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Why are the tips of my Yucca Cane browning?

It can be alarming to notice the tips of your Yucca Cane turning brown, but don’t be alarmed! This is almost always normal, and easily fixed.

Incredibly dry soil

Your Yucca cane likes to dry out between waterings, but if you let it go dry too long it can cause the roots to start to die back. Water when 75-100% of the soil volume is dry. 

If you accidentally let your Yucca’s soil dry out completely, or stay dry for too long, you may see leaves go limp, droop, and possibly start to fold up. If the soil is extremely dry all the way through the pot, a good soak is in order. 

Here’s how to soak-water your plant:

  1. Place your plant in your sink or tub without the saucer. Fill your basin up with about 3-4″ of water. Make sure the water isn’t hot! 
  2. Allow your plant to soak up water through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot for at least 45 min. 
  3. Feel the top of the soil after your plant has been soaking–has the water reached the top 2-3” of soil?
  4. If not all the soil feels saturated, water your Yucca slightly from the top of the soil to help speed up the saturation.
  5. When your plant’s soil is evenly damp, drain the sink/tub and allow the plant to rest while it drains thoroughly. Place the plant back on its saucer and back in its proper spot. 

Keep in mind that when the soil goes from bone-dry to saturated, it can cause stress for your plant and may cause leaves to drop. Give it some time to adjust.

Need more help?

We're confident your Yucca Cane will be back to normal in no-time, but if you've followed the steps above and things just aren't improving you can contact us here.