Fertilizing the yucca palm: when, how & with what?

Container plants like yucca in particular need additional nutrients on a regular basis. We show what you should pay attention to when fertilizing yucca palms.

The donates all year round Yucca palm (yucca) Fresh green for the home and garden. The plants are used to being the only green around, because they come from the hot and dry regions of Central and North America. Proper care is crucial so that the drought-resistant plants also feel comfortable with us.

Fertilizing the yucca palm: nutritional requirements

As a resident of hot and dry areas on the American continent, the yucca palm is often quite alone in the field. Not many plants can withstand these dry conditions and so the surrounding vegetation is naturally quite sparse. As a result, organic material hardly ever gets into the soil, which is why it is usually quite poor in humus. Yucca palms are used to particularly stony and sandy mineral soils. These are nevertheless quite rich in nutrients. However, since it only rarely rains and the nutrients are absorbed, especially under damp conditions, the plant cannot always access them. Yucca palms are therefore used to periods of hunger, but still need a lot of nutrients due to their strong growth.

When should you fertilize yucca palms?

In principle, you should only fertilize your yucca palms during the growing season. This begins in spring and ends in September at the latest. During the winter, however, it is advisable not to fertilize your yucca under any circumstances. At this time of year, the plant needs a rest period during which it cannot use any nutrients.

Planted out yucca palms usually do not need any additional fertilizer. They are satisfied with what they can get from the environment with their roots. Since you are not harvesting your yucca, you are not drawing any nutrients from the plant or the soil. Accordingly, no new nutrients have to be added.

This is different with potted plants, which have limited root growth. Your nutrient supply is limited to the size of the pot. If the plant is to grow vigorously, you should give it a serving of nutrients about once a month during the growth phase.

What is yucca palm fertilized with?

With yucca palms, the focus is primarily on beautiful leaf growth and less on the flower. For this reason, a fertilizer with a relatively high nitrogen content is a good choice. Phosphorus is therefore not particularly important.

In general, the yucca is one of the few plants that is often watered with harder tap water. The lime it contains covers the plant's need for calcium.

Organically fertilize the yucca palm: instructions

Solid organic fertilizers contribute to the Humus build-up in the ground. In principle, this is very good, but does not quite correspond to the natural preferences of the yucca palm. Nevertheless, you do not have to do without organic fertilization. You can easily add liquid fertilizer to your yucca palm every three weeks. For example, the Liquid fertilizer citrus & Mediterranean from Plantura ideally suited to supply the plant with sufficient nutrients and to conjure up a lush green leaf. A self-made alternative, however, also offers regular use of nettle manure, which - also diluted like the liquid fertilizer - supplies your yucca palm with the irrigation water. When to stop fertilizing your yucca palm before hibernating depends on the location. More information about the Overwintering yucca palms see this article.

Fertilize the yucca palm with mineral fertilizers

You can use a wide variety of green and palm fertilizers for yucca palms. Special fertilizers are not necessary, because it all depends on the ratio of N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus) and K (potassium). Nitrogen is crucial for rapid growth, the formation of flowers is promoted by phosphorus and potassium has an influence on the water balance and winter hardiness of the plant. A liquid fertilizer is a good choice for potted plants.

Fertilize the yucca palm with home remedies

Liquid fertilizers are also regularly generated by the household in the household. An often underestimated factor is, for example, the nutrient content in cooking water. Potatoes and other vegetables release nutrients into the surrounding water during the cooking process. But these do not have to be lost. Just let the cooled cooking water pass to your yucca palm - it will thank you for it.

Expert tips on Care of yucca palms can also be read in our special article.

Fertilize the yucca palm - in a nutshell:

• Grows naturally on soils that are poor in humus and rich in minerals
• Fertilize during the growing season from spring to late summer / autumn
• Planted out yucca palms usually do not need fertilization
• Liquid fertilizer is very suitable
• Nettle manure and cooking water are alternatives to mineral fertilizers
• Use tap water for watering to meet the plant's calcium needs

In our article you can find out how to properly care for your yucca palm throughout the rest of the year Care and pruning of yucca palms.