SPINELESS YUCCA
YUCCA ELEPHANTIPES
Spineless yuccas range in size from small desktop plants to large, shoulder-height specimens. Bigger, more mature plants have an impressive palmlike trunk with a generous head of sword-shaped leaves at the top. This easygoing plant likes low humidity and is great for a sunny, south-facing room.
HEIGHT 5ft (1.5m)
SPREAD 30in (75cm)
FLOWERS Unlikely to bloom indoors
FOLIAGE Swordlike
LIGHT Sun/filtered sun
TEMPERATURE 50–81°F (10–27°C)
CARE Easy
PLACE OF ORIGIN Mexico
CARE
Plant the spineless yucca in a large container in commercial potting mix. Large specimens can be top-heavy, so firm the topsoil well around the root ball with your hands. Let the top of the potting mix dry out between watering from spring to fall. Reduce watering in winter. Apply a half-strength balanced fertilizer biweekly in spring and summer.
In their native home, these plants grow into vast trees, but they’re easy to keep to your preferred size—cut the stem to height with a handsaw in spring and it will resprout. Turn the plant regularly to prevent it from leaning toward the light. Repot every other year in spring.
PROBLEM SOLVING Don’t worry if the lower leaves start to go brown. This is normal—simply peel or cut them off.
Aphids can be a problem with this yucca, so watch out for them. If you spot them early, they can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth, avoiding the need to use a pesticide.
With its neat, upright habit, this yucca will offer height in a tight space.
DID YOU KNOW? THE SPINELESS YUCCA WILL GROW HAPPILY OUTSIDE IN THE SUMMER. MOVE IT BACK INDOORS BEFORE THE COLD NIGHTS OF FALL KICK IN.
DISPLAY
This is a plant that makes a statement. It’s grown principally for its swordlike dark green foliage. If you display the spineless yucca against a white wall, its architectural shape and sharp, angular lines will create a dramatic shadow.
Larger specimens are most striking without partners, as they offer a bold and flamboyant look all on their own. However, small specimens will combine happily in a mixed container with other undemanding sun-lovers such as the jade plant and flaming Katy. All three of these plants will flourish in low humidity and with minimal watering.
Houseplants A–Z | SPINELESS YUCCA
ALSO TRY
There are many different types of yucca and the majority are hardy and grown without protection in a garden setting. However, this is one other tender type that prefers being grown as a houseplant:
- Spanish bayonet (Yucca aloifolia), height 5ft (1.5m). This plant is almost identical in looks and care needs to the spineless yucca but it’s not as neat in shape. It’s often bought as a garden plant that needs protection over winter.