Marianne's Response

Yucca Elephantipes Plant

Hi, regarding the above plant, the leaves for the past month have been bending down, turning yellow, drying up, and dying. I am not overwatering this plant, and don’t see any pests. I received it as a gift, had to repot it since it was two plants in one pot. Did not separate it, because the roots and soiled were matted together, just put them in a much larger pot. Every other day I am removing leaves, eventually it seems there will not be any left. They start at the bottom, and seem to be moving up. Any suggestions? Thanks!!!

Posted by jydm427 on February 12, 2020

Marianne's Response

The clue to this mystery could be the matted roots of the two plants. If you did not tear apart the two plants or rough up the roots a bit they are most likely going in a circle and strangling the plant. I suggest you water well. Then the next morning take the plants out of the pot. Cut them into two sections. Tease or cut into the root balls then repot both into same larger pot but not right next to one another. A few inches apart if possible. The new roots will then be able to spread out. Add some Osmocote to the potting soil and keep the soil moist for a few weeks. I think you will be pleased with the results. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti

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