How to Grow a Yew (Taxus) as an Indoor Potted Plant and Points to Note

In recent years, the yew, long known as a “national treasure,” has appeared in many ordinary households after successful artificial cultivation. So what are the methods and points to note for growing an indoor potted yew?

1. What are the methods for growing an indoor potted yew?

1. Growing conditions

The yew originates from the Yangtze River basin and likes a warm, humid environment. It is a strongly shade-loving tree species, suited to growing in loose, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Many people mix their own nutrient soil when growing it in pots, so that the plant grows in a suitable environment. The growing area requires a temperature of 20-30 degrees, and in winter the lowest temperature must not fall below 5 degrees. It grows faster in an environment with sufficient light, but seedlings cannot tolerate strong light, so these points must be noted when planting.

2. Propagation methods

The yew has two propagation methods: sowing and cuttings. When sowing, the seeds must be pre-germinated, because the seed coat of the yew has poor permeability and the seeds do not germinate readily. After the seeds are stored outdoors mixed with sand, they can be sown once most of them have sprouted white; this process lasts more than a year. When sowing, the seeds are dressed with a chemical agent for disinfection, then mixed evenly with wet sand at a ratio of 1:3 before sowing. For cutting propagation, both softwood cuttings and hardwood cuttings of the yew can be used. When taking cuttings, choosing shoots of the current year gives a higher survival rate; before planting the cuttings, soak them in a naphthalene acetic acid solution for about 2 hours, which helps them root better.

3. Fertilizing and watering

Although it likes moisture, it also fears waterlogging, so care is needed to keep the soil moist; especially in drought, remember to water in time. But in the rainy summer, drainage and waterlogging prevention measures must be taken well. When the temperature starts to drop in late autumn, the frequency of watering should be reduced, and it is enough to keep the soil slightly moist. Before the winter freeze, water once with freeze-proof water so it can overwinter safely. Fertilizing should be done according to the plant's growth condition; generally, for mature plants, in September-October each autumn, apply 100-200 jin of rotted livestock manure per plant, and in early spring apply 1-2 jin of compound fertilizer per plant.

2. Points to note when growing the yew

After the yew has been grown into seedlings by sowing or cuttings, it is best to transplant in early spring before budding; large seedlings should be transplanted with soil. In addition, during routine care, loosen the soil and weed often, and you can also spread dead branches and fallen leaves over the root system, which helps keep the soil acidic. Do pruning well every autumn and winter to maintain a good tree shape. Do pruning well every autumn and winter to maintain a good tree shape. When the branches and leaves at the base of the trunk are dense, poor ventilation can cause yellow leaves and withered branches and leaves; at this time you can also prune the overly dense shoots appropriately.

For watering, natural rainwater is best; next, clean river water and lake water can be chosen. If well water is used, pay attention to its acidity and alkalinity, because if it is too alkaline, it is not good for the plant's growth. Also pay attention to the water temperature; it is best if the water temperature is close to the air temperature, as this benefits the plant's growth. When using tap water, store it in a container for 1-2 days first before watering, to avoid causing physiological wilting and plant death.

Overall, growing a yew is not difficult; it has no great demands on the environment, and you just need to avoid direct sunlight. Get started right away and plant a yew that has both ornamental value and the function of purifying the environment.