Nutrient deficiency?

Helen Clay

I bought a small Yew plant in January sales this year from a supermarket chain. It came with instructions stating I water then feed in spring (paraphrasing). It doesn’t say how or what I feed it.

There has been some small growth but I noticed recently the tips have gone yellow & there are specs of white in the soil.

I am new to gardening & have no idea what I’m doing (haha)

Fairygirl

HI @Helen Clay     
Have you planted it out or is it still in the pot? What sort of size is it?
It's not worth feeding right now, if it's not thriving. Yew is quite tough, so it may just be a bit dry, or conversely, it could be waterlogged. Supermarket plants are often over protected too, so if you put it straight outside, it may have suffered a little temporary damage. 

Have you got a photo? If you click on the little icon that looks like a postcard of a mountain, and follow the info. That'll help with advice. 

Ladybird4

Helen, the new growth at the tips of yew branches is yellow in colour so it could just be that and therefore nothing to worry about.

Joyce Goldenlily

That looks like a very normal yew to me. The new growth will eventually darken as it matures. Yew is fairly slow growing, the tips on yours is about the usual 12 months growth.

Dovefromabove

Yes that’s normal healthy young growth ... it’ll darken with age ... nothing to worth about 👍 

I usually feed my shrubs with some Fish, Blood & Bone (it’s an organic slow release fertiliser) about this time of year. It’s available from most garden centres, B&Q etc. follow the directions on the pack. 

And don’t worry about being a beginner ... we were all beginners once, and we like helping or we wouldn’t be here 😊 

Helen Clay

@Fairygirl It looks like this?

It stays in my room, I don't really have outdoor space. I should add that the tips are fragile. it's 24cm (9 1/2 inch) approx.

I measured from where it comes out of the soil to the tip.

Obelixx

Yew is not suitable as a houseplant.  It wants to be outside and in the ground where it can grow to be a proper tree or be maintained in a hedge.  It won't like the heat or teh dry indoors and it expects a period of cold in winter.

I suggest you find this a home with someone who can plant it outside and then go and find a proper houseplant.  There are many available for all sorts of heat and light levels and many are good at improving the atmosphere by removing certain chemicals.

Helen Clay

Obelixx Oh! I thought since it was sold in a pot it was suitable! I have a friend in mind but what soil would this be ok in?

Obelixx

They grow all over the country in all sorts of soils - common churchyard plant.  It's not fussy as long as it's well drained as it doesn't want to sit in a bog.  This may help - https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/18001/Taxus-baccata/Details

Supermarkets sell outdoor and indoor plants in pots so read labels before buying anything new.  Have a read of this before investing in a new one that is suited to life indoors - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=290  

Helen Clay

Obelixx Thanks! I'll check it out! It didn't cost me much & I've gained knowledge so it's a plus!

Ladybird4

Hi again @Helen Clay, I'm not totally convinced that your plant is a yew. It looks rather like one of those little evergreen Chamaecyparis types that are sold at Christmas time, often covered in glitter. Nevertheless I agree with Obelixx, it will do far better outside.