Generally, yucca does not require much attention. However, the plant has its needs to thrive. And if we cannot meet her needs, she will show it through her behavior. Why is my yucca turning yellow and losing its leaves? This is one of the most frequent questions we ask when growing this exotic plant. Are you facing such a problematic situation? Below, we take a closer look at the possible causes and the solutions to consider.
Why is my yucca turning yellow and losing its leaves?
Overall, yellowing of leaves in plants can result from several factors. To better understand where the problem comes from in the concrete case, here is a brief overview of the most common explanations as well as tips for resolving the problem adequately.
What are the factors that lead to such leaf change?
Excessive water intake
The most common cause of this unpleasant event in the life of a yucca is inadequate, and more precisely, excessive water supply. Generally, this plant is by nature quite drought resistant. It usually grows in sandy soil and in areas with relatively little rainfall. This is why, if you make a mistake with overwatering, it can stress the plant and even cause root rot . Due to soaking the roots in moist soil, its leaves begin to turn yellow, then become dull and droop.
Solution: Depending on the seriousness of the situation, there are different approaches to take. For light overwatering, it is normally sufficient to allow the soil to dry before the next watering. On the other hand, if it is a more serious situation, it may be necessary to take the plant out of its pot and remove the soil around the roots. After letting the plant dry a little in the open air, we proceed to repot it in fresh soil.
Why is my yucca turning yellow and losing its leaves? Overwatering is the most common reason
Lack of water
Just like overwatering, extreme lack of water could have the same impact. In principle, we are talking here about extreme drought due to too long neglect. This especially happens in climates that are too hot with too little humidity, causing the water to evaporate faster. This cause is much rarer, but still probable.
Unsuitable sun exposure
After overwatering, insufficient light is the second most common reason for yellowing yuccas. As plants that thrive in locations with full sun, improper exposure can seriously damage these plants. In general, we tend to make mistakes when it comes to the brightness in our homes. Ideally, south-facing windows are the best location for this plant that is toxic to pets .
Inappropriate sun exposure can also cause yellowing.
Sunburn
As paradoxical as it may seem, sometimes exposure to full sun could have such a detrimental effect on yucca. The problem arises when you grow the plant indoors under a certain level of light and then suddenly decide to abruptly move it out into direct sunlight. Although yucca likes light, it needs to acclimatize to the new environment, which happens gradually and not all at once.
Displacement shock
Sometimes the problem we are talking about today occurs right after purchasing a yucca. Because of its movement, the plant reacts to the change in its environment. Usually, if optimal conditions are provided (sufficient light and adequate watering), the yucca heals within a certain time. Yellowed leaves will die and this is completely normal. Therefore, the appearance of new growth is a good omen. Note, however, that this recovery process could take several weeks.
Sometimes this behavior is explained by a shock of change in environment
Natural life cycle
Over time, the lower leaves of yucca will turn yellow. It’s just the final stage in their life cycle, or in other words their aging. To help the plant not waste more energy on these dead leaves, you can gently remove them.
The lower leaves turn yellow over time due to natural aging
Lack of space
In addition to the problems listed above, yellowing of leaves, followed by their loss, could also be explained by a lack of space. This happens when we keep, for example, a yucca that has two or three trunks in a very small container. The roots don’t have enough space to develop properly and they suffocate each other. In this case, repotting is necessary as a necessary measure to save the plant.
Lack of space in a pot that is too small can also be the culprit
