Yucca Yucca elephantipes
At a glance
- Light
- Direct sun
- 15000–40000 lux
- Water
- Every 14–21 days
- Soil completely dry
- Humidity
- 20–50%
- Tolerates dry air
- Temperature
- 7–30°C
- Ideal 18–27°C
- Soil pH
- 6–7.5
- fast-draining
- Mature size
- 300 cm tall
- 120 cm wide
- Native to
- Mexico, Central America
- Growth
- Slow
- Tree
Watering calculator
Estimate how often to water your Yucca based on pot size, light, and season.
Always check the top 2 cm of soil before watering. Calculator output is an estimate, not a schedule.
Diagnose a problem
Click an issue to see causes and fixes for Yucca.
Or use Plant Doctor — AI-powered diagnostic that picks the top 3 most likely causes with family-specific reasoning and step-by-step fixes (photo upload coming soon).
Compare with similar plants
| Trait | Yucca Yucca elephantipes | Snake Plant Dracaena trifasciata | Dragon Tree Dracaena marginata |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | Direct sun | Adaptable | Medium indirect |
| Water | 14–21 days | 14–21 days | 10–21 days |
| Pet safe | Toxic to cats and dogs | Toxic to cats and dogs | Toxic to cats and dogs |
| Difficulty | Very Easy | Very Easy | Easy |
| Mature size | 300 cm | 90 cm | 240 cm |
Light requirements in detail
Yucca prefers direct sun (15000–40000 lux) . Needs at least 4 hours of direct sun; tolerates south-facing windows that scorch most other houseplants
A spot 1–2 meters from a bright east or south-facing window usually fits this range. Direct afternoon sun through unfiltered glass can scorch leaves; sheer curtains help diffuse it.
Watering in detail
Water Yucca every 14– 21 days during the growing season, allowing Soil completely dry to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter when growth slows.
This plant tolerates the occasional missed watering — err on the dry side rather than overwater.
Pet-safe alternatives to Yucca
Browse plants like Yucca
Frequently asked questions about Yucca
How often should I water Yucca?
Water Yucca every 14–21 days during the growing season, allowing Soil completely dry to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency by 30–50% in winter.
What kind of light does Yucca need?
Yucca prefers direct sun (15000–40000 lux). Needs at least 4 hours of direct sun; tolerates south-facing windows that scorch most other houseplants
Is Yucca toxic to cats?
Yucca is toxic to cats (moderate severity). Toxic compounds: steroidal saponins. Common symptoms: vomiting, weakness, incoordination, dilated pupils, drooling.
Is Yucca toxic to dogs?
Yucca is toxic to dogs (moderate severity). Toxic compounds: steroidal saponins. Common symptoms: vomiting, weakness, incoordination, drooling, depression.
How big does Yucca grow?
Yucca reaches about 300 cm tall and 120 cm wide at maturity. Growth rate is slow.