Can You Put Yucca Plants Outside? Tips for Transitioning Indoor Yuccas to the Outdoors

With their sculptural, spiky leaves and minimal care needs, yucca plants like Yucca elephantipes (Spineless Yucca) and Yucca gloriosa (Spanish Dagger) make excellent indoor plants. But when summer rolls around, you may be wondering – can I put my indoor yucca plant outside? The answer is yes, Yuccas can be moved outdoors for the summer if done correctly. Here is a complete guide to successfully transitioning your indoor yucca to the outdoors and back again.

Benefits of Putting Indoor Yuccas Outside for Summer

Placing your indoor yucca plant outside for the summer has several advantages:

• Your yucca gets more space and fresh air outdoors

• It receives brighter, more intense sunlight to really thrive

• Less need for supplemental watering and humidity outdoors.

• Natural airflow circulates air and prevents indoor pests.

• Can grow larger and taller in the ground than a container.

Overall, letting a yucca enjoy the real outdoors in summer allows it to grow to its full potential before bringing it back inside for winter.

Best Candidates for Moving Inside Yuccas Out

The most suitable Yucca varieties for moving outside include:

• Yucca elephantipes (Spineless yucca)
• Yucca gloriosa (Spanish dagger)
• Yucca aloifolia (Spanish bayonet)
• Yucca recurvifolia (Curve-leaf yucca)

Smaller, bushier types like variegated yucca can also transition outside well. Avoid delicate thin-leaved types that sunburn easily. Select young, healthy plants.

When to Take Indoor Yuccas Outside for Summer

Time the transition outdoors based on your climate:

• Move yuccas outside after the last frost date when nighttime temps stay above 50°F.

• Start the transition process 1-2 weeks before the last expected frost.

• For fall, bring yuccas back inside 1-2 weeks before your average first frost date.

Check your local average frost dates and avoid putting yuccas out too early or late in the season.

Preparing Indoor Yuccas for Time Outdoors

To set your yucca up for success outside:

• Gradually expose it to more sunlight over 2-3 weeks by moving closer to a sunny window.

• Use pruning shears to trim off any dead or damaged leaves and stems.

• Check for pests and treat if needed before moving outside. Quarantine if bugs are found.

• Slow down watering and hold off fertilizing to help it adapt.

• Select an outdoor spot that will provide full sun and excellent drainage.

Preparing yuccas for the transition prevents shock from sudden changes in light, temperature and humidity.

How to Transition Indoor Yuccas Outside for Summer

Follow these steps when moving a yucca outdoors:

Option 1 – Leave in Container

• Place containerized yucca in a sunny outdoor spot protected from wind.

• Check soil moisture frequently, watering when partly dry 1-2 inches deep. Outdoor sun and wind dry pots faster.

• Leave outside continuously once nights stay above 50°F.

• Move containerized yucca to a sheltered area or indoors temporarily if very windy or cool.

Option 2 – Plant in Ground

• Select a site with full sun and well-drained soil. Amend dense soil with compost.

• Dig a hole the same depth and 2x as wide as the container.

• Gently remove from pot and loosen circling roots before placing in hole.

• Backfill with native soil, water thoroughly and add mulch around base.

• Leave planted in ground all season until ready to move back indoors.

Container or in-ground, situate yuccas where their needs will be met all season long. Avoid dense shade or soggy soil.

Caring for Yuccas Outdoors in Summer

Yuccas need minimal care once settled into their outdoor summer home:

• Water every 1-2 weeks if rainfall is lacking, more frequently in very hot, dry weather.

• Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly.

• Prune off dead leaves or spent flower stalks as needed.

• Stake taller varieties if needed to prevent toppling.

• Check for pests like spider mites and apply insecticidal soap if found.

• Turn or angle pots to encourage even growth.

Let your yucca soak up the sunshine and fresh air outdoors with minimal intervention needed.

Getting Yuccas Ready to Move Back Indoors

As summer ends, it’s time to transition indoor yuccas back inside:

• Begin acclimating the yucca to lower light levels by moving to partial shade outdoors 1-2 weeks before moving it inside.

• Trim off any dead leaves or tips to improve appearance.

• Inspect closely for pests and treat if needed. Quarantine for 1-2 weeks after pest treatment before bringing it inside.

• For in-ground yuccas, dig up the rootball and repot 1-2 weeks before moving inside.

• Slowly increase indoor light levels over 2-3 weeks once back inside.

Proper re-acclimation prevents shock and gives them the best chance of success through the winter.

Troubleshooting Problems with Outdoor Yuccas

Watch for these potential issues and how to resolve them:

• Sunburned leaves – Move to partial shade. Acclimate slower to stronger sunlight next year.

• Spindly growth – Needs more sunlight. Move to the sunniest spot.

• Knocked over by wind – Stake tall varieties to provide support. Shelter from strong winds.

• Insects like spider mites – Hose down plant and spray with insecticidal soap.

• Rotting roots from wet soil – Improve drainage and water less.

With careful acclimation and optimal growing conditions, transitioning indoor yuccas outside in summer can be very rewarding. Your Yucca will thank you with vigorous growth, lush foliage and sometimes even spectacular blooms.