Asparagaceae
Yucca elephantipes
Add instant height and a clean, modern vibe with Yucca Cane. Its strong trunk and sleek, sword-shaped leaves make it a perfect statement plant for receptions, living rooms, and bright corners—without demanding daily care. Give it bright light, water sparingly, and enjoy a hardy, long-lasting green centerpiece.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Yucca Cane
Botanical Name: Yucca elephantipes
Former Name: Yucca gigantea
Plant Type: Ornamental indoor plant (Cane-type succulent)
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0156
Alternative Names:
Spineless Yucca
Giant Yucca
Spanish Dagger
Yucca Palm
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Yucca
Species: Y. elephantipes
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to eastern Mexico and Central America. Widely cultivated and naturalized in subtropical regions worldwide, including parts of the Mediterranean, southern United States, and Turkey.
4. Visual Characteristics
Trunk: Single or multi-stemmed, thick and woody.
Leaves: Rosettes of stiff, sword-shaped, dark green leaves with smooth edges in spineless varieties.
Flowers: Erect panicles of pendulous, bell-shaped white flowers in late spring to summer when grown outdoors; rarely blooms indoors.
Fruit: Capsule containing black seeds.
5. Size & Dimensions
Height: Indoors up to 4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m); outdoors up to 30 ft (9 m).
Spread: 2–3 ft (0.6–0.9 m) indoors; wider in landscape.
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate (12–24 inches per year under ideal conditions).
6. Light Requirements
Thrives in bright light to full sun. Requires at least 6 hours of direct or very bright indirect light daily. Tolerates part shade but may become leggy.
7. Watering Needs
Drought-tolerant. Allow the top 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) of soil to dry out before watering. Water sparingly in winter. Overwatering leads to root rot.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining mix: equal parts potting soil, coarse sand or perlite, and peat or coconut coir. Provide pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal range 65–85 °F (18–29 °C). Tolerates down to 30 °F (–1 °C) briefly. Prefers low to moderate humidity; high humidity may encourage rot.
10. Fertilization
Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced 10-10-10 or a cactus/succulent fertilizer at half strength. Do not fertilize in fall and winter.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Low maintenance. Remove dead or damaged leaves at the base. Wipe dust from foliage. Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagation by offsets (pups) or stem cuttings. Allow cut ends to dry and callus for 1–2 days before planting in a well-draining medium. Best done in spring.
13. Common Problems
Overwatering: yellowing leaves and root rot.
Underwatering: brown, crispy leaf tips.
Pests: scale insects, mealybugs, spider mites. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
14. Benefits & Uses
Architectural statement plant for interiors and landscapes. Improves air circulation. Drought-tolerant accent in xeriscaping. Adds height and texture to rooms.
15. Toxicity & Safety
All parts contain saponins; toxic if ingested by pets and humans, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Sharp leaf tips can cause skin and eye irritation. Handle with care.
Yucca elephantipes
Add instant height and a clean, modern vibe with Yucca Cane. Its strong trunk and sleek, sword-shaped leaves make it a perfect statement plant for receptions, living rooms, and bright corners—without demanding daily care. Give it bright light, water sparingly, and enjoy a hardy, long-lasting green centerpiece.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Yucca Cane
Botanical Name: Yucca elephantipes
Former Name: Yucca gigantea
Plant Type: Ornamental indoor plant (Cane-type succulent)
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0156
Alternative Names:
Spineless Yucca
Giant Yucca
Spanish Dagger
Yucca Palm
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Yucca
Species: Y. elephantipes
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to eastern Mexico and Central America. Widely cultivated and naturalized in subtropical regions worldwide, including parts of the Mediterranean, southern United States, and Turkey.
4. Visual Characteristics
Trunk: Single or multi-stemmed, thick and woody.
Leaves: Rosettes of stiff, sword-shaped, dark green leaves with smooth edges in spineless varieties.
Flowers: Erect panicles of pendulous, bell-shaped white flowers in late spring to summer when grown outdoors; rarely blooms indoors.
Fruit: Capsule containing black seeds.
5. Size & Dimensions
Height: Indoors up to 4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m); outdoors up to 30 ft (9 m).
Spread: 2–3 ft (0.6–0.9 m) indoors; wider in landscape.
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate (12–24 inches per year under ideal conditions).
6. Light Requirements
Thrives in bright light to full sun. Requires at least 6 hours of direct or very bright indirect light daily. Tolerates part shade but may become leggy.
7. Watering Needs
Drought-tolerant. Allow the top 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) of soil to dry out before watering. Water sparingly in winter. Overwatering leads to root rot.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining mix: equal parts potting soil, coarse sand or perlite, and peat or coconut coir. Provide pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal range 65–85 °F (18–29 °C). Tolerates down to 30 °F (–1 °C) briefly. Prefers low to moderate humidity; high humidity may encourage rot.
10. Fertilization
Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced 10-10-10 or a cactus/succulent fertilizer at half strength. Do not fertilize in fall and winter.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Low maintenance. Remove dead or damaged leaves at the base. Wipe dust from foliage. Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagation by offsets (pups) or stem cuttings. Allow cut ends to dry and callus for 1–2 days before planting in a well-draining medium. Best done in spring.
13. Common Problems
Overwatering: yellowing leaves and root rot.
Underwatering: brown, crispy leaf tips.
Pests: scale insects, mealybugs, spider mites. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
14. Benefits & Uses
Architectural statement plant for interiors and landscapes. Improves air circulation. Drought-tolerant accent in xeriscaping. Adds height and texture to rooms.
15. Toxicity & Safety
All parts contain saponins; toxic if ingested by pets and humans, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Sharp leaf tips can cause skin and eye irritation. Handle with care.