A yucca cane, or yucca plant, is a hardy perennial plant. Yuccas are considered to be flexible plants, easy to care for and maintain. They are tolerant to most climates and soils, making them popular houseplants.
Many people choose to own yucca cane plants for their aesthetic appeal. Yucca leaves are dark green and spiky. Since the leaves are very sharp, they should be kept out of reach of both children and pets. When trimming yucca leaves, thick gloves should be worn for protection against cuts.
The plants come in both bush and stemmed forms. Yucca stems are thick and woody, providing a very tropical appearance. Yuccas usually grow from 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) to nine feet (about 3 meters) in height. The plants flower in mid-summer, yielding white flowers.
Yucca cane can grow in gardens as well as containers. Containers can be made of plastic or clay. Clay pots are considered an optimal choice, as they allow for proper circulation.
As desert plants, yucca cane thrives in sunlight. Exposure to direct sunlight will yield healthy plants. Growing yucca can also be done in partial shade. Small yucca plants should be placed on stands in order to receive proper amounts of sunlight. Large plants can thrive on the ground or floor.
Water requirements for yucca cane may differ from other ground plants. For potted yuccas, nearly all of the soil should be dry prior to watering. The plant should be watered heavily, until water seeps out of the pot.
During the hot season, yucca cane should be watered one to two times weekly. Yuccas should receive watering once every two to three weeks during other seasons. Over watering should be avoided, as it may cause leaves to turn brown.
Generally, pests are not a problem with yucca plants. Aside from mealybugs and an occasional scale, they are usually free of insect infestations. As such, yucca plants usually do not require insecticides.
Several yucca species are available. The variegated yucca is known for its blue-green leaves that turn pink in winter. The yucca rigida, or blue yucca, has a blue tinge, while the yucca elata has a spiral leaf arrangement. A popular choice of yucca, the spineless yucca, or giant yucca, does not have the sharp spines present in other varieties of yucca cane. Yucca filifera, an exceptionally fast-growing plant, can grow up to 30 feet (about 9 meters) in height.
