yucca elata watering advise and help

[warnersf]

This particular yucca elata was dug up and moved over a year ago, it struggled but bounced back this spring with new growth. Now the summer temps are in the triple digits and will continue to be so throughout summer and early fall. The plant recently began showing signs of distress with several of the mid tier leaves developing yellow/brown spots and ultimately turning yellow.
I'm new to this house (and plant) so I have no idea what its past water regime was. I've been advised to not over water it, let it dry out between waterings then give it a good soak. Does that sound right? I'm certain the previous owners had it on a regular drip system. Since the heat wave began the whole plant has a slight anemic look to it and I've noticed some sort of insect that sits all over the higher up leaves- unfortunately they're so high up I cant get a pic, they appear to be a moth/ fly winged bug about 1/4 " long. Help! how often should I be watering this thing? I've included several photos...

[greenknight]

My first thought was "Why would you water it? Nobody waters them out in the desert and they thrive." But then again, nobody digs them up and moves them 0ut in the desert. The older leaves turning yellow is perfectly normal, though, take a look at these in habitat: http://southwestdesertflora.com/Website ... Yucca.html

Yours does have a smaller fan of new leaves than those wild plants, probably because of the root disturbance. Give it time, it should recover.

According to ASU, they aren't bothered by pests or disease as long as the soil is well drained. Should be watered infrequently, but they respond well to irrigation. Read it for yourself: http://www.public.asu.edu/~camartin/pla ... elata.html

I'd say the advice you were given was sound, let it dry out between waterings, then give it a good soak.

[warnersf]

thanks. yeah I regret moving it before I knew what i was doing. keeping fingers crossed...

[Steve-0]

Your bug could be the Yucca moth. Just guessing. If so they would be nocturnal and sit tight until dark.