If your Yucca has outgrown its space or you’re just looking to expand your plant family, I’ve got some great news: dividing these beauties is actually super easy! Whether yours is living out in the garden or brightening up your living room, splitting a Yucca (often called an Adam’s Needle or Spanish Bayonet) is a straightforward DIY project. Here’s my guide on how to get it done right.
How to Divide Yuccas in Your Garden
To split an outdoor Yucca, you’re going to need a sturdy shovel. You want something big enough to lift the entire root ball out of the ground. Try to be as gentle as possible while digging—the goal is to keep the root system intact. Don’t sweat it if a few small roots get nicked, though; Yuccas are pretty tough and can handle a little bit of “tough love.”
Once you’ve got the plant out of the ground, it’s time to make the split. Carefully divide the root ball and cut the plant into two roughly equal halves. Before you replant, take a quick look at the roots. If you see any parts that look dried out or damaged, go ahead and trim those off with clean shears.
Now, just pop one half back into its original home and find a new spot to transplant the second half. Just make sure the new location gets the sun and drainage your Yucca craves. Give both plants a good soak once they’re in the ground to help those roots settle into their new environment.
Dividing Your Indoor Yucca
If you’re keeping a Yucca as a houseplant, you can divide it too! Start by carefully wiggling the plant out of its pot. With indoor varieties, you have two options: you can divide the root ball just like the outdoor version, or you can actually cut the trunk. This is a lifesaver if your Yucca has hit the ceiling and you need to bring it back down to a manageable size.
Here’s what you’ll need for the job:
- A sharp, clean cutting tool (like a saw or heavy-duty shears)
- Tree wound sealer or grafting wax
- A second pot with fresh potting mix or seed-starting soil
If you decide to cut the trunk, don’t throw that top part away! You can use it for propagating your Yucca. Simply take the top cutting and plant the cut end down into a pot filled with a mix of soil and sand. Keep it in a warm spot and stay on top of the watering; in a few weeks, it’ll start sprouting its own roots. Pro tip: Make sure to apply some wound sealer to the cut on the original plant to keep it healthy and protected while it recovers.
