Yucca plants are types of shrubs that grow both in the wild and can be grown in gardens. They fall under a family of plants called Asparagaceae. There are an estimated 45-50 species of Yucca plants on earth.
These plants have long leaves with sharp tips, often compared to swords and flowers sprouting from the stems. They grow in different types of colors like green, white, light green, blue-green and yellow which is rare.
These plants can grow from 2 feet to 30 feet tall depending on the type of plant itself. They have roots that grow deep with cream color and are very strong.
This Yucca plant can be used to make medicine for different types of illnesses like high blood pressure, colitis, diabetes, liver diseases, and cholesterol issues. These Yucca plants can also be used in cooking. Many people boil and drink its content. Furthermore, these plants can be toxic to household pets- so should not be given to them in any circumstance.
People grow these types of plants in gardens and homes because they are good purifiers of air.
15+ Gorgeous Yucca Plant Types
Spineless Yucca (Elephantipes Yucca)
Spineless Yucca is commonly grown indoors and in gardens. This is because of how its leaves grow and the green nature it brings. This type can grow up to 30 feet tall and it is the reason it is also known as Giant Yucca.
The fact that it grows up to 30 feet tall does not limit you to growing it indoors because it is easily controllable. The stems can be pruned to control the height as it grows.
Care
While growing this Spineless variety, you should consider position this plant in direct sunlight for proper growth. It can still grow in a shady place but this might limit its growth. Yucca is a strong plant that grows even in deserts and for this reason, direct sunlight is adequate. Its roots can also comfortably grow in a pot for house plantation.
Spineless Yucca should also be watered whenever the soil covering its roots is dry. It should not seat on watery areas as it could stress this plant. Watering should be done approximately after 9-10 days.
Moreover, this kind has sharp leaves and should be handled with care. It is also important to note that these plants are not friendly to animals.
Video Guide
Yellow Yucca (Hesperaloe Parviflora)
As the name suggests, this type produces flowers that are yellow in color. Their native home is America, specifically the southwest. They can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. This kind lasts for a long time, until they wither. They love direct sunlight too which eventually makes them always colorful in your house. It also attracts types of birds due to its bright yellow colors.
Care
Yellow Yucca is a tough plant and requires less care. It requires minimal watering but more sunlight if not direct. They spring mainly during the summer because of this sunlight effect. This type also accepts various types of soil and grows slowly naturally.
It preferably can be planted alongside Russian sages, Red Yuccas or Tickseeds. This will also give a good combination of colors in the house.
The Banana Yucca (Baccata)
The Banana Yucca is native to western Mexico and southwest America. They can majorly be found in Chihuahua and Texas states. This style loves the wild but is still a very good indoor or garden plant.
It produces sweet fruits and flowers occasionally which are eaten and used in recipes by Mexicans and can grow up to 17 feet tall. It also has long leaves and sharp tips and spikes which should be watched out for while handling this plant.
Care
The fact that this kind loves the wild makes it quite easy to maintain and care for. They will adapt to harsh conditions and sunlight is a plus to them, though, they can grow on partial shades.
Watering should not be done often while pruning is a must. Destalking of dry leaves and withered flowers will help this species look nice and fresh all the time. Stems can also be cut to reduce on its height if indoor planted.
Adams Needle (Filamentosa)
Native to the United States, this plant can grow to a length of 8 feet tall. It is considered an evergreen plant that grows in thrives in harsh conditions and easily grown in homes. It is also known as spoon-leaf Yucca because of its leaves shape.
This kind produces flowers, cream in color, and loves sand soils and coastlines. Its green leaves rarely go dry and can be medicinal.
Care
This plant grows well in sunlight but can still survive in shady areas. They are used to harsh dry conditions but indoor-grown should be watered often, preferably once a week. Adams needle can grow well with a variety of soil but with good drainage of water. This kind cannot do well in watery places.
Adams needle should rarely be fertilized as it grows on its own just fine. Pruning is key to remove withered leaves and flowers. This enables the growth of new flowers too.
Joshua tree (Brevifolia Yucca)
Joshua tree is the largest type of this plant to ever grow. It can stand up to 40 feet tall and can withstand a lot of harsh conditions. It is native to southwest America, mainly, Nevada, California, and Arizona. This type can be very slow growing but can grow for up to 100 plus years, regardless of the weather conditions it is exposed to. Some can grow to a satisfying 500 years old.
Surprisingly, the oldest Joshua tree is said to be about 1000 years old!
Care
Joshua tree does not need much care because it can survive in very harsh conditions for long periods of time. These trees should be planted in dry sand or rocky sands where drainage is adequate. This will ensure it does not seat in water.
The Joshua tree loves the sun and planting it in direct sunlight can be satisfying. Pruning of flowers and leaves is also essential for its looks. If grown inside, it can be watered once or twice a week depending on the weather conditions. Application of fertilizer is not necessary.
Bear Grass Yucca (Nolina)
Beargrass Yucca is often found in the south and east of the United States. This kind resembles the Adams needle and the only difference is the leaves. Beargrass Yucca has small narrow and thinner leaves compared to the Adams needle. These leaves are sharp-edged and soft in texture.
Beargrass styles can grow to 8 feet tall and produces nice flowers on the stems. They grow quite fast.
Care
This kind loves the sun and well-draining soil. Dried-out leaves can be removed to maintain their beauty. Excessively long leaves should also be pruned to reduce the size of the Bear Gass if grown indoors. Generally, this kind requires less care just like many of the species.
Spanish Dagger (Gloriosa)
This kind is also known as Gloriosa. It is native in southern America and Mexico and can grow to 8 feet tall. It has long green leaves with white edges and is usually pointed like the shape of a sword.
This kind does really well in gardens and fences. It is also an evergreen shrub and grows really fast. The contents of these leaves can be used in weaving baskets and shoes too. The same leaves are also boiled to produce medicine. The flowers of the Spanish Dagger can be eaten too, especially loved by the Indian Mexicans.
Care
Spanish dagger can tolerate extensive heat. Sunlight is good for this type and the fact that it produces flowers that are edible, watering can be done from once to twice a week. Sand soil and rock soil are efficient for this type as water will drain well.
They can also grow well in shady areas though shades make them grow slowly. Pruning should be done whenever the bottom leaves have dried up or withered. Pests like thrips should also be controlled since they can hinder Spanish Dagger’s growth. The Yucca moth should also be regulated on this type since they love the Spanish Dagger.
Soap weed Yucca (Yucca Glauca)
As the name suggests, this kind is used to make soap and detergents. They are native to North America and do well in sunny areas. They are evergreen and produce nice bright green flowers at the top.
This kind does really well during summer times where the flowers are at full blossom. The Soap Weed Yucca can grow up to 5 feet tall and produces long green leaves.
Care
Soapweed requires proper sunlight and good draining soil too. Poor sunlight can lead to less flower formation. They should also be grown in enough space since they grow wide enough, because of their long evergreen leaves.
The Soapweed styles can be watered once a week. Fertilizer is not necessary as it can burn the roots of the Soapweed. Also, be sure to plant this kind away from children’s reach as the flowers can be very sharp for contact.
Beaked Yucca (Rostrata)
Mainly native to Chihuahua Mountains and plain and Texas State, this kind grows with a trunk of up to 15 feet tall. They can grow in a span of one year depending on the amount of sunlight and care given. Moreover, they can last for up to ten years.
They produce white beautiful flowers and are primarily grown in gardens because of their foliage. Inadequate sunlight can cause slow germination of this kind.
Care
The fact that this kind grows up to 15 feet tall, planting it indoors can be a challenge but if well pruned, it can be grown without difficulty. Watering can be done twice a week and the sunlight is its main source of energy. They are not prone to diseases but moths can feast on its flowers.
Mojave Yucca (Schidigera)
Mojave Yucca grows with a trunk just like the Beaked Yucca. It can stand up to 15 feet tall and is used for many medicinal purposes. Its roots are edible and are beneficial for human health. They are native to Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah.
It is estimated they can live up to 200 years regardless of the harsh conditions a plant can go through. It is a major kind just like the Joshua tree.
Care
The Mojave type does not really need much care. As long as sunlight is available and often watering is done, this kind can grow quite fast. Pruning should be done to reduce on its height and remove the dried leaves.
Generally, when growing this type of plants, you should consider three major factors;•
- Where to plant
- How to pant
- When to plant
If these three factors are considered, then planting indoor varieties can be very enticing and easy.
Weak-Leaf Yucca Plant (Yucca Flaccida)
This weak-leaf plant is also known as Adam’s needle. It is a houseplant that is easy to grow if you know how to take care of your average houseplant. A weak-leaf plant is a lovely option that differs from others in the fact that it produces drooping leaves and is a slower-growing plant.
Red Yucca Plant (Hesperaloe Parviflora)
The Red Yucca plant is a species of flowering plant that is native to the Southwestern United States and found in U.S. states like Texas. This plant is a stunning addition to a garden and is very easy to grow too.
Beaked Yucca Plant (Yucca Rostrata)
Beaked Yucca Plant is a member of the Agave family. The plant is native to North America where it grows well in arid and semi-arid conditions. Wherever you find a Beaked variety you will find a bunch of beneficial butterflies.
Buckley’s Yucca (Yucca Constricta)
The Buckley’s Yucca plant can be a beautiful focal point for a garden or walkway. The Buckley’s plant is an ornamental plant that is native to the Mojave Desert.
Our Lord’s Candle (Yucca Whipplei)
The name comes from a legend about the plant getting lit up with light and looking like a candle when it flowers. These plants grow in warm, arid places around the world. The tradition of offering this plant to a god dates back to ancient Mayan rituals.
FAQs
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Hi, my name’s Elena Coolidge. I’m a DIY enthusiast who loves building fun woodworking plans. These DIY plans are fun hobby projects for enthusiasts or even more advanced builders that want to build things like bunk beds, end tables or even a duck box!
