Yucca Cane
Yucca elephantipes
A Central American Yucca with sword-shaped evergreen leaves on a thick elephant-foot trunk, without the sharp spines of many relatives. Tough in bright rooms when you let most of the mix dry between waterings.
Light
Full Sun
Water
Low
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
Low
Pet Warning
Contains steroidal saponins, which are toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness.
Care Notes
Light
Yucca thrives in bright, direct sun. Bright indirect light works; low light stretches weak growth.
Water
Drought-tolerant. Let 50-75% of the mix dry before soaking thoroughly, then empty the saucer. Drainage holes are essential. In winter, water only enough to keep the trunk from shriveling.
Soil
Use a sandy or cactus mix, or amend potting soil with perlite or coarse sand for fast drainage.
Humidity & Temperature
Low humidity is fine. If you move the plant outdoors in summer, acclimate it slowly so leaves do not burn.
Common Issues
Yellow leaves usually mean overwatering. Brown tips can come from dry air or fluoride in tap water. Check leaf axils for mealybugs or scale.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10 water-soluble fertilizer
Soil
Well-draining, sandy or loamy cactus and succulent mix.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
5 to 10 feet indoors
Growth Rate
Slow
Propagation
Stem cuttings or offsets (pups).
Common Varieties
Silver Star
Stiff sword-shaped leaves with pale green centers and silvery-white margins.
Jewel
Upright sword-shaped leaves with green centers and broad creamy-yellow margins.
Variegata
Upright sword-shaped leaves with a deep green center and creamy-white or pale yellow margins.