When picking the perfect spot for your Yucca (often called a Spanish Bayonet or Adam’s Needle), light is the name of the game. It makes sense when you think about where they come from—most of these beauties are native to the sun-drenched deserts of Mexico and the American Southwest.
Indoors
The most common variety you’ll find living inside is the Spineless Yucca (*Yucca elephantipes*). This plant is a total sun-seeker and thrives in a very bright spot all year round. Ideally, you’ll want to place it right in front of a large east- or west-facing window. A south-facing window works great, too, but you might want to keep an eye on it during those scorching summer afternoons to make sure the leaves don’t get scorched.
Pro tip: If your Yucca is sitting a few feet away from the window, give the pot a little turn every now and then. Otherwise, you’ll notice it starting to lean toward the glass as it “stretches” for the light!
On the Balcony
Pretty much all Yuccas love a “summer vacation” outdoors. In fact, I highly recommend it! They really soak up the fresh air and natural UV rays. However, don’t just toss them out into the bright sun on day one. Even a desert plant can get a “sunburn” if it’s been cozy inside all winter.
When the balcony season starts, ease them into it. Start them off in partial shade and gradually move them into the sun over about two weeks. If you notice the leaves turning yellowish or looking bleached, that’s a sign of sunburn—move the plant back into the shade for a bit so it can recover.
Planted in the Garden
If you’re planting a Yucca directly into your landscape, you’ll want to choose your spot carefully. While you *can* move them later, they really prefer to stay put. For the best growth, pick a sunny area where neighboring trees or shrubs won’t grow over them and block the light in a few years.
Whether or not you need to “harden off” your new garden Yucca depends on where you bought it:
- If it came from a greenhouse, give it about two weeks to adjust to the outdoor light before you dig the hole.
- If the nursery already had it sitting outside in the full sun, you’re good to go! You can get it right into the soil as soon as you get home since it’s already acclimated to the direct rays.
