Yucca plants

[thorfinn]

I've got a big Yucca that hasn't been thriving. I've managed to revive it a bit but two of the 'trunks' have dropped their leaves and haven't produced anything for two or three months. I bought them with the leaves growing from the top of these trunks, which seem to have been cauterised with a black substance. I may have over-watered them at some point and rotted the trunks, as the bark feels papery and detached from the wood underneath. How can I get them to produce new leaves?

[Thunderbird+]

Hi thorfinn,
I think your best bet would be to cut the trunks beyond the point where the bark feels detached to an area that feels firm and with luck they should sprout lower down.

The black substance is probably some kind of sealing wax to stop the cuts from bleeding and turning mouldy, you can cover the fresh cuts with some kitchen tisue for a while to soak up any sap. Good luck. Tbird+

[thorfinn]

Thanks, Tbird. I'll give it a try. It certainly sounds logical.

Thorfinn