Most species of the genus Yucca are used to extended dry periods and nutrient-poor soil in their Central American homeland. Therefore, when watering, less is more.
The palm lily (Yucca filamentosa) is an exotic asparagus plant that impresses with impressive flowers in summer. But even without its flowers, the plant is a real eye-catcher. The best thing, however, is that the plant is really easy to care for and therefore also suitable for beginners. If you meet a few prerequisites in advance, you can even leave them to their own devices from a certain point in time. It is important that you deal with the topic of watering and fertilizing. Because serious errors here can mean the death of the plant.
Palm lily: rules for watering and fertilizing
» Water newly planted palm lilies (slightly) more heavily
If you are planting a new palm lily in the garden or in a container, it makes sense to water it on a weekly basis. However, the soil should not be kept permanently moist during this phase either. Under no circumstances should waterlogging form.
Do not water until you can no longer feel any moisture in the top layer of soil with your finger. If your plant is outdoors and it rains, you won't need to water the plant for the next few weeks.
» Water mature palm lilies very sparingly
A few weeks after planting the yucca, reduce the amount of watering for container plants to twice a month. For specimens growing outside, the water requirement drops even more: even if it is not watered for a long time, the yucca will not suffer any long-term damage.
The usual amount of natural precipitation in Germany is completely sufficient for frugal plants. However, if you notice external signs of dehydration, such as hanging leaves, it is advisable to refresh the yucca immediately.
» Use calcareous tap water for watering
Most plants like low-lime water, but the opposite is true for yucca. Tap water is therefore ideal for watering. You can also see the good lime toleranceuse when choosing the location. Palm lilies thrive in desolate but sunny corners of the property with heavily calcareous soil.
» Fertilize yucca in spring with potash and magnesium
The palm line is just as frugal in terms of nutrient consumption as it is in terms of water requirements. It is sufficient if you provide a new supply once a year in spring. You no longer have to give lime to the plants separately if you water them with tap water or if the soil at the location has a high lime content.
Small doses of potash and magnesium are gratefully accepted by the yucca. It is also possible to use a commercially available complete fertilizer (My recommendation: Compo green plant fertilizer). As a general rule, do not fertilize after flowering. The plants then begin to prepare for the cold season and the nutrient supply is a hindrance.