Yucca

(Question)

My yucca has four separate balls, all connected to the main root. Can I separate one or two separately without killing the mother plant or the separate parts?

Thank you.

(Answer)

Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners with your inquiry concerning your Yucca plant.

You do not mention whether this plant is an indoor houseplant or whether it is a garden perennial. For my answer I will assume that you are inquiring about your perennial Yucca.

Spring is a great time to divide your Yucca, this will allow each of the new offshoots a chance to develop a strong root system. To better see where the offsets are attached, you should dig up the whole yucca plant. Insert a garden fork or shovel straight down into the soil 6 to 8 inches from the yucca, and rock the fork/shovel back and forth to loosen the yucca’s roots. Repeat in a circle around the yucca until you can lift the yucca from the soil.

Rinse the soil from the roots with a garden hose, you will then see the offshoots around the base of the plant. The offshoots will be on small rhizomes, which look like gnarled underground branches. At this point you will  need to use a shovel, or strong root knife to detach the offshoots from the main stem, but take care to preserve as much of the offset rhizome as possible.

Replant the mother plant and then bury the rhizome’s of the offshoots up to the base of the foliage, and water it in well. Make sure to plant your offshoots in an area that receives full sun (6-8hrs) and in well draining soil.

Good Luck with your Yucca