Yuccas may be easily confused with century plants (Agave spp. You can still cut away damaged or dying leaves. If you leave the pup in place, it will eventually root and form a new adult yucca plant in the bed. Here’s how to trim a red hot poker plant when you are deadheading. Make sure the plant is straight and centered in its new pot. Yucca plants can live in all seasons and many climate zones. If you kill a yucca, it's probably due to overwatering. And, like most drought-hardy plants, red yucca will need virtually no pruning during its lifetime. You can eat them raw or after. To prune a yucca plant, all you’ll need is a knife or some pruning shears. While pruning is not required for yucca plants, it helps the plant stay in great health all year. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. And, like most drought-hardy plants, red yucca will need virtually no pruning during its lifetime. Removing the leaves will bring the plant back to health. The only way a yucca plant can survive a winter is if it is a mild one. Your pot should easily fit the roots of your plant and have some extra room for it to grow. On my side , between my son pulling with his truck, and my digging, there is still a huge root. The appearance of the yucca fruit varies by the type of yucca plant. Purchase gravel and potting soil at a home supply or garden store. Snip off dead or winter-damaged foliage from the interior of the plant with hand pruners. Wear long-sleeved clothing and gloves to protect yourself. The Yucca shrub thrives in Mexico, Guatemala, Baja California, Southwestern United States, and Alberta. Stop removing leaves about halfway up the tree or when you like the way the yucca looks. For tips on how to replant a trimmed yucca plant, read on! Make sure that you are still providing your plant with cooler temperatures, just not freezing. See All. Using a saw or a sharp pair of loppers, cut the trunk in half. Also native to southwestern America, it can actually be planted side by side the red yucca for a showstopping, bi-colored appearance. Support wikiHow by This article was co-authored by Maggie Moran. Start by trimming the leaves at the bottom, which are known as the yucca skirt. The tough beauty – Red Yucca. You can also transplant the plant into a larger pot if you don't want to cut it. Yucca Soil. I have new shoots coming along the yucca trunk. If the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) feel dry, lightly water the plants. in history from New York University. Firstly, Red Yucca is not a real Yucca! Seed grown. It is about 15 years old. Leave as little stump as possible. Yucca trees are low maintenance and easily adaptable, making them widely popular houseplants. Cosmetic pruning is mostly based on personal preference. Dried flower stalks can be removed. Full sun. I shoveled about 15 out. Even if you cut the plant down, surviving roots will send up new shoots. Can I just cut them off and not damage the main trunk? If you want to harvest the seed, wait until the pods dry completely on the plant, then cut off the entire stalk and break the pods open to collect the seeds. Consider using cacti and palm soil blends, though they are not required. You can cut these leaves away as desired. If you have children or pets, pick a location away from their play area. Pruning the trees helps promote and control their growth. Dasylirion wheeleri No pruning needed. During the winter, cut back on the moisture for your yucca soil in between each watering. Cut them off as close to the plant as possible and until you get about halfway up. My yucca has root rot. Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. Step 2 Cut damaged and dead stems off the yucca plant, removing only the stems displaying noticeable signs of age and/or weakness. Dry, old leaves An evergreen perennial, best used with other desert-like plants. ), which die after flowering. You may prune before the plant blooms, though yucca trees are most commonly pruned after they bloom. Pups can be dug up and replanted to propagate red yucca. But like yucca, it grows well in hot arid areas. Cutting away damaged leaves is especially helpful if the yucca plant is struggling. Similar to yucca plants, the red yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) produces dainty bell-shaped red or dark pink flowers on the end of tall, 5-ft. (1.5 m) stems. TIP:Thurber advises, "Yucca plants grow in two forms, tree-like or in a rosette. Plant in an area that will accommodate mature size. As for the babies, I believe I have that job done. This article has been viewed 72,900 times. This article was co-authored by Maggie Moran. If over-watered, the leaves will die or become discolored. Moderate grower to 3 to 4 feet tall and wide; flower stalks to 4 to 6 feet. The halfway mark can be a rough estimate rather than an exact measurement. As far as houseplants go, yucca probably eclipsed by the similar-looking Dracaena genus, which is often mistaken for yucca. Some resemble a green egg plant, and others look like wrinkled bell peppers. The plant does not respond well to hard prunes, and the foliage may not grow back. When the roots were half a cm I potted it. Reach into the center of the red yucca plant with long-handled loppers, and cut the flower spike off at the base when the flower has faded. But you can help your red yucca maintain its ornamental beauty by making a few pruning cuts during the growing season. If the yucca tree does not receive enough sunlight, the leaves will start to stretch and look wilted. Red yucca, also known as hummingbird yucca, is a perennial plant valued for its large, ornamental flowers, attractive foliage, drought tolerance and ease of care. Because they have an extensive root system, it is virtually impossible to remove the entire network. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Backyard Gardener; Red Yucca; Jeff Schalau; July 2002, Fine Gardening: Hesperaloe Parviflora (Red Yucca), Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County: Backyard Gardener: Red Yucca: Drought Tolerant and Colorful, Arizona State University: Hesperaloe Parviflora, University of California at Davis Arboretum: Arboretum All-Stars: Hesperaloe Parviflora. Prune any pups (small red yucca plants) growing out of the base of the yucca on the end of a thin stem. How to Prune a Yucca Plant. Get the proven playbook to heal a broken heart. Don’t prune the foliage like the homeowner did in the photo above – why create more maintenance then is needed? Yes, the new shoots are very hardy. They may naturally fall off, but this will help maintain the plant's health. They are native to warm, dry areas, but many species adapt well to urban environments and cold climates. When it comes to low-maintenance plants, red yucca is first on the list. Spread a 3-inch layer of gravel mulch over the soil surrounding red yucca plants to insulate the soil, increase moisture retention and deter the growth of weeds. Prune the yucca's flowering stem once it dries out and becomes brown and brittle. The older plant is sort of on the border line of properties. Sanitize your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol before and after you use them, as well as when you switch between plants. Each flower bud will produce a seed pod containing many flat, black seeds. If your yucca plant is getting too big for its pot, you can cut it in half and replant both parts separately. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. This article has been viewed 72,900 times. Her work has appered in the "Houston Press" and several other publications. Any ideas greatly appreciated. The yellow yucca plant is closely related to the red yucca plant. With just the occasional prune, Yuccas are very easy to look after and strike new plants from. Clump division is the preferred method because although the plant is easy to grow from seeds, it often takes several years to flower. Set the halves on the sidewalk, in the grass, or on a table. With the branches and stems removed, use a shovel to dig a hole about 3 feet around the stump and 3 to 4 feet deep into the ground to cover the yucca’s large root network. % of people told us that this article helped them. The succulent grows in clumps of grass-like, blue … Prune any pups (small red yucca plants) growing out of the base of the yucca on the end of a thin stem. One way of propagating yuccas is to cut the rhizomes with baby plants from the main root. They are, however, interesting and slow-growing houseplants that have the added benefit of being extremely drought tolerant. In What Type of Soil Should You Plant a Yucca? Yucca is a perennial shrub characterized by its robust, sword-shaped leaves. Do not shear. If red yucca does not have enough room to spread to its full height and width, consider transplanting it to a spot where it will have ample room to grow. So, now that the misleading common name is fully exposed, perhaps there should be a move to more correctly call this plant the “Rose-Coral Yucca Imposter”. But Where Does Yucca Grow? You can use sand as an alternative to help maintain soil drainage. The plant also has white flowers you can spot from a distance. Red yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) is a grass-like ornamental often grown as an accent plant in the home landscape. However, prune the old flower stalks in summer. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. A hardy plant that is drought- and cold-tolerant, red yucca sports grassy, clumping foliage and bright flowers that bring color and texture to the landscape. Prune the yucca's flowering stem once it dries out and becomes brown and brittle. Tall spikes hold deep rose-pink flowers almost year-round; effective plant for rock garden, landscape accent, or in containers. The lopped off top section can be re-potted as well, but again, success can be unreliable. Pruning yucca plants is a quick and simple process. Never shear the ends of red yucca's leaves. unlocking this expert answer. All Rights Reserved. After back filling and lightly compacting the 50/50 mix of existing soil and compost give the Texas Red Yucca a good deep watering. "I trimmed my outdoor yucca plants as you suggested, and they look great with a healthy look.". This is not to be rushed. Why are the leaves on my yucca plant turning brown? How To Propagate Red Yucca. Step 1: Remove the yucca from the soil Remove the yucca from its container if it gets too tall. Over time, most species of yucca will grow into room-devouring monsters, but this takes long enough that they provide years of durabl… By using our site, you agree to our. Instructions. If your indoor yucca does eventually outgrow its space, it can be cut back in early spring. Yucca plants are great indoor plants, but they can grow too tall and need to be pruned to fit. It grows well. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. To kill an unwanted yucca plant, use a saw or pruning shears to cut the plant down to its stump so you can more easily see where you need to begin digging. Although the plant typically spreads on its own through self-seeding, it is grown from seeds or propagated by clump division. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 72,900 times. Your trunk will easily slice in half with a moderate amount of force. Red or yellow yucca Hesperaloe parviflora Pruning is not recommended. Make your cuts as close as possible to the yucca's trunk. Reach into the center of the red yucca plant with long-handled loppers, and cut the flower spike off at the base when the flower has faded. I cut it and after drying it for a day, I rolled some moist tissue paper around it. Yucca leaves are sharp. Yucca plants will shrivel and wrinkle if they do not get enough water. You can tell your plant has outgrown its pot when the root is not far from the outer edge of your pot. Pruning isn't necessary for outdoor yuccas, but you can use the same pruning method there as well. All you need to do is to prune off dead flower stalks in the fall. On my yucca there was already the beginnings of roots on the stem over the rot, like little rice corns. Red yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) is a grass-like ornamental often grown as an accent plant in the home landscape. New offsets should begin to form at the cut section. Water your plants again in about 10 days to 2 weeks. Keep in mind the best time to prune yuccas is in the early spring, so you can also choose to trim your plants then if you'd like. Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. For tips on how to replant a trimmed yucca plant, read on! Keep the yucca plant away from sidewalks and high traffic areas so they don't cut anyone. It produces large, trumpet-like yellow flowers that … We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Make sure you use well-draining potting soil. Most Watched . Can I cut the trunk and replant the top of the tree to save it? Yucca plants grow in parts of the Caribbean, in the southern and southwestern parts of the United States and in Mexico’s desert highlands and plateaus. Yucca plants are easy to grow and don’t require much water. Allowing it to dry out in between watering is okay in the wintertime. Remove unwanted leaves from both indoor and outdoor plants, or shorten your potted yuccas. Yucca leaves are often sharp. Yuccas grow slowly and develop a trunklike stem, whereas century plants lack stems and remain a rosette of leaves. Prune any brown, dead yucca leaves at their base. Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.plantdelights.com/blogs/articles/yucca-plants-tips-for-growing, http://howto.yellow.co.nz/home-garden/garden-and-outdoors/yucca-care/, https://plantcaretoday.com/yucca-plant.html, https://dengarden.com/gardening/How-to-Take-Care-of-a-Yucca-Plant, https://www.gardenershq.com/Yucca-plant.php, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Always wear gloves and safety glasses when cutting the yucca plants. Simply use garden scissors or pruners and snip off the stem of the plant just below a faded blossom. Do not “pineapple” prune Ocotillo Fouquieria splendens Do not prune. Last Updated: February 20, 2020 Yucca Desert Spoon Yucca sp. Think twice about cutting the top off a yucca plant, as it can create a rather ugly plant for a few years. Dividing yuccas to control their growth works on the same principle. Those were in the flower bed. **So how should you prune Red Yucca? wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. You only need to prune the plant once a year, and only if it bloomed that year. You can also find shrub […] since it only has to care for healthy leaves once the others have been cut Yucca flowers are edible. Dead growth will make the yucca tree look unkempt and unattractive and may hinder healthy new growth. Well, once the flowers have faded, just prune back the flowering stalks. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? How to Prune a Yucca Plant. Touch the soil on top to determine when it needs to be watered. Remove any dead or damaged leaves by hand at the end of summer, gently plucking them off the plant. The old foliage sinks to the ground around the plant as it fades. They are now in the community dump. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Reach into the center of the red yucca plant with long-handled loppers, and cut the flower spike off at the base when the flower has faded. The red yucca plant is drought tolerant and is suitable for planting in borders, containers, and Mediterranean gardens. Water the plants once every 10 days. I have done this successfully. Yucca plants develop a “skirt” of lower leaves much like palms trees. Yucca plants are great indoor plants, but they can grow too tall and need to be pruned to fit. You can also push the shoots straight in the ground and they will usually take and start growing from there. The Yucca plant, when kept as a houseplant, needs to be watered moderately during its growth period in spring and summer and sparingly during its resting period in fall and winter. Remove any dried flower spikes at their base in winter. Red yucca prefers full sun, but can take part shade. Yuccas are very modern plant to use both indoors and outside. It looks like bamboo in the mess. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. "Yucca plants are hardy perennials, and it is often very difficult to get rid of them completely. Each are pruned slightly differently. Remember that the best time to prune your yucca is in the spring prior to the growing season, since pruning helps control their growth. Yuccas that grow in tree form can be pruned to cont… A general rule of thumb is to count to 5 for every one gallon of pot size. References. After your yucca blooms, cut the flower stalk about 4 inches from the end. Yahoo Life Videos. Prune the yucca plant in the late summer when it has finished blooming and the flowers are dead. You can give giving the yucca plants fertilizer 2-3 times a year for best results, though it is not required. Make the pruning cut at the very base of the stem. Yucca flaccida 'Golden Sword' As long as it is well … {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Prune-Yucca-Plants-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Yucca-Plants-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Prune-Yucca-Plants-Step-1.jpg\/aid9800239-v4-728px-Prune-Yucca-Plants-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"