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Yucca /ˈjʌkə/

Common name: Yucca · Spineless yucca · Giant yucca

Yucca A genus of around 40 evergreen shrubs and small trees from arid regions of North and Central America, in the asparagus family, recognized by their stiff, sword-shaped leaves and tall spikes of cream-white flowers. The spineless yucca, Yucca elephantipes, is the common houseplant, grown for its bold, palm-like silhouette on thick cane trunks. Indoors it wants bright light, sparing water, and sharp drainage, and it tolerates neglect better than almost any other large houseplant.

Fun facts

  • Mature outdoor plants produce tall spikes of large, white, bell-shaped flowers.
  • It is less sharp-tipped than other yuccas, which is why it's called the spineless yucca.
  • Indoor plants rarely flower because they need full sun and maturity to bloom.

Care summary

Sun Bright indirect light to full sun
Water Water sparingly; let soil dry out
Soil Well-draining, gritty or sandy mix
Hardiness
Mature height
Pet safe

Common problems

    • Let soil dry fully between waterings
    • Use a gritty fast-draining mix
    • Reduce watering heavily in winter
    • Water deeply but less often
    • Flush soil to remove salt buildup
    • Trim brown tips with clean shears
    • Wipe scales off with alcohol swabs
    • Spray with horticultural oil
    • Isolate the affected plant