How To Care For A Yucca Plant Indoors: Your Complete Guide

Yucca plants are native to the Caribbean and North and South America and grow in arid, hot climates. Its succulent qualities allow the plant to store water in its leaves to withstand long periods of drought. There are over 40 species of yucca plants, but very few that are adapted to grow inside.

One species, Yucca gigantea (also goes by Yucca elephantipes) is the star of the show that can live indoors. This variety is what you'll find at a garden center or nursery when browsing to buy a yucca houseplant. 

When bringing home a plant, it's important to consider the space and conditions it needs so it can thrive. The yucca plant loves sunlight, so an ideal location is in a sunny area of the home.

"The ideal spot is within 6 feet or so of a south- or west-facing window, or very close to an east-facing window, where they can soak up as much direct sunlight as possible," says Lindsay Pangborn, Bloomscape's gardening expert. 

Just make sure the window you place it near isn't damp or drafty. A "spot near a drafty window or the shade may not be a good location, especially in the winter," says Margaret McCoy, Ph.D., of True Organic.

Knowing how much water your plant needs is fundamental to ensure it thrives. Yuccas are drought-tolerant so they do best when thoroughly watered and then left alone until their soil is dry again.

"Water your yucca by adding water until it runs out the drainage hole, making sure the entire root ball is moistened," says Steinkopf. She suggests that you never let your plant sit in water, so be sure to empty its saucer after you've watered it. 

Make sure to wait for the soil to dry out between waterings before giving your plant another drink. "Let them approach almost complete dryness before you water again," says Raffaele Di Lallo, houseplant expert, author of Houseplant Warrior, and founder of Ohio Tropics.

Since yuccas are accustomed to hot climates, you'll want to place this plant in an area where it will receive lots of sunlight. "A south or west window would be preferable," says Steinkopf.

So how much sun is ideal for this plant? "Yuccas are happiest when they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day," says Pangborn. "If that's not possible, they can also do well in bright, indirect light."

Soil is essential because it contains the nutrients most plants need to survive. Every plant has different soil needs so it's important to select a potting soil that the yucca will like.

Many yuccas grow in regions where the soil is sandy and doesn't contain many nutrients but drains well. "Using soil that retains too much water can deprive the roots of oxygen and over time can cause them to not function properly," Pangborn explains. 

Growing a yucca plant at the right temperature is also important. They can usually tolerate low temperatures, but when the thermometer goes below freezing, they'll suffer.

"Desert plants are accustomed to strong diurnal temperature swings so normal living temperatures are fine for these plants," says McCoy.