I am an evergreen, woody-stemmed plant that can grow into a small, palm-like tree, often with multiple heads or canes.

My most distinctive feature is my long, sword-shaped, blue-green to dark green leaves that emerge in dense, spherical clusters at the ends of my branches or trunk. True to my name, my leaf tips are soft and flexible, not sharp or spiny.

My trunk is thick and cane-like, often becoming twisted and sculptural with age. I may produce fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers on tall panicles when mature, though this is rare indoors.

I am also known as the "Giant Spanish Dagger" or "Soft-tip Yucca."

I am native to the arid regions of southeastern North America, from Texas to Florida.

I am highly drought-tolerant. My water-storing trunk and leaves mean I thrive on infrequent watering.

Use the "soak and dry" method thoroughly. Water deeply only when the soil is completely dry—this may take 2-3 weeks or more indoors.

In winter, water very sparingly (once a month or less). I am extremely prone to root rot from overwatering.

I prefer low humidity and excellent air circulation.

I am a full sun to very bright indirect light lover. I need several hours of direct sunlight daily to grow strong and maintain a compact form.

I can tolerate medium light, but my growth will slow, and I may become leggy as I stretch toward the light source.

Insufficient light is a common cause of drooping leaves and weak, elongated growth.

A south or west-facing window is ideal.

I prefer warm temperatures and am best suited to USDA zones 7-11 if grown outdoors.

My ideal range is 15°C to 27°C.

I am quite cold-hardy and can tolerate brief dips down to -7°C if the soil is dry, but I should be protected from prolonged freezing.

I make a dramatic floor specimen for homes, offices, malls, and xeriscape gardens. I am also excellent in large containers on patios.

Plant me in extremely well-draining, gritty soil. A cactus/succulent mix amended with extra perlite or pumice is perfect.

Choose a heavy, stable pot with drainage holes to counter my top-heavy growth.

Rotate my pot occasionally to ensure even growth, as I will lean toward the light.

I am a light feeder. Fertilize sparingly during the active growing season (spring and summer).

Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer or a cactus formula once in spring and once in mid-summer.

Do not fertilize in fall and winter. Over-fertilizing causes weak, floppy growth.

Scientific Name: Yucca gigantea (formerly Y. guatemalensis or Y. elephantipes)

Common Names: Spineless Yucca, Stick Yucca, Giant Yucca, Soft-tip Yucca

Plant Family: Asparagaceae

Plant Type: Evergreen perennial tree/shrub

I am considered mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling due to saponins. While my tips are spineless, the leaves are still tough and can cause gastrointestinal irritation or blockage if chewed.

I am a good air purifier. My large, broad leaves are effective at removing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from indoor air, as noted in NASA's Clean Air Study.