With their sword-like leaves and tall spikes of blooms, yuccas (Yucca spp.) Make a stunning addition to the backyard. Although most yucca plants grow well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 11, the plants cannot only be set in any garden and also be expected to thrive. If grown under the inappropriate dirt and soil conditions, these desert natives will eventually decay, either at the stem or at the roots.
Yucca Needs
Reflecting their desert roots, yucca plants grow best in a spot with full sun and dry soil. The plants aren’t picky about soil pH or kind as long as the soil is dry. Yuccas also needs to be planted where there is good air circulation to avoid the accumulation of moisture from the soil or at the regions where the leaves meet the stem. Water your yucca just when the soil is dry to a depth of 3 inches. When you do water, then water the soil deeply and prevent wetting the plant. Since yuccas seldom experience heavy insect infestations, maintaining your yucca in such optimal conditions will help remove the plant’s worst issue: fungal infection.
Water Issues
When planted in soil that remains moist, watered too often or maintained where there is poor air circulation, yucca plants can develop fungal infection. These fungi include Fusarium, Pythium, Rhizoctonia and Phytophthora species. Although they may be present in almost any soil, these fungi can only thrive in moist conditions. If the soil around your yucca plant remains moist, these fungi will spread to the decay and plant away the stems and roots. Yucca plants maintained in the wrong states are also more susceptible to this yucca weevil and yucca mealybugs that could burrow into the stems during the leaves of this plant and also devour the plant in the interior.
Warning Signs
If you look closely at your yucca plant, then you’ll notice telltale signs of trouble. Taking actions whenever possible is the best approach to ensure the survival of the yucca. Fungal diseases often show up as spores that can be seen on the leaves. The spores could be black, red or brown. Other signs of fungal disorder are stunted growth, wilting a change in colour of the stems or leaves. When yucca weevils input the plant, then they leave holes in the leaves. Yucca mealybugs produce a white, thread-like wax over the stems of yucca plants.
Solutions
The best solution for stem decay in a yucca plant would be to prevent the issue in the first location. The next best solution would be to act quickly when you notice a problem. For fungal diseases, stop watering the plant. If the soil is still moist a couple of days after watering, move the plant to a drier spot from the garden. If it’s not feasible to move the plant, then apply a fungicide and keep the soil as dry as possible. If the plant is crowded, then remove surrounding plants to enhance air circulation. Yucca weevils can only be controlled by maintaining the plant at its optimal conditions of dry soil, full sun and good air circulation. Control mealybugs by fixing the plant with insecticidal soap. Once the mealybugs are dead, introduce beneficial insects to your yard to restrict mealybug populations.