Phormium Yellow Wave too yellow?

jamesharcourt

Despite the name, I think my Phormium Yellow Wave is looking a little more yellow than it should. Any advice appreciated.

To give some background, this has been in the same pot for three years. I water infrequently but I’ve watered more recently to get to stave off the yellow ... but it hasn’t had an effect, if anything made it look worse. I also gave it a nitrogen feed about seven days ago but not seen much change in that time.

Fairygirl

They need dividing regularly when in containers. Lose variegation otherwise too.
I find it particularly susceptible.
Take it out, and slice it into two or three plants [depending on the size of plant you have] and repot them. Just make sure all pieces have viable roots. 

jamesharcourt

Thanks @Fairygirl.  Scary idea but I’ll take a look.  Should I use a saw?  It doesn’t look like it will come apart in my hands :-/

Fairygirl

They can be quite tough. I used a saw for one of mine, and I have an old bread knife for younger plants, or less congested ones. 
Some people find them easier to divide when they're really wet, but I find it easier to do the opposite. It's often easier to get them out the pot too 
You've just reminded me that I have a large one in the front garden to do!

jamesharcourt

Thanks @Fairygirl, glad to be of service.   Are you talking about one you have in the ground or in a pot? 

Actually could I put mine in a bigger pot do you think?  

Fairygirl

It's in a pot. I brought a couple with me when I moved here, and I think that one has been languishing rather too long 
I have a piece  from one I divided  - it's in a pot of about 30cm/a foot diameter. Sorry - I don't have any pix.
The one that needs dividing is in a square planter - probably about a couple of feet or so. 

jamesharcourt

@Fairygirl last question (promise :-)) ...

Do you think I could do a root prune with a saw or bread knife 1-2” from the sides and repot with some fresh medium?

It’s a technique that works with pot bound maples If done at the end of the dormant season.

Fairygirl

Probably @jamesharcourt. They're fairly tough things in my experience.
I have one in a raised bed near my back door [Cream Delight] and I often just hack bits off at the root, and I could probably saw a bit off it if I could get in there. The resident squirrel has been in there this morning doing a bit for me though

I might try that with my Y.Wave, although I think it may be easier to saw through the pot instead....