Yucca plants are charming additions to your garden or flat, and they are ideal for first-time growers. These plants don’t tend to be susceptible to several diseases, yet many growers end up worrying about them not flowering. Indeed, there are many reasons behind a yucca plant that is not blooming, but the majority of them are easily solvable.
So, why won’t a Yucca plant bloom?
- It is a non-flowering Yucca variety (when not in the wild)
- Your plant is not mature.
- The pollination process is not complete (there are no Yucca moths in the area, so it needs to be pollinated by hand)
- The plant lacks fertilizer.
- The Yucca needs repotting.
- It needs more exposure to sunlight.
Yucca plants adapt well to several environmental conditions, but there are some factors they really can’t do without. Find out how to get your Yucca plant to bloom below!
Understanding the Flowering Patterns of Yucca Plants
Yucca plants are incredibly peculiar, as they don’t tend to flower every year during the same time, month, or season. Moreover, a plant that is not mature will not flower until it reaches maturity.
Before starting to worry about a Yucca plant that is not flowering, it is essential to understand that its blooming patterns are different from any other plant. Below you can find the reasons why it is not flowering, before diving into what you can do to speed up the process.
Some Varieties Don’t Flower
These varieties – such as tree-like Yuccas or Joshua trees – might still flower when grown in ideal conditions or the wild. And, even in this case, they can take several decades to show the first blooms. However, when brought within and household or in a climate that does not reflect ideal environmental conditions, this plant might never flower.
Indeed, while all varieties might produce a flower at some point during their lifetimes, some are more prone to develop blooms within a house, flat, or gardens than others. Ultimately, while they all react well to different environments, the lack of high temperatures, direct sun, and dry soil can cause them to not flower. But don’t worry, this does not mean that your plant is unhealthy.
Yuccas Flower at Their Own Schedule and Only After Reaching Maturity
Independently on what type of Yucca variety you are dealing with, you should keep in mind that this plant does not follow the same flowering pattern of other houseplants. Indeed, they only flower once they have reached maturity, which, in the case of certain varieties, can happen only after 50 to 60 years.
However, in other cases, you will be able to enjoy the first flowers after caring for your plant for just one year. Generally, keep in mind that the flowering can happen during any season but more often during the warm season.
The Pollination Process
Another factor that can affect the ability of your Yucca to flower in the pollination process. Indeed, the plant shares a symbiotic relationship with the female Yucca Moth, which is solely responsible for the pollination of any Yucca plant.
Indeed, the Yucca plant is not able to pollinate itself, and this particular type of moth performs a cross-pollination between a plant and the others. Yucca moths are present in many areas where the Yucca plant grows naturally.
However, if you are growing a Yucca plant in your yard, you should ensure that the moth is present in your specific area. Otherwise, you will need to hand-hand pollinate the plant to be able to see it flowering.
Need for Repotting
Yuccas are slow-growing species that need only limited repotting during their lifetimes. The general guidelines for caring for a Yucca plant indicate that this tree needs to be repotted once every two years.
Indeed, over time, the potting mix of a Yucca plant grown indoors will break down and harden. As it loses precious nutrients, the plant will not be able to source the necessary nutrients needed for healthy growth. In turn, this can stunt its development and ability to flower.
If you have decided to repot a Yucca plant, you can do so at any point during the year without facing obstacles. However, it is essential to remember that Yuccas, just like other plants, can suffer from transplant shock after repotting. Therefore, as you transplant them into a new container, you should avoid exposing them to extremely hot or cold temperatures for a few weeks.
Need for Fertilizer
Since they are slow-growing plants, Yuccas won’t need fertilizer more than a few times each year. Indeed, in most cases, the plant can absorb the necessary nutrients from the soil without the need for any additional supplements. However, the lack of flowering could be a consequence of the need for fertilizer. Of course, this is only valid if it does not relate to the conditions seen above.
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In this case, opt for a water-soluble or granular fertilizer. These types release the supplements slowly into the ground, which is ideal for slow-growing plants such as Yuccas.
Moreover, you should choose a well-balanced fertilizer that is low in nitrogen and high in potassium and phosphorus. Indeed, while the first substance looks after the correct development of foliage, the other two aids the formation of flowers.
It should also include other nutrients such as:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Sulfur
- Iron
- Manganese
- Zinc
Independently on the type of fertilizer you have chosen for your plant, there are some factors to take into consideration.
- A plant that is not flowering because it is unhealthy will not benefit from the addition of fertilizer into the pot.
- Over-fertilizing a Yucca plant can be just as detrimental for its health. Indeed, feeding too much fertilizer to a Yucca plant can kill it or result in “burns,” which are brown, dead leaves.
Need for Better Lighting Conditions
Since they are native of desert, arid areas, you should aim at recreating the same environment with your indoor Yucca plants. Indeed, they prefer warm temperatures, exposure to direct sunlight, and low humidity levels.
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Some Yucca varieties that need several decades to reach maturity in the wild might never reach this life stage when indoors. Indeed, inadequate lighting conditions can stunt the growth of the plant, making it unable to develop and finally flower.
Of course, you might have noticed that your houseplant can not only tolerate, but also thrive in lower lighting conditions. While this is indeed true, it can significantly slow down the appearance and development of flowers.
If you would like to encourage your Yucca’s blooming, move it near a west-facing window that receives sunlight throughout the day. This strategy can aid the formation of flowers, but only if your plant has already reached maturity.
The last factor to consider to increase the chances to enjoy your Yucca’s flowers this summer is to ensure that the temperatures are right to better its growth rate. These should be stable between 60 and 80℉ (15 to 25℃).
Final Thoughts
Several causes can stop your Yucca plant from flowering. However, after checking that your plant belongs to a flowering variety, it is essential to remember Yucca follow their flowering patterns. Indeed, this means that they might flower at a completely different time of the season compared to the previous year.
ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on May 14, 2020.
Moreover, other factors such as exposure to sunlight, fertilizer, and repotting needs can affect their capacity to produce blooms. Lastly, make sure that the Yucca moth is present in your area. Indeed, the presence of this month is essential to ensure that the plant is pollinated and can produce flowers.