Yucca BREVIFOLIA

Yucca BREVIFOLIA - Joshua tree, Yucca brevifolia, Short-leaved yucca.

Yucca is a genus of evergreen plants in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae), comprising about 40 species distributed across North and Central America.

Most members of the genus are shrubs or small trees with straight trunks terminating in a rosette of stiff sword-shaped leaves. In some species, the trunk branches heavily, while in others it remains solitary, but can reach significant height.

Flowering occurs in summer. In most species, the flowers are gathered in large panicles; they are bell-shaped, white, or cream. The fruits are fleshy capsules or berries with black flat seeds.

The Joshua tree is an arborescent species forming a massive woody trunk and numerous branches crowned with clusters of sharp, stiff leaves. The leaves are narrow, grayish-green, about 30 cm (11.8 in) long.

The flowers appear in spring and have a creamy-white coloration. They are gathered in large inflorescences at the branch tips. The fruits are fleshy capsules containing numerous flat black seeds.

Seeds are pre-soaked in warm water for 4-6 hours, then sown into a mixture of leaf mold, peat, and sand to a depth of 0.5-1 cm (0.2-0.4 in), moistened from a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in light, but not in direct sun, at a temperature of 20-26 °C (68-79 °F). Sprouts require ventilation. Overwatering and drying out of the sowings must be avoided. Germination of seedlings may take 2-6 months.

Under favorable conditions, sprouts appear within 15-45 days. The maximum germination period can reach 2-6 months. Pricking out is carried out at the stage of 2-3 true leaves with transplanting into individual pots.

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Under indoor conditions, the plant is placed in the brightest spot, preferably on a south or southwest windowsill. Plenty of direct sunlight is required. In partial shade, growth slows down, and leaves stretch.

The temperature regime in summer is maintained within 20-28 °C (68-82 °F), and in winter a reduction to 10-15 °C (50-59 °F) is desirable. Watering is carried out moderately as the soil dries out. Waterlogging is not allowed.

A loose, breathable substrate with a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction is used. A ready-made mix for succulents with the addition of sand and expanded clay is suitable. Repotting is carried out in spring once every 2-3 years.

Fertilizers are applied from spring to autumn once a month. Fertilizers for cacti and succulents are used. In winter, fertilizers are not applied.

Sanitary pruning is carried out as necessary. Propagation is carried out by seeds or offsets. Stem tip cuttings root with difficulty.