Yucca plants are the ultimate low-maintenance roommates when it comes to hydration. They aren’t particularly thirsty, and they’ve actually evolved to store water right in their trunks. Because of this, these ornamental beauties much prefer a bit of a dry spell over soggy soil.
Potted Yuccas
When you’re growing a Yucca in a container, it does rely on you for a steady supply of water. By “steady,” I don’t mean drowning it—it just means keeping a consistent schedule rather than giving it a random splash of water whenever you remember.
How often should you water?
The amount of water your Yucca needs depends on its size, but the biggest factors are the season and the weather. Generally speaking, it’s going to need more frequent drinks during its growth phase (from spring through fall) than it will during the winter.
Spring through Fall
During the growing season, let the weather be your guide. If it’s hot and dry out, your Yucca will be thirstier than during a week of rain or cooler temperatures.
The easiest way to tell if your plant is ready for a drink is the “finger test.” Just stick your finger about an inch or two into the soil:
- If the soil feels dry, go ahead and water.
- If it still feels moist, you can hold off for a few more days.
Winter
If your Yucca is spending the winter in a cool spot to rest, it barely needs any water at all. Usually, giving it a little sip once a month while it’s overwintering is plenty. A good rule of thumb: the cooler the room, the less water it needs.
However, if you keep your Yucca as a year-round houseplant in a heated room, keep up with your regular watering routine. Dry indoor air from the heater can actually make your plant quite thirsty!
The best way to water
Unlike some finicky houseplants, Yuccas are totally fine with tap water, even if it’s a bit “hard” or limey. Just try to make sure the water is at room temperature so you don’t give the roots a cold shock.
Here’s a pro tip for getting the amount just right: Water until you see it start to trickle out into the saucer. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then empty the saucer. You never want your Yucca sitting in standing water!
Yuccas in the Garden
If you have a Yucca planted directly in the ground, the local climate usually provides plenty of moisture. In fact, the risk is often too much rain rather than too little. Generally, you won’t need to water outdoor Yuccas at all. The only exception is during those intense summer heatwaves—if it hasn’t rained in a while and things are looking parched, a little extra water will go a long way.
