Soaptree yucca (Yucca elata)

Also known as: Soap-weed yucca, Palmella

The Soaptree yucca (Yucca elata) is an evergreen plant that can reach heights of 6 to 15 feet. It features slender, green leaves with white edges that can grow up to 4 feet long. This yucca blooms from late spring to early summer, producing tall spikes adorned with clusters of creamy white, bell-shaped flowers. These fragrant flowers are known to attract hummingbirds.

### Uses:
1. **Traditional Use**: The roots and trunk are traditionally used to create soap and shampoo, thanks to their saponin content.
2. **Crafts**: The fibrous leaves are utilized in the making of ropes, baskets, and mats.
3. **Ornamental Use**: It is also popular in xeriscaping for its drought tolerance and striking appearance.

The Soaptree yucca is a versatile plant, valued for both its practical applications and ornamental qualities.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Soaptree yucca

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

1.2 m to 4.5 m

Spread

2.5 m to 3 m

Leaf Color

Green Blue Gray Variegated

Flower Size

5 cm to 10 cm

Flower Color

White

Images of Soaptree yucca

Quickly Identify Soaptree yucca

Treelike stature, 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters) tall

Slender, flexible leaves, 3-4 feet long (1 meter)

Pale grey-green leaves with fibrous margins

Older leaves drape down resembling a skirt

Produces white to green blossoms on a lofty spike

Scientific Classification of Soaptree yucca

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Asparagales

Family

Asparagus

Genus

Yuccas

Species

Soaptree yucca

Planting and Growing of Soaptree yucca

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

68-77℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Terracotta

How to Water Soaptree yucca?

Yucca elata requires careful watering to mimic its native desert environment. Water each time with about 500 ml, ensuring that the soil is moist but not soggy. Allow excess water to drain away completely, and the topsoil should dry out between waterings. This plant thrives when watering is done thoroughly yet sparingly.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Soaptree yucca? ›

What should I do if my Soaptree yucca is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Soaptree yucca? ›

How to save an overwatered Soaptree yucca? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Soaptree yucca?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Duration of light: 10 to 12 hours

Yucca elata prefers full sun exposure, typically 10 to 12 hours daily. Ideal lighting promotes robust growth, vibrant foliage, and strong structural integrity, crucial for the plant’s health and longevity.

What is the ideal lighting condition for Yucca elata? ›

How can you achieve ideal lighting conditions indoors? ›

What are the benefits of providing Yucca elata with ideal lighting? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Soaptree yucca?

Ideal Temperature: 68 ~ 77℉

Yucca elata thrives best in temperatures between 68°F and 77°F. This temperature range facilitates optimal growth by providing a warm environment that mimics its natural habitat. It helps maintain metabolic processes actively and supports healthy foliage and root expansion.

What Soil is Best for Soaptree yucca?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Yucca elata thrives in well-draining soil that prevents waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. This type of soil ensures that the plant's roots are not sitting in water, promoting healthy growth and preventing diseases. This plant is adapted to nutrient-poor environments, so heavy fertilization is unnecessary. It benefits from minimal nutrient-rich soil, allowing natural growth rhythms without over-stimulation. Soil that is in a location with full sun exposure is ideal for Yucca elata, as it replicates the plant’s native desert environment. Full sunlight encourages robust growth and flowering.

How to Fertilize Soaptree yucca?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When it comes to fertilizing Yucca elata, using a balanced fertilizer can be quite effective. Apply at half the recommended strength for most houseplants. This minimizes the risk of over-fertilization while allowing the plant to get essential nutrients.

How to Prune Soaptree yucca?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Start by putting on a pair of sturdy gloves to protect your hands. Using sharp pruning shears, cut away any brown or dead leaves from the base. Trim any flower stalks after they have finished blooming. Ensure you make clean cuts to prevent any potential diseases. Remember to disinfect your tools before and after use to avoid contamination. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Soaptree yucca plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Late spring, Early spring, Summer, Early summer

Select a healthy stem and cut a section about 4-6 inches long with pruning shears. Allow the cut end to callous over for a few days before planting.

If propagating from seed, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to enhance germination. Sow them on seed trays with proper drainage and lightly cover with soil.

For division propagation, carefully dig up a mature plant. Separate offsets or rhizomes making sure each has roots attached, then replant them at the same depth as the original plant.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Soaptree yucca plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Yucca elata should be repotted when its roots start emerging from the drainage holes or when it appears too large for its current pot. Early signs include stunted growth, yellowing leaves, or if the plant becomes root-bound.

Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one, with adequate drainage holes. A slightly larger pot allows for root expansion without overwhelming the plant and prevents waterlogging, keeping your Yucca healthy.

Opt for a well-draining, sandy soil mix rich in mineral content. This type of soil mimics the natural arid environment of Yucca elata, preventing root rot while ensuring proper aeration and nutrient uptake.