Yucca, Paddle Plant, Anthurium Decline: Universal Overwatering

Three large yuccas in 20-gal pots (SE window) dropping leaves, soil surface wet 2 weeks post-watering. Paddle plants and anthurium in lower light also losing leaves. All watered weekly in extreme SoCal heat.

Diagnosis: Pot Size + Frequency = Rot

• 20-gal pots are huge for yuccas (expert's 25-yr yucca in 6-gal).
• Large pots hold water too long → root rot.
• All three species need dry cycles.

Rescue

1. Stop watering until pots feel light (tilt test).
2. Surface dry ≠ root zone dry.
3. Fast drying may save them.
4. Long-term: Downsize pots, use fast-draining mix.

Overwatering kills more than anything else—dry them out now.