The Yucca, often called the Spanish Dagger or Adam’s Needle, is a total staple for indoor gardeners. Why? Because these guys are tough as nails and incredibly easy to care for. That’s why it can be a bit of a shock when those vibrant green leaves start turning brown. If your Yucca is looking a little crispy, it’s usually a sign that something is off.
The Culprits
There are a few different reasons why your Yucca might be sporting brown leaves, and usually, they’re a cry for help:
- Over-fertilizing
- Sunburn
- Pests
Over-fertilizing
If you’ve been a little too generous with the plant food, your Yucca won’t be able to absorb it all. The excess fertilizer sits in the soil, causing salt buildup. This is bad news for both the roots and the foliage, as both will start to turn brown. When it comes to the leaves:
- You’ll notice the edges turning brown first
- Eventually, the entire leaf will discolor
What to do
- Stop fertilizing immediately
- Check the roots for damage
- Repot the plant into fresh, clean soil
- In the future, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when fertilizing
Sunburn
Yes, plants can get sunburned too! This happens when they are suddenly exposed to intense, direct sunlight without a transition period. This usually happens when people move their Yucca out onto the balcony or patio for the summer. However, it can even happen indoors if you move the pot to a much sunnier window. Look for these signs:
- Large brown blotches on the leaves
- In severe cases, the entire leaf may look scorched
What to do
Unfortunately, once a leaf is sunburned, it won’t turn green again. Once those spots have completely dried out, you can go ahead and trim them off.
The most important step is to get the plant out of the direct glare right away. Move it to a spot with partial shade. Once it has recovered, you can slowly reintroduce it to brighter light. If it’s outside, move it toward the sun in small increments; if it’s inside, gradually reduce the amount of shade or curtain coverage over several days.
Pests
If pests are the reason for the brown leaves, you’ll want to act fast. By the time the leaves are changing color, it usually means those uninvited guests have been making themselves at home for a while.
What to do
- Identify exactly which pest you’re dealing with
- Prune back the most heavily affected areas
- Treat the infestation with an appropriate organic or chemical solution
