Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Cosmetically prune the plant
• Method 2 of 3: Cut a plant in a pot
• Method 3 of 3: Replant the cut yuccas
• Necessities
• Tips
• Warnings

Yuccas require little maintenance and adapt well, making them very popular houseplants. Pruning a yucca is a quick and easy process. Remove unwanted leaves from both indoor and outdoor plants, or shorten your potted yucca. While there is no need to prune a yucca, it does help keep the plant healthy all year round.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Cosmetically prune the plant

1. Cut the bottom leaves with a knife when you get the skirt want to delete. The lower leaves form the yucca's skirt. Start at the bottom of the plant and cut or trim leaves with a knife, pruning shears or kitchen scissors. Make the cuts as close to the trunk as possible. Stop removing leaves about halfway down the trunk, or when you achieve the desired look.
   • You can cut these leaves as you wish. Remember, the best time to prune yuccas is in early spring, so you can choose to prune your plants at that time if you wish.
   • Yuccas develop a skirt of lower leaves, just like palm trees do.
   • Cutting away damaged leaves is particularly helpful when the yucca is struggling. Removing these leaves helps the plant to regain its health.
2. Let the yucca's leaves sit when you get it skirted likes appearance. If you want, let the lower leaves fall off naturally, instead of cutting them. It will not harm the plant if you leave the bottom leaves on. You may like this appearance better than a pruned yucca.
   • Cosmetic pruning is mainly based on personal preference.
   • You can still cut away damaged and dying leaves. They may also fall off on their own, but cutting them away will help keep the plant healthy.
3. Cut the flower stalk back to 10 cm above the base. Do this after the yucca has bloomed. When a yucca blooms, white flowers grow from the center on top of the plant. Grasp the flower stalk, push leaves out of the way and cut with pruning shears, a sharp knife or kitchen scissors.
   • You can prune before the plant flowers, but yuccas are usually pruned after flowering.Once they bloom, you can start pruning or wait for the flowers to fade.
4. Pick up the clippings and throw them away when you're done. Discard the leaves or use them as compost. The yucca will look beautiful with its new shape!

Method 2 of 3: Cut a plant in a pot

1. Cut yuccas when they have grown out of their pots or to replant them into smaller pots. You can cut the plant into two separate parts and replant both of them. The plants will sprout from the cutting point and start to form new leaves.
   • You know the plant has grown out of its pot when the roots are not far from the outer rim of the pot.
   • You can also move the plant to a larger pot if you don't want to cut it.
   • In fact, you get a second plant for free if you cut the plant and replant both parts!
2. Prune yuccas in early spring just before the growing season. Yuccas bloom in the spring. It is best to prune them in the early spring, just before they bloom.
   • Pruning the plant helps to stimulate and control growth.
3. Remove large yuccas from their containers. Choose which plants to prune, based on height and size. You can do this for one plant or multiple plants. Grasp the stem of the plant firmly and pull it out of the container.
4. Find the center of the plant and remove the bottom leaves. Examine the plant and make a mental note of a spot halfway between the trunk and the first leaf cluster. Here you are going to cut. To make it easier to trim the trunk, pull or cut the leaves off the plant.
   • The center of the plant can be a rough estimate, so it does not have to be an exact measurement.
5. Cut the trunk down the center with a handsaw or sharp knife. Use a pair of scissors or a sharp knife to cut smaller plants (approximately 1 1/2 "- 1 1/2" in diameter). Use a handsaw for thicker logs (approx. 25 cm or wider in diameter). Push your tools into the trunk of the yucca with consistent, steady pressure.
   • The trunk can be cut easily with a moderate amount of force.
6. Leave both halves of the yucca in the sun for one to three hours before replanting. You can replant both parts of the plant after you cut the plant, but place both parts outside in an airy, sunny spot first. The trunk takes root better in the soil if it has been in the open air for a few hours.
   • Place the halves on the sidewalk, in the grass, or on a table.

Method 3 of 3: Replant the cut yuccas

1. Buy a pot that will hold the roots of the plant if you are going to replant them in a pot. Consider the size of the plant when buying a pot. The plant must be stable and not topple over.
   • Buy a pot from an interior or garden store.
   • The pot should be able to easily contain the roots of the plant and have some extra space for the plant to grow.
2. Choose a sunny spot for your yucca, be it indoors or out. Choose a location where the plant will receive direct sunlight for most of the day. Yuccas grow best in direct sunlight. Choose a place for your potted plants, for example near a window. You can also choose a spot for your outdoor plant, for example as an eye-catcher in your garden.
   • Yuccas can survive in all seasons and in many climatic zones. They are native to warm, arid regions, but many species adapt well to urban environments and cold climates.
   • The leaves of a yucca are sharp. Keep the plant away from sidewalks and high traffic areas so that they do not injure anyone. If you have children or pets, choose an area away from their play area.
   • If the yucca is not getting enough light, the leaves will stretch and look wilted.
3. If you are planting the plant outside, dig a hole twice as deep and wide as the roots of the plant. To replant a yucca, take a shovel and dig a hole in your yard. The size of the hole depends on the size of the plant. Make sure the hole is deep enough for the roots of the plant.
4. Fill 5-7.5 cm of the pot or hole with gravel and soil. Overwatering can be harmful to yuccas, so it is important to properly water the soil using gravel. First pour gravel into the pot or hole and then sprinkle it with a few inches of potting compost.
   • Buy gravel and potting compost from an interior or garden store. Make sure to use well-draining potting compost. Consider using soil for cacti and palms, although it is not required.
   • You can also use sand to maintain drainage in the soil.
5. Place the tree in its new location and fill the pot or hole with more soil. Push the soil to eliminate air pockets.
   • Make sure the plant is upright and in the center of the pot.
6. Water the plant lightly with a garden hose or watering can for 10 seconds. Watering the plant will help the plant to take root in the new soil. Yuccas don't need much water, so cover the base of the plant lightly for a few seconds.
   • Water the plant again after 10 days to two weeks. Feel the soil to determine if the plant needs to be watered. When the top one inch of soil is dry to the touch, you can water the plant lightly.
   • Yuccas shrivel and wrinkle if they don't get enough water. Too much water will cause the leaves to die or discolor.

Necessities

• Protective gloves
• Long sleeved clothing
• Safety glasses
• Sharp knife, scissors or secateurs
• Potting soil
• Gravel (or sand)
• Pot (optional)
• Handsaw (optional)

Tips

• Yuccas are easy to care for and do not require much water. Water the plan once every 10 days.
• You can fertilize the yucca two to three times a year for best results, but it is not required.
• Disinfect your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol before and after use, and when moving from one plant to another. This prevents cross contamination.
• The flowers of a yucca are edible. You can eat them raw or cooked.

Warnings

• The leaves of a yucca are often sharp. Wear long-sleeved clothing and gloves to protect yourself.
• Always wear gloves and safety glasses when pruning a yucca.