If a yucca palm is healthy and strong and receives the ideal care, it will quickly develop new shoots on the trunk by itself. A densely overgrown plant is usually very decorative. But what if the yucca gets too big and sprawling?

In a nutshell

  • sparse, glabrous long shoots occur in dark locations
  • can be easily removed by cutting
  • new yuccas can be grown from cut shoots
  • The palm lily grows luxuriantly and compactly in bright locations
  • Palm lilies are very tolerant of pruning

Leave shoots

First of all, nothing needs to be done, because the yucca (Yucca elephantipes) is known for not only forming a medium-sized trunk. In this way, new sprouting can occur from the base, in the middle and on the head, especially if the plant is in a sunny and warm place, which ensures optimal growth over the growing season:

  • leave all new shoots on the plant
  • large yucca palms tend to branch
  • also in the upper area
  • be careful and guide new shoots in the other direction
  • for example with a string
  • or a long staff
  • lead outwards upwards
  • then crossed growth cannot occur
  • a bushy head can be styled

leaf scoops

If there are more small leaflets on the trunk of the yucca palm, then these can remain as new shoots and continue to grow to support the central crown or they can be removed to propagate. New yuccas quickly form from this:

  • Leaf tufts on the side of the trunk
  • cut with knife
  • put in a glass with water
  • Change the water every day if possible
  • put in a bright place
  • without direct sunlight
  • first roots after a few weeks
  • now the first ramifications can be seen
  • plant in a pot with suitable soil

Use drive pieces

If longer shoots have already formed on the side, these can also be left on the yucca palm, depending on how dense and strong they grow. Because the compact, bushy appearance is more decorative than a single tuft of leaves on a long stem. However, if the shoots are those that only grow in length and only have sparse leaves, then these are also very suitable for propagation:

  • cut directly on the trunk
  • cut several pieces
  • close the wound in the upper area with tree wax
  • place the lower part in a glass with water
  • place bright and warm out of direct sunlight
  • change water daily
  • after a short time roots form
  • then plant sections in individual pots with soil

Tip: If the mother plant was in the wrong location and therefore only produced sparse shoots, you should now find a new suitable location for all offshoots and the old plant. Because the mother plant also drives out again at the interfaces and on the trunk.

Appropriate tool

The right tool is important for cutting the shoots on the yucca palm. Ideally, a knife is used for the flowers and leaves and a fine saw for the thick palm trunk. The cutting tools should all have the same requirements:

  • sharp
  • cleaned
  • disinfected
  • prevents the penetration of fungi, viruses or bacteria
  • Otherwise, parts and plants will be damaged
  • get sick from the inside
  • Plants and offshoots can then no longer be saved

Tip: Larger wounds can be sealed with tree wax from well-stocked specialist shops. In this way, the plant will sprout again even faster and sections will form roots because no force has to be put into the wound closure.

The right moment

If the yucca palm has to be cut because it has become too sprawling or only thin shoots are formed that are not desired, then you should pay attention to the right time for the cut. Because not every season is suitable for this:

  • If possible, cut back in spring
  • early summer is also suitable to a limited extent
  • Yucca can regenerate in summer
  • sprouts in warm months
  • do not cut from late summer

Notice: You can only cut back in autumn or winter if the plant is sick and individual parts die, for example due to a fungal or bacterial attack. Here, too, new shoots will not appear until next spring and summer.

frequently asked Questions

Can I grow new shoots at will?

Especially when a palm lily has received the wrong care and does not want to grow properly, the formation of shoots can be supported. After the care and location have been checked and improved, you can score the trunk with a sharp, clean and sanitized knife. As a rule, new side shoots grow from this, giving the plant a compact appearance.

Does the yucca palm forgive a pruning

The plants tolerate pruning very well. You can also radically shorten the palm lilies, they will also sprout again on individual sections after a short time. For this reason, you can also cut a plant that has grown too big into various small individual pieces and in this way get many new small plants.

What if the yucca gets yellow leaves?

A few yellow leaves are not a problem, especially if they occur in the lower area. Because this is a completely natural growth process and you can simply remove the leaves by pulling them off. A cut is not necessary for this. However, if there are too many yellow leaves and no more new shoots, then you should definitely check your yucca for diseases or care mistakes.

Category:

Garden plants