Aloe Yucca in pot

Credit: Harrison Beattie

Yucca aloifolia seen from above

Credit: James St John

Yucca aloifolia in flower

Credit: Gertan van Noord

Yucca aloifolia leaf

Credit: Natalie

Yucca aloifolia, the Yucca with Aloe leaves

Yucca aloifolia is a true warrior. This shrub of the Asparagaceae family grows in sandy soils along the wind-beaten coasts of the Gulf of Mexico. In our latitudes, it can be grown both indoors and outdoors.

How to recognize Yucca aloifolia, the aloe-leaf yucca?

Yucca aloifolia is a shrub with rhizomatous roots. Smaller than yucca gigantea, it can nevertheless reach heights of up to seven meters in its natural habitat. When young, its habit is upright. Over time, however, it leans under the weight of its crown of leaves.

Like yucca gloriosa, the Aloe-leaf Yucca does not have a trunk, but a stipe. The false trunk may be single or multiple. It reaches a maximum diameter of twelve centimetres and has no branches.

At the top is a rosette of leaves. The leaf blades grow in a spiral. Coriaceous and rigid, they are shaped like a sword with a sharp tip. Their margins are also sharp. The smallest are the size of a knife (twelve centimetres long by two wide), while the longest are as big as a bayonet (40 centimetres long by six wide). The botanical variety has dark green foliage. But there are also cultivars with purple or variegated green, cream and yellow leaves.

Along the Gulf of Mexico, Yucca aloifolia blooms in autumn. In our temperate climates, the flowers bloom in May. They form a panicle 45 to 60 centimetres high at the top of the plant. Green, violet or cream, they give off a subtle perfume.

Fruits appear after flowering. Purple and ovoid, they resemble miniature eggplants. Don't hesitate to try them! Their flavor is reminiscent of blackcurrant.

But the fruits are the only edible part of the Aloe Yucca. The foliage, branches and roots contain saponins, substances that are toxic to humans and animals. When ingested, they cause stomach upsets and neurological disorders. But nature has a way of doing things! Saponins are very bitter. If your cat or dog tastes it, it's likely to be disgusted and turn away from your plant before it gets sick.

Our maintenance tips

Plenty of sun, but without burning the leaves, regular watering, but without drowning the roots... Even if the plant is suitable for beginners, caring for your Aloe Yucca requires rigor and moderation.

Watering

Your Yucca aloifolia is more afraid of too much water than of forgetting. You should only water when the surface of the soil is two to three centimetres dry.

When you do water, do so generously. Use non-calcareous water, such as demineralized water or rainwater, always at room temperature.

If you use a planter or saucer, empty any standing water after each watering.

Spray

In its natural environment, yucca aloifolia benefits fromhigh humidity. To make your plant feel at home in your home, regularly mist the top and bottom of the foliage with non-calcareous water at room temperature.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Yucca aloifolia to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

In a drilled pot, place a layer of clay balls or gravel to promote drainage. The pot should be deeper and larger than the previous one to accommodate the roots and support the growth of your yucca aloifolia.

Choose a special potting soil for green plants or houseplants. After pouring in the substrate, plant your plant. Fill in with soil and tamp down to eliminate any air pockets.

Cleaning

Dust prevents leaves from absorbing light and slows photosynthesis. You can use a brush or feather duster to clean the foliage.

Prune

Cut back dry stems and wilted leaves. You can use a pair of scissors or pruning shears. Remember to clean them beforehand to prevent the spread of disease.

Plantation

Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.

Yucca aloifolia tolerate mild winters. If you live in the south of France or by the sea, you can plant them in the ground.

Choose a bright location, but without direct sunlight. Make sure the soil is well drained. If the soil in your garden is heavy or retains moisture, plant them at the top of a mound or on a slope.

After loosening the soil, dig a hole three times the size of your Aloe Yuccapot. Place a layer of clay balls or gravel and transplant. Fill in with a mixture of ordinary soil and sand, or even potting soil for citrus and Mediterranean plants.

Protect the base with a mineral mulch (pebbles, gravel, pebbles, slate, etc.) before watering abundantly.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Saw off the stipe about ten centimeters above the surface. Keep the head to make a head cutting and then divide the false trunk into sections of about 20 centimetres. When cutting, do so at an angle so that water doesn't pool on the scar, and always use a clean, disinfected tool.

Mark the top and bottom of each graft, either with tape or a discreet pencil mark.

Plant your graft in a pierced pot containing a mixture of rich potting soil (horticultural potting soil, potting soil for seedlings, special potting soil for cuttings, etc.) and sand. Place them in a bright spot, but away from direct sunlight.

Diseases / Threats

Red spiders

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Asparagaceae - Asparagaceae
Type	Yucca - Yucca
Species	Aloe Yucca - Yucca aloifolia
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrats	Calcareous earth Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots In tubs Planter
Categories	Shrub Fruit tree Rhizome
Tags	Beginner Rustic
Origin	Central America
Hardiness (USDA)	9a
Leaf color
Flower colors
Fruit color