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Help! I think my Spineless Yucca died

judykaiser819judykaiser819 Posts: 12
in Plants
 :'(  I'm not sure what happened. My Spineless Yucca was doing great, then all of a sudden leaves started dropping. Now they are all gone. I don't see any new nodes/sprouts starting. Not sure what to do to see if any life is left. I do wonder if I cut the top off will new growth start??

Anyone have any ideas. The stem is still solid, not mushy.

Any thoughts would be appreciated,  Thanx

Posts

  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited April 2023
    If the growing point has also gone, is brown, dry or mushy and the trunk is solid, you can cut the trunk to any height and it should send up side shoots if the roots are still viable.  You can create a multi headed plant that way or remove some of the shoots if you prefer just one or two. Just give it some time.  You could also  apply an organic mulch on the soil surface to help retain moisture and add some nutrients. I am presuming your plant is in the ground but if it’s in a pot, make sure that there’s good drainage and the soil does not get waterlogged. The roots may also start to produce offsets, or young plants at the base of the plant in response to cutting the trunk.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • judykaiser819judykaiser819 Posts: 12
    The plant is in a pot. I was thinking to unpot it and check the roots. If they are fine, I probably will give it time. I think I may have moved it too quickly to the window. 

    Wouldn't it be faster, if the roots are good to cut the top down to where I know it's healthy, rather than just wait to sprout.

    I hope I get offset, that would be awesome. Thanks for your input!!
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    If the growing point is dead, I would cut it now.  Cutting will stimulate new growth.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • judykaiser819judykaiser819 Posts: 12
    Very true, I'll have to go buy a saw tomorrow. Although, I do have a hatchet, but that probably won't work out well, 😂 
  • doraTNoMW3epdoraTNoMW3ep Posts: 6

    It's definitely a good idea to check the roots, as that could be the cause of the sudden leaf drop. If the roots look healthy, then it's possible that the plant just needs time to recover.

    As for cutting the top down, it can help stimulate new growth. However, it's best to only do this if you know the plant is healthy below where you plan to cut. If you're unsure, it might be best to wait and see if any new growth appears.

    Getting offsets would be great! If you do get any, make sure to let them dry for a few days before planting them in well-draining soil. Good luck! :smiley:

  • judykaiser819judykaiser819 Posts: 12
    Dora, thanks so much. Great points!
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