Yucca
Yucca spp. (Agavaceae)
Cats and dogs
Toxic to cats and dogs
What makes it toxic: Saponins.
Signs to watch for: Dogs, cats: Vomiting; Horses: liver disease, dermatitis
Source: ASPCA entry "Yucca", checked October 3, 2026.
Light
- Low light 3+ mol
- Medium light 6+ mol
- Bright indirect 10+ mol Copes
- Direct sun 12+ mol Best
Yucca wants a sunny position all year: RHS suggests a south-facing window in winter and an east- or west-facing one in summer, with light shade from hot direct summer sun, and describes indoor light as bright and filtered. NC State says giant yucca prefers full sun; low light can make the leaves sag.
Direct sun: needs several hours a day.
On our scale it grows well from about 12 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 2.2 (how these numbers are set).
Care
Care level: Easy. Water: Water freely in the growing season but let it dry between waterings; it is drought tolerant and overwatering causes problems.
Turn the pot regularly so it does not lean toward the light (RHS).
Pet-safe plants for similar light
- Burro's tail direct sun
- Echeveria (hens and chickens) direct sun
- Ponytail palm direct sun
- Venus flytrap direct sun
- Areca palm bright indirect light
- Basil direct sun
Sources
- Toxicity: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "Yucca"
- Light and care: Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), "Yucca Care and Growing Tips"
- Light and care: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Yucca gigantea"