Yucca Elephantipes Care: Bright Light, Dry Soil, and Mealybug Control

Yucca Elephantipes Care: Bright Light, Dry Soil, and Mealybug Control

A gardener received a tree-like plant as a gift a year ago, never identified it. They wanted care tips to make it healthy and large like ones in coffee shops. For 6+ months, it produced white spore-like stuff inside leaves at stem center. After two weeks vacation, many leaves died, covered in white fluffy mold with brownish particles.

Unknown plant

Expert Identification & Care

The plant is Yucca elephantipes (tropical yucca). Dracaena marginata is similar but more common. Yuccas need brighter light than other interior plants; some direct sun preferred; impossible to give too much light. Let soil dry between waterings; never let sit in standing water. Fertilize twice yearly for faster growth. The "mold" is mealybugs (insects) sucking sap from veins. Treatments: 1) Bubble gum soap (1 tbsp in water spray), 2) 50/50 rubbing alcohol/water spray, 3) Wipe off with soapy rag/sponge (no detergent).