Garden & Landscape plant articles > Sick looking Yucca plants

Sick looking Yucca plants

Hi, 

      I have some Yucca plants in pots around our pool area.  They mostly look healthy except for the tips which appear to die and go brown.  What does this suggest. I understand that they are drought tolerant, so I don't over water, so I'm wondering if it means that they have a soil deficiency.  Thanks Duane - Perth

Hi Duane,

               This is unusual,  as they are very tough plants.  However,  some of the newer soft leaf varieties can be damaged by low moisture levels in the soil.   The browning tips are an indication of this.   I would suggest that they have grown quickly and become pot bound also.    When the root system fills the pot to this point the water holding capacity of the soil is reduced and also the soil can become non wetting.    During hot weather the summer heat drains mositure from the soft parts of the plants, such as the tips. 

I would suggest using a good wetting agent to start one such as Munns Lawn and Garden Wetta and also some liquid wetting wetting agent.  A seaweed soil treatment like Seasol will also be of benefit.  In the longer term you may need to get some larger pots to increase water holding capacity.





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