coarse sand;
All these components are taken in a ratio of 2: 2: 2. The prepared containers are filled with this soil mixture. Immediately after planting, young yuccas are well watered so that they take root faster.
How to care for yucca in the garden: planting and care in open ground
Caring for a yucca flower in open ground should begin with choosing a place to plant the plant. A sunny, dry place would be an excellent choice; you should not plant this garden flower in areas where moisture stagnation occurs.
It is important to pay attention that nearby shrubs and trees do not shade the yucca, since with a lack of sunlight it becomes elongated, its leaves turn pale and thin. Novice gardeners often do not know how to properly transplant yucca so that it takes root well. When planting several plants in one area, the distance between them along the top of the soil should be 50x50 cm. When transplanting adult plants, the distance between them should be at least 70-100 cm on all sides. You should not plant and care for yucca in open ground during periods when there is a possibility of morning frosts, otherwise they will die. They can only be replanted in the warm season.
Caring for garden yucca in winter
For many gardeners, especially beginners, the question of caring for garden yucca in winter is pressing. With the arrival of cold weather garden plants should be protected from frost. You can do this in the following ways:
- At the end of autumn with the arrival of the first frosts garden bush cover wooden box. On top it is covered with insulating materials, for example, old roofing felt or non-woven fabric. A layer of soil is poured on top of these materials.
- The lower leaves of the plant are bent to the ground, and the upper ones are collected in a bunch and tied tightly together. In this state, the adult specimen is covered with fallen leaves, and boards are carefully laid on top to cover plastic film.
How to trim yucca at home (with video)
Using a procedure such as pruning, you can significantly improve the appearance of the plant. If you do not yet know how to prune yucca at home, it will be useful for you to familiarize yourself with the features of pruning.
It is advisable to prune plants whose height is 60-70 cm and diameter is about 6 cm. Pruning should be carried out in early spring - in March-April. A few weeks before such care, the yucca needs to be watered abundantly.
For pruning, you can use only sterile instruments; a sharp knife treated on all sides with alcohol is suitable. When the tools are ready, start cutting, following this pattern:
- Select the cutting location, 7-8 cm from the bottom of the leaves.
- Grab them with your hand and make an even cut in one sharp movement.
- Carefully treat the cut area with powdered activated carbon.
A few weeks after this procedure, new buds form in the upper part of the pruned plant - usually from 2 to 5. If the thickness of the trunk in diameter is less than 5 cm, it is recommended to leave only two buds and cut off the rest. If the trunk thickness is about 6-8 cm, you can leave 4 buds and cut off the fifth, new tops with leaves will soon grow from them.
You can see the rules and methods for trimming yucca in the video below:
How to propagate yucca at home using cuttings and stem sections
There are several ways to propagate yucca at home. This type of ornamental plant reproduces by cuttings and suckers formed at the base of the trunk or at its top.
Cuttings
Having an indoor yucca flower in their home, when caring for it at home, many gardeners propagate it by cuttings. This method of propagation is usually carried out during the period of pruning the plant in order to increase its aesthetic properties.
Having chosen this method of reproduction, sharp knife The top should be cut off and the cut area should be sprinkled with crushed activated carbon. Such actions, in addition to allowing you to increase the number of yuccas in the garden or in the house, contribute to the formation of more lush bushes.
A few hours after treating the cutting with activated carbon, it can be planted in clean and well-moistened sand. After 2-3 weeks, roots will appear on the cutting, after which it can be transplanted into the prepared substrate.
Reproduction by trunk segments
In the summer, several pieces of 20-30 cm in size need to be cut or sawed off on the side of the trunk. The cut points on the mother plant and sections should be treated with ash or activated carbon.
Small containers are filled with a mixture of peat and river sand, it is moistened and sections are planted, cutting deep into the soil at the cutting point. The top of the container is covered with plastic film or glass, creating a greenhouse effect. The air temperature inside the container should not fall below 20-25 °C. In order for the cuttings to take root faster, the soil must be ventilated daily by lifting the film or glass. The substrate must be watered regularly, and after a month roots will appear on the sections. After the root system has formed, they can be planted in a permanent place.
How the yucca palm tree propagates at home by seeds
How does yucca propagate at home from seeds? Yucca seeds are sown in soil mixture prepared from leaf soil, turf soil and sand, taken in equal parts. The container with seeds is covered with glass on top, which is lifted daily for a while to ventilate the substrate.
In about a month, with this care, the first shoots will appear. After the sprouts appear from under the soil, the glass is removed, and a month later the plants are planted in pots with the prepared soil mixture.
Yucca pests and methods of controlling them
