Yucca Plant Propagation Guide (By Cuttings or Seeds) - The Practical Planter (2024)

Yucca plants are appealing ornamental plants native to Central and North America’s desert regions. These plants stand out by their sword-like leaves and tall spikes of white flowers.

So, if you’re fond of yuccas and want to grow more of them, you’ll be thrilled to know how easy it is to propagate these species.

Generally, you can propagate yucca plants using two basic techniques: stem cuttings and seed propagation.

In this yucca plant propagation guide, learn the steps to effectively propagate yucca using either method. We’ll also share tips on growing and maintaining yuccas.

How Do Yucca Plants Reproduce?

Yucca plants can be propagated using two ways. Below are the specifics of each method.

1 – Stem Cuttings

This procedure requires taking a six-inch-long stem cut from a grown yucca and leaving the cutting to dry for a couple of days.

After the stem dries, plant it in well-draining soil and water lightly.

Eventually, the cutting will grow roots and emerge into a new yucca.

2 – Seed Propagation

Yuccas produce seed pods with lots of tiny, black seeds. With this method, the seeds are harvested after the pods dry out and split open.

After that, the seeds are planted in well-draining soil and maintained damp until germination. Once the seeds mature, you can replant them in a new pot or directly in the ground.

Keep in mind that yuccas’ seed propagation could produce new plants with features that differ from the parent plant. This is because yuccas can cross-pollinate with other yuccas in the planting area.

Likewise, yucca grown from seed may take years to mature and blossom.

Propagating Yucca Using Stem Cuttings

To properly propagate yucca plants, follow these easy steps.

Step 1

Choose a stem that’s at least 4–5 inches long from a yucca that’s 5–6 years old. Then, check if the stem has dark brown bark instead of a premature cream-colored one.

Additionally, ensure the plant is healthy and free from pests.

Step 2

Using disinfected pruning shears, trip the leaves closest to the base while retaining the leaves at the top.

When cutting, keep at least 2–3 leaves to reduce drastic moisture changes, increasing the chances of the plant sustaining the transplant until the roots can develop.

Furthermore, you may soak the cutting’s tip in a rooting hormone powder to boost root growth.

Step 3

Trip the cutting’s set of leaves and retain approximately 2 inches of stem below the bottom remaining leaf.

Afterward, put the cutting somewhere cool and dry. This partially dries the stem to promote the root formation that seeks out moisture.

You can prepare the stem cutting to be planted in 4–7 days.

Step 4

Fill a small planter halfway with a well-draining garden soil mix, preferably cactus soil.

Then, make a small opening in the soil using your finger or a pencil.

Step 5

Fit the cutting in the hole. Keep the remaining leaves above the soil surface at all times.

Sometimes, you may need to use a lightweight cord or rope to hold the stem standing up onto a different object.

Step 6

Cover the pot with a transparent plastic bag to create a mini nursery. This’ll help in trapping moisture, which is beneficial to root growth.

Step 7

Place the pot in a well-lit area. However, ensure the plant isn’t exposed to direct sunlight to prevent the cutting from drying out.

Step 8

Check the soil periodically and water when necessary to keep it moist. Be careful not to flood the soil to prevent the cutting from rotting.

Step 9

After about 4–6 weeks, the roots are likely visible through the pot’s drainage holes.

Meanwhile, if no roots are peaking out, you can verify by pulling the stem lightly. If there’s resistance, the cutting’s roots have grown successfully.

At this point, you may remove the pot cover and gradually introduce the cutting to sunlight.

On the flip side, if the roots don’t grow, start over with a cutting taken from a larger, older yucca.

Step 10

Once the new yucca grows nicely, you can transfer it into a bigger pot or directly into the garden.

Propagating Yucca Using Seeds

Yucca seed propagation is a straightforward procedure that requires lots of patience and attention to detail.

Continue reading to know the steps for successfully propagating yucca from seeds.

Step 1

Consider the season when planting. The ideal time to propagate yucca seeds is in the winter or early spring.

If you’re planning to propagate an indoor plant, start during winter. This’ll allow the seeds to germinate as long as possible before the next winter starts.

On the other hand, you may propagate outdoor plants during early spring.

Step 2

Lay the seeds on a damp paper towel at least one inch apart. Then fill the tray with water about ¼ inch full.

Put the towel above the tray, then place the seeds on the towel after. This strategy doubles the chances of successful germinating.

Step 3

Ensure the seeds are moist and placed in room temperatures ranging from 60–70°F (15–21°C).

You may water the seeds once in two to three days at the same intervals to keep them from drying out.

Step 4

After the seedlings sprout, prepare a loamy, well-draining soil mix. Note that some seeds may take a few months to a year to sprout.

Fill the seed trays or small planters with soil mix.

Step 5

When planting the seeds, ensure they sit roughly a ¼ of an inch deep in the soil while keeping at least an inch between.

Then, water the soil, taking caution not to flush the seeds away.

Usually, sprouts start to appear from the soil in a week.

Step 6

Cover the trays with a plastic bag to keep the seeds moist inside. This’ll allow them to grow faster.

Step 7

If the soil’s topmost layer looks dry, you may put it in a location with direct sunlight. You may also apply some water to the plant.

While it’s not necessary to keep newly propagated yucca indoors for more than two years, it’s still a good idea to do so for the first year.

After the first year or so, try relocating your yucca to a sunny and well-draining area. However, you have to prepare the plant gradually to avoid stress and shock.

How Can I Make Propagated Yucca Grow Faster?

Most of the yucca species tend to mature both slowly and quickly. Nevertheless, here are a few tricks you can try to help your yucca plant flourish much faster.

1 – Water Your Yucca Plant Regularly

Even though yuccas are drought-tolerant, they can grow faster when watered regularly.

However, when you water your yucca plant, give its soil enough time to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot.

2 – Choose a Well-Draining Soil Potting Mix

Yucca plants thrive in loamy, well-draining soil. So, pick a potting soil mix with gritty sand or perlite for better drainage.

3 – Place Your Yucca in a Sunny Spot

Much like with other succulents, yuccas need sunlight to grow. By placing them in a sunny spot, they can get the sunlight they need to photosynthesize and develop.

Therefore, your yucca may produce robust, fuller leaves and a more vivid appearance. On top of that, your plant may bear larger blooms.

However, exposing your yucca to direct sunlight for an extended period can cause its foliage to burn. So, it’s best to put them in a shaded area where indirect light can still shine on your plant.

4 – Fertilize Occasionally

While yucca plants don’t need much fertilizer, you could give your plant a boost by fertilizing about four times a year.

As a general rule, yuccas are best fertilized during their growing seasons, spring and summer, with low-nitrogen, balanced, well-soluble fertilizers.

Alternatively, an organic fertilizer, like manure, may also offer beneficial effects.

5 – Prune When Necessary

This succulent requires minimal upkeep. Pruning your yucca is optional, but it does help to maintain them looking neat and healthy.

In addition, you may trim the dead and yellowing leaves at any time throughout the growing period. Clip leaves pointing downwards to avoid having a yucca with a skirt-like shape.

Final Thoughts

Propagating yucca plants is a simple and fulfilling activity. It’ll allow you to expand your plant collection while honing your gardening skills.

By following this yucca plant propagation guide, you can reap yucca’s elegance and resilience benefits.

Just remember to pick a healthy mature yucca plant to propagate and stick to the steps we shared in this guide religiously.

Ultimately, with a bit of patience and effort, your propagated yucca will turn into a thriving plant that’ll bring joy and color to your home and garden.