The yucca "palm" - which is actually not one at all, but an agave plant - is a very vigorous indoor plant that diligently strives upwards with good care. It forms a trunk and as a result often throws off the lower leaves. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. However, yellow or brown leaves can also be an indication of a disease or pest infestation. The following article will tell you what to look out for and why it is better to cut off discolored leaves.
Young shoots can be cut as cuttings
Cut off yellow or brown leaves
Like any other plant, the yucca develops yellow or brown leaves from time to time. You can cut these off directly when they shoot or, if they are already completely dry, simply pull them off. However, make sure that the trunk or the healthy shoots are not affected. Leave brown leaf tips as they are: cut off these unsightly areas and the leaf will dry out again at the cutting point and turn brown again.
What discolored leaves on the yucca indicate
If the yellow or brown leaves appear only occasionally as the trunk grows, the phenomenon is perfectly normal. You only have to worry if the discoloration occurs more frequently. They are in fact a sign that the yucca is sick or that something else does not suit her. Find out the cause, fix it and remove the browned leaves. The palm lily should then sprout healthy and strong again. Discolouration is usually due to:
- incorrect watering behavior (usually too much water and/or waterlogging),
- too little light (characteristic: the discolouration occurs on the side averted from the light),
- too much light / direct sunlight (sunburn),
- dry heating air (countermeasure: spraying),
- too warm hibernation without rest period
- or over-fertilization / insufficient fertilization.
Shoots can be used for propagation
Incidentally, shoots with several leaves can also be used wonderfully to propagate the yucca. If such a shoot has broken off, for example, or if a yucca that is too large had to be divided, simply plant the different pieces in a pot with potting soil or a potting soil-sand mixture. They will grow without any problems, because yuccas are very vigorous and prolific.
tips
In addition to dried and yellowed leaves, faded inflorescences should also be cut off just above the ground.