Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Yucca filifera or Chinese palm

The genus Yucca, family Asparagaceae, comprises 50 species of evergreen shrubs native to Mexico, the United States, and the Caribbean. Some species are: Yucca filifera, Yucca elephantipes, Yucca desmetiana, Yucca carnerosana, Yucca aloifolia, Yucca mixtecana, Yucca rostrata, Yucca schidigera, Yucca thompsoniana, Yucca gloriosa, Yucca whipplei, Yucca baccata.

Common name: Chinese palm. This species is native to North-Eastern Mexico.

They are branched shrubs that reach 10 meters (32.8 feet) in height. The leaves are 50 cm (1.64 feet) long, rigid, green in color and have white filaments on the margin. The flowers are edible, cream-colored and appear in large, erect panicles. The fruits are also edible.

Chinese palm is used in bushy groups, as isolated specimens and in rockery. It can be grown in pots when it's young.

Yucca filifera grow in full sun or semi-shade exposure and in hot climates. The winter safety temperature is 4 ºC (39.2 ºF).

Chinese palm grows in any kind of soil: poor, sandy, stony or clayey.

Water moderately, waiting until the soil has completely dried. Yucca filifera resists drought well.

Fertilize with compost in late winter.

Prune off wilted flower panicles.

Chinese palm is plant resistant to pests and diseases but sensitive to excess humidity.

Yucca filifera is propagated from seeds sown in spring in sandy soil.

Images of the shrub Yucca filifera or Chinese palm