Numerous species of yucca grow to vastly different heights. Some may only grow to be a few feet tall, while others can reach more impressive heights. Depending on the type of yucca plant you have and where it grows, it can spring up to a massive height!
Generally, yucca plants can grow to an average of six feet in height. There are some species that can grow up to 30 feet tall. Other varieties remain around two to three feet tall. Whether the yucca is in the ground or a pot also affects height.
In this article, we will look at how tall yucca plants grow. We’ll also touch on the different species and their specific growth patterns. Additionally, we’ll look at the differences in growing your yucca indoors and outdoors!
Yucca Species General Growth Habit
Yucca plants generally grow in a rosette pattern, forming circular clumps of leaves radiating from a central point (stem). But some species can become much more vertical than others. Here are how some yucca species stack up against others:
| Adam’s Needle | 8 ft. (2.4 m) |
| Yucca Filamentosa ’Color Guard’ | 2 to 3 ft. (0.6 – 1 m) |
| Yucca Filamentosa ‘Excalibur’ | 5-ft. (1.5 m) |
| Yucca Elephantipes | 30 ft. (9 m) |
| Spanish Bayonet | 5 and 10 ft. (1.5 – 3 m) |
| Yucca Flaccida | 5 ft. (1.5 m) |
| Yucca Gloriosa | 8 ft. tall (2.5 m) |
The first thing to understand is that yucca plants come from a vast range of species, so there can be a significant variation in their height depending on the variety you have chosen.
They form rosette patterns with leaves radiating outward from the center stem until they reach about five or six feet tall. Then, some species may begin growing upwards, reaching twenty or thirty feet!
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How to Grow Tall Yucca Plants Indoors vs. Outdoors
Yucca plants can be grown in multiple spaces and different climates. Some do better with more protection, but they can all grow in normal outdoor conditions. They must be planted in the right spot and given enough sun exposure for proper growth and development.
Indoor Yucca Plant Growth
Yucca plants, when indoors, typically prefer bright light and may require artificial lighting if your home is dimly lit or lacks any access to sunlight whatsoever.
When growing yucca plants indoors, provide the following:
- Water regularly– A thorough watering every two weeks.
- Fertilization– Indoor liquid fertilizer
- At least two hours of full sunlight or artificial lighting per day– If your home doesn’t have an area of full sunlight, use grow lights.
For optimum yucca growth, place them under grow lights to receive enough light exposure, especially if your home doesn’t have a spot with full sun exposure. If you are using indoor grow lights, place them about eight inches above the plant for 12 to 14 hours each day so it can receive enough light exposure to thrive indoors.
The next important part of caring for a yucca plant inside your home or office, along with plenty of sunlight and water, are temperature conditions that mimic the outdoors as closely as possible!
When planting your yuccas indoors, be sure to use a pot that has proper drainage holes so water can drain from the plant. Pots should be filled with potting soil, perlite and horticultural sand to promote good drainage.
It is also essential to keep yucca plants in an area that doesn’t have too much humidity since this could cause root rot and yellowing leaves.
If planted correctly and given adequate light levels, these are one tough houseplant that can survive almost anything, including lack of constant care!
Yucca Plant Outdoor Growth
When growing yucca outside, you want to plant it where it will be exposed to plenty of sunshine. Your yucca will want direct sunlight. Make sure it has at least six hours’ worth.
When growing yuccas outdoors, you should also consider how tall you would like them to grow before deciding on an appropriate place to plant them! This way you won’t have problems in the future.
Since yucca plants are known for being drought tolerant, they have an extensive root system which makes them ideal plant choices if you’re hoping to improve drainage in the soil around your home or property. But you might want to beware of foundations or underground utilities. Yucca roots are pretty invasive.
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Conclusion
Yucca plants are an excellent choice for growing in or outdoors. Yuccas can grow from just a few feet to over thirty feet tall. They’re relatively quick growing and easy to take care of, so they’re an excellent plant for novice gardeners.
