Image: AI generated
Red Yucca Plant Care
Hesperaloe parviflora (Torr.) J.M.Coult.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Hesperaloe parviflora, also known as red yucca, hummingbird yucca, redflower false yucca and samandoque, is a succulent plant in the Asparagaceae family that is native to the Chihuahuan and Coahuilan deserts of Northern Mexico, as well as Central, Southern and Western Texas; today, it is often seen in roadside planting swathes and public areas, or used for corporate or office exterior landscaping. It is also quite popular in collector gardens and among private gardeners who are striving for a more water-wise approach.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun to partial shade
20–100°F
10–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Red Yucca?
Water Red Yucca every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 20–100°F (-7–38°C) and 10–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Red Yucca Native To?
What Is the Red Yucca?
Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Hesperaloe genus. Red Yucca is native to the Chihuahuan and Coahuilan deserts of Northern Mexico, as well as Central, Southern and Western Texas. Red Yucca is also known as Redflower False Yucca, Samando.
Red Yucca displays a clumping succulent perennial growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Red Yucca produces tall spikes of tubular coral or red flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Red Yucca?
Hesperaloe parviflora requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Red Yucca Need?
Red Yucca thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Red Yucca Prefer?
Hesperaloe parviflora grows best at temperatures of 20–100°F. Red Yucca prefers humidity levels of 10–60%.
Temperature
20–100°F
Humidity
10–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Red Yucca?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with gravel and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Red Yucca to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Red Yucca?
Feed Red Yucca every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Red Yucca?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Red Yucca?
Red Yucca can be propagated through offsets, seeds.
Is the Red Yucca Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Red Yucca?
Red Yucca is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Red Yucca Need?
Red Yucca grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Red Yucca is native to the Chihuahuan and Coahuilan deserts of Northern Mexico, as well as Central, Southern and Western Texas. In cooler regions, grow Red Yucca as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a
Keep exploring plants
Red Yucca is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Hesperaloe genus — compare its care with other Hesperaloe species on PlantoScan.
Hesperaloe is part of the Asparagaceae plant family — browse all Asparagaceae genera and species.
Red Yucca thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hesperaloe parviflora (Torr.) J.M.Coult., family Asparagaceae (first published in Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 2: 436 (1894)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Red Yucca as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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