The yucca "palm" - which looks quite similar to a palm tree but is an agave family - is native to the arid areas of the southern United States and parts of Mexico. There, the houseplant that is so popular with us has adapted perfectly to the prevailing living conditions and copes wonderfully with heat and drought. On the other hand, the plant does not like excess moisture, which often leads to root and later stem rot.
If the trunk of the yucca palm is soft, it is too wet
Yellow leaves, soft trunk: waterlogging is the cause
Waterlogging is first noticed by yellowing of the leaves. These become lighter, hang down and finally dry up. Only in the advanced stage does the trunk become soft; in this case, the affected yucca can no longer be saved as a whole. You can only try to cut off the remaining healthy parts of the plant and root them as cuttings in a planter filled with potting soil and sand. Do not place the cuttings in a glass of water for this purpose - this only promotes further progression of the rot.
Fungal pathogens cause wilt
Muddy, brown roots and a soft trunk with brown, possibly even rotten spots are a clear indication of advanced rot due to waterlogging. However, it is not the wetness itself that causes the symptoms, but fungal pathogens. These fungi - there are different species - feel particularly comfortable in the warm, humid environment and multiply rapidly. Starting from the roots, the pathogens penetrate through the plant's pathways into the above-ground parts and cause rot there. The yellow, drying leaves that appear first, on the other hand, are a sign that the rotten roots can no longer fulfill their task and the above-ground shoots and leaves are drying up.
How to prevent stem rot
To prevent waterlogging and thus root and stem rot, you can do the following:
- Water the yucca palm only a little! The substrate must be dry before watering.
- In hot months and in bright locations, the plant needs more water.
- Less watering is done in darker locations and in winter.
- Thorough drainage in the pot is immensely important.
- Do not leave excess water in the planter or saucer.
- Make sure the site conditions are good otherwise - as bright as possible.
tips
Respond as quickly as possible - as soon as the first yellow leaves appear, the yucca should be checked thoroughly for any rotting roots.