Adams needle (Yucca filamentosa) is a slow-growing broadleaf evergreen succulent often used in Southwest-themed landscapes. A yucca plant in the asparagus family, Adams needle is a virtually stemless shrub with blade-like leaves that form a basal rosette. The foliage clumps are usually 2 to 3 feet tall, with curled threads lining the edges of the leaves, giving it its species name—filamentosa—for its threads or “filaments.”
Mature plants about four or five years old will send up large flower stalks from the center of the foliage in late spring or summer. These stalks can be as tall as 8 feet and are topped with numerous bell-shaped, creamy white flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Adams needle can be planted almost any time, though it is most commonly available at nurseries in the spring. Humans can eat the fruits and flowers of this plant; however, it is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
The adams needle plant, also known as yucca filamentosa, is a popular ornamental plant known for its sword-shaped leaves and tall stalks of bell-shaped white flowers. Repotting your adams needle plant regularly is an important part of caring for it and ensuring it continues to thrive. This process allows you to provide fresh soil eliminate root-bound conditions and give the plant room to grow. Follow this step-by-step guide to successfully repot your adams needle plant.
When to Repot an Adams Needle Plant
The best time to repot an adams needle plant is in early spring, before active growth resumes. This gives the plant time to recover from the repotting before it enters its peak growing season. Signs that your plant needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes, slow growth or soil drying out very quickly after watering. Avoid repotting in winter when the plant is dormant.
Supplies Needed
Before getting started, gather the following supplies
- Garden spade or trowel
- New container 2-4 inches larger than current pot
- Bag of general purpose potting soil
- Gravel or perlite for drainage
- Gardening gloves
- Watering can
- Scissors for root trimming
- Tarp or drop cloth
Step-by-Step Repotting Instructions
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Fill the new pot about 1/3 full with potting soil. Add a 1-inch layer of gravel or perlite to the bottom for drainage.
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Use the garden spade or trowel to loosen the soil around the roots and lift the plant gently from its current container.
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Gently loosen any circled or tangled roots with your hands or a tool so they spread outwards. Trim any damaged or dead roots.
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Place the adams needle plant in the new container. The top of the root ball should sit just above the soil level.
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Fill in around the roots with more potting soil, firming it down with your hands to remove air pockets. Leave 1-2 inches at the top.
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Water thoroughly until the soil is moist but not saturated. Allow excess water to drain out.
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Place the newly potted plant in partial sunlight indoors or a sunny outdoor location.
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Allow the plant to recover for 1-2 weeks before resuming fertilizing. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Providing Post-Repotting Care
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Monitor soil moisture closely in the weeks after repotting and water when needed.
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Stake taller plants for added support as they re-establish their roots.
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Keep the plant out of direct sun immediately after repotting to avoid stressing it.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer.
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Watch for signs of transplant shock like leaf yellowing or drooping.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Plant wilting post-repotting – Check that the plant is not root bound. Water thoroughly and move to partial shade until recovered.
Few new roots growing – Loosen any circling roots, water more frequently, and fertilize to encourage new growth.
Leaves turning yellow – Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Move to a sunnier location or fertilize.
Slow growth – Repot in a slightly larger container, fertilize regularly, and ensure it gets enough sunlight.
Repotting your adams needle plant is vital for preventing root binding, refreshing the soil, and accommodating new growth. Follow the tips in this guide to properly repot your plant in the springtime. Be sure to provide attentive post-repotting care while your plant adapts and re-establishes itself. With the right technique and ongoing care, your adams needle will thrive and grow beautifully in its new container.
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Light
This plant grows best in full sun but will tolerate a little shade. In low light conditions, however, yucca will stretch toward the sun.
Propagating Adam’s Needle
Adams needle can be propagated by several methods: seed, stem cutting, rhizomes, or basal offshoots. It is best propagated in spring or summer unless you plan to propagate by division, then winter is best. Pruning yucca is sometimes necessary to keep a plant from growing too tall and unruly; pruned healthy stems are perfect for stem cutting propagation.
Rhizomes are the underground root system of the yucca plant. Heres how to propagate by rhizome division:
- Youll need a spade or shovel, a sharp, sterilized knife, a pot with many holes, and a well-draining potting mix. Also, wear sturdy protective gloves and long sleeves.
- Using the spade or shovel, dig up part of the root. With your knife, cut off a 3-inch section of healthy root.
- Transplant the section of root into a well-draining potting mix.
- Keep it in a warm, well-lit indoor room.
- In 3 to 4 weeks, the plant should produce roots, and you should notice new growth.
To propagate from a stem cutting:
- Youll need a sharp knife or garden pruners to remove one or several stems between 5” to 10” inches long. Youll also need well-draining potting soil and a pot with drainage holes.
- Allow the cut to dry for 24 to 48 hours before you plant the stem in well-draining sandy soil with the cut end down.
- Plant it in a shady location and keep the soil moist until roots begin to develop. Root growth can take one to two months. After two months, you can gently tug at the leaf and will feel if roots have taken hold, or you may notice new growth from the stem.
Offsets or pups grow at the base of the parent plant and are genetic clones of the mother plant. To propagate from its offshoots:
- Youll need a new pot with well-draining soil and, optionally, a sharp knife.
- If your yucca is in a pot, remove the plant, and identify the offshoot or pup. Or, if in the ground, carefully dig around the offshoot. Most offsets will have a root system. You should be able to break it away from the parent plant easily. If offset roots are connected to the mother, gently cut them away from the parent.
- Pot the offset with its roots in its new pot. Provide water. Keep the soil moist for the first few months until you notice new growth.
- Allow the offset to root in the pot before transplanting the new root ball into the garden.
How to move yuccas: Daphne Richards | Central Texas Gardener
FAQ
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