The unique Joshua tree plant (Yucca brevifolia) is the gem of the American Southwest. Apart from being a precious piece of the environment, it’s also a food source for different native species.
The plant is actually native to the Mojave desert. It’s a super adaptable plant that can handle USDA plant hardiness zones 6a-8b. Although they are desert plants, Joshua trees are not related to cacti, a common misconception. If you’re also a fan of this distinctive plant, you’ve clicked the right article.
Below, we will provide a detailed Joshua tree plant care guide, so you can enjoy this tree in your landscape as well. So let’s get into it and learn how to care for this majestic plant properly.
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Are Joshua Trees Fast-Growing?
Joshua trees aren’t fast-growing. They grow between one-half inch and three inches per year. However, they’re one of the oldest trees on the planet.
Some researchers believe that Joshua trees have a lifespan of 150 years. Actually, some of the largest ones might be even older than 150 years!
Joshua Tree Plant Care Guide
The Joshua tree belongs to Yucca, a genus of perennial trees and shrubs in the Asparagaceae family. It’s the largest of the yuccas that starts out as a stemless rosette and develops a dense trunk over time with unique sword-like leaves.
The structure of open-ranging branches gives this tree a weird yet beautiful effect that’s a symbol of the Mojave desert.
The leaves develop in clumps onto open-ranging branches and grow up to 14 inches in length. They’re also bluish-green and have long, sharp tips.
As we had mentioned, Joshua trees can live for over 1,000 years and grow to 80 feet tall. When grown in home landscapes, these amazing trees can grow up to 8 feet tall.
They’re also easy to care for when installed in proper climates, light and soil conditions. The following section contains a few tips on how to care for Joshua trees properly and keep your plants happy and healthy.
Joshua Tree Plant Care – Expert Growing Tips
Joshua trees prefer full sun and gritty or sandy soil. You can easily find these trees at garden centers and nurseries. However, you can also grow Joshua trees at home from seeds.
The seeds require a cooling down period of about 3 months. Just soak the seeds after cooling down. Then, add the seeds in 2-inch pots with moistened sand. Place the pots in warm areas with temperatures of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The trees also provide offsets that can be split away from the parent plants.
Every yucca requires the same care including baby Joshua trees. They need more water as they develop roots more than mature trees. Also, water your trees weekly. Mature Joshua trees only require water in periods of high heat and drought. Let the soil dry between irrigation periods.
Don’t provide water during the winter period. Older trees will bloom during March and May. Moreover, spent flower stems need to be cut off. Put your Joshua tree in full sun and rocky or sandy soil with good drainage for proper growth. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic.
You can also grow the plants in a pot for a few years. However, as they grow bigger over the months, you’ll need to plant them in the ground. Just closely observe the leaves for signs of fungal disease and add fungicide if necessary. You can also use a horticultural soap against pests.
Keep in mind that thrips, weevils, mealybugs, and scab go after Joshua tree plants. And if left untreated, they will do a lot of damage to the leaves, so pay attention.
How Often Should I Water My Joshua Tree?
To grow a Joshua tree provide at least 2 gallons of water 1-2 times per week. Wet soil will cause root rot and mildew, so don’t overwater your plant. It’s also beneficial to occasionally offer over-the-top watering occasionally to imitate rainfall.
Usually, after planting your Joshua tree, it will be established by the next spring once it resumes growth. Established Joshua trees can subsist with watering every month during the summer days.
Do Joshua Trees Need Fertilizer?
Some people fertilize their Joshua tree plants with a milder fertilizer such as fish emulsion once per year. Others claim this tends to produce sprouts of growth which destroys the tree’s natural look.
The Mojave Cactus Club suggests the application of slightly acidic and mild fertilizer in April and October.
Final Tips
Let’s wrap up this article by reminding you that Joshua trees can’t be collected without official permits from Arizona, California, Utah, or Nevada.
Some states such as Nevada also require that tags be attached to these unique trees. It’s illegal to buy or sell these trees without these permits.
The tags should be intact when you buy your Joshua tree, so keep that in mind. Once you plant the tree, you can remove the tag. The tag should be preserved to prove that the Joshua tree plant wasn’t illegally bought or harvested, so always purchase the Joshua tree plants from reputable dealers.
Before planting, it’s highly recommended to dust the roots with horticultural charcoal or powdered sulfur to stop fungal diseases.
These trees should be transplanted from the wild during October-March. Furthermore, specimens under four feet transplant more easily.
We also recommend that you replant your Joshua tree in the same season it was dug up. However, if you can’t plant your trees right away, temporarily plant them in dry sand.
Last but certainly not least, we suggest that you select a well-draining location. Choose a naturally well draining location, or create one by adding gravel and sand into the soil. Also, digging a large hole isn’t necessary if the soil doesn’t have a drainage problem.
Remove any large rocks before planting and fill the hole with water. Let the hole drain before planting to create a good growing environment. It only takes 2-3 hours for the hole to drain completely. Once it does, plant your new Joshua tree plant and water it properly.
What’s your opinion? Do you have other tips that you would like to share? If so, drop a comment below, and let’s chat about these unique trees!