How to Grow Yucca Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Yucca tree is a plant that is known for its beauty and its ability to thrive in harsh conditions. It is native to the desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The yucca tree grows to a height of 15 to 20 feet and has a trunk that is covered in a thick, fibrous bark. The leaves of the yucca tree are long and sharp, and they are arranged in a rosette pattern at the end of the branches. The flowers of the yucca tree are white or cream-colored and they grow in clusters. The fruit of the yucca tree is a dry, fleshy capsule that contains seeds.

How to Grow Yucca Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Joshua tree
  • Soapweed
  • Beargrass
  • Adam's needle
  • Spanish bayonet

Common Knowledge

  • It is a plant that is native to the hot, arid regions of the Americas.
  • It has long, stiff, sword-like leaves that grow from a central stalk.
  • The flowers are large and white, and they grow in clusters at the top of the plant.
  • The plant is drought-tolerant and can withstand long periods without water.
  • It is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
  • It can also be used for culinary purposes, such as in the preparation of yucca fries.
  • The plant contains a poisonous sap that can cause skin irritation.
  • It is also the host plant for the yucca moth, which is the only creature that can pollinate its flowers.
  • The yucca tree is under threat from habitat loss and over-exploitation.
  • It is considered to be a sacred plant by some Native American cultures.

Related plant:
Yucca Brevifolia

How to Grow

  1. For yucca tree, first step is to find a location that has plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil.
  2. After finding the perfect spot, mark the area and dig a hole that is twice the size of the tree’s root ball.
  3. Once the hole is dug, place the tree in it and fill in the hole with the removed soil.
  4. Tamp down the soil around the tree to remove any air pockets.
  5. Water the tree deeply and regularly for the first growing season.
  6. Fertilize the yucca tree once a year with a balanced fertilizer.
  7. Prune the tree as needed to remove any dead or damaged branches.
  8. Protect the tree from cold weather by covering it with burlap or another type of fabric.
  9. Harvest the tree’s flowers and seed pods when they are ripe.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful yucca tree for many years to come!

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the yucca tree grows in sandy, well-drained soil. Also, it requires full sun or partial shade and is drought-tolerant. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide. The yucca tree is an evergreen with sharp, sword-like leaves. The leaves are 2-3 feet long and 1 inch wide. They are dark green in color and have a white stripe down the center. The flowers are white and grow in clusters at the end of the leaves. The yucca tree is native to the desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico.

About light

So, like the other desert plants, the yucca tree is adapted to absorb large amounts of sunlight. The yucca tree has a deep taproot that helps it access water deep in the ground, and its large leaves help it collect sunlight for photosynthesis. The yucca tree is a hardy plant that can grow in very dry conditions, but it does need some sun to thrive.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for a yucca tree is warm weather. They like it when the temperature is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They do not like it when the temperature gets below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40% - 50%. The yucca tree does not tolerate humid conditions well and is susceptible to a number of diseases in these conditions. Fungal diseases are the most common problems in humid environments and can quickly kill a yucca tree.

The Fertilizer

Discussing fertilizer, this family of plant requires very little. In fact, too much fertilizer will kill the plant. The best way to ensure your yucca tree is healthy is to use a low nitrogen fertilizer in early spring. You can also add a root stimulator to encourage growth.

Plant Pruning

Pruning a yucca tree is a simple process that can be done with just a few supplies. First, you will need a sharp pair of pruning shears. Second, you will need to find a branch that is at least two feet long and has a diameter of at least one inch. Third, you will need to cut the branch at a 45-degree angle. Finally, you will need to remove any leaves or flowers that are on the branch.

The Propagation

Propagation is by seeds, root cuttings, or stem cuttings. Sow seed in spring or early summer. Root cuttings are taken from young plants in late winter or early spring. Stem cuttings can be taken from young plants in late spring or early summer.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the type of plant. The three main types are Cane, Daniellii, and filamentosa. The slowest growers are the Cane yucca trees and the fastest growers are the filamentosa yucca trees.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are root rots, scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. Root rots can be caused by too much water, waterlogged soil, or poor drainage. Scale insects and mealybugs can infest the tree and suck the sap out of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually die. Spider mites can also infest the tree and cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.

Growing Tips

  • Remember to water your yucca tree regularly, especially during hot weather.
  • Feed your yucca tree a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
  • Prune your yucca tree regularly to encourage new growth and prevent it from getting too big for its space.
  • Place your yucca tree in a sunny spot for best growth.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if found.
  • Don’t forget to mulch your yucca tree to help keep its roots cool and moist.
  • When transplanting a yucca tree, be sure to dig a large hole and backfill it with well-draining soil.
  • If you live in a cold climate, you may need to protect your yucca tree over winter.
  • Once established, yucca trees are relatively drought tolerant. However, they

Substitution

  • Yucca brevifolia: Joshua tree
  • Yucca elata: Soaptree
  • Yucca flaccida: GoldenYucca
  • Yucca glauca: Soapweed
  • Yucca harrimaniae: Beargrass
  • Yucca madrensis: BigberryYucca
  • Yucca neomexicana: SpanishDagger
  • Yucca pallida: Palee Yucca
  • Yucca schidigera: MojaveYucca
  • Yucca whipplei: Our Lords Candle

Source:
Yucca treculeana | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Yucca filifera, tree yucca | Trees of Stanford & Environs
#PlantoftheMonth: Yucca | McClung Museum of Natural History

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category