The main reason we all love the Yucca (also known as the Adam’s Needle or Spanish Bayonet) is that gorgeous, architectural crown of green leaves. That’s why it’s such a bummer when those leaves start looking crispy and dry. If your Yucca is struggling, you’ll want to act fast to get it back on track.
The Culprits
Usually, dry leaves come down to one of two things:
- Overwatering (leading to root rot)
- Underwatering
However, don’t panic if you only see a few dry leaves at the very bottom of the crown. That’s actually a totally natural part of the plant’s growth cycle as it sheds old foliage to make room for the new.
Too Much Water (Soggy Feet)
Ironically, overwatering is the most common reason a Yucca looks “dry.” When a Yucca sits in standing water, the soil becomes waterlogged, creating a breeding ground for fungi that rot the roots. Once the roots rot, they can’t send water up to the rest of the plant. So, even though the soil is soaking wet, the leaves are actually dying of thirst.
How to Fix It
Whether you can save your Yucca depends on how much of the root system is still healthy. You’ll need to do a little “surgery” to find out:
- Carefully lift the Yucca out of its pot.
- Gently shake or brush the old soil off the root ball.
Trim away any mushy, smelly, or black rotted roots. If there are still firm, healthy roots left, rinse them with lukewarm water. Let them air dry for a bit, then repot your Yucca into a fresh pot with bone-dry potting mix.
Hold off on watering for a few weeks to let the plant recover. Moving forward, only water your Yucca when the top couple of inches of soil feel completely dry to the touch.
Not Enough Water
Since underwatering also causes dry leaves, take a second to think about your recent watering habits. If you aren’t sure which way the pendulum has swung, the only way to know for sure is to check those roots.
If the roots look dry and brittle rather than mushy, you’ve got a thirsty plant on your hands. Here’s how to rehydrate it.
How to Fix It
For smaller plants, the “dunk method” works wonders:
- Place the entire pot into a larger bucket or sink filled with lukewarm water.
- Keep it submerged until air bubbles stop rising to the surface.
- Lift it out and let the excess water drain away completely.
- Place it back on its saucer, and empty any leftover water from the saucer after about 15 minutes.
If your Yucca is too big to move or dunk, try this instead:
- Give it a moderate drink of lukewarm water.
- Continue watering in small, regular intervals.
This gradual approach helps the plant acclimate to getting moisture again without shocking the system.
