PetalPal
The whole plant is highly toxic (seeds and foliage both). People, cats, and dogs must not eat it. Don't let children eat the red berries.
Light
Bright, indirect light. It takes some shade.
Water
Water when it dries. It hates sitting wet.
Temperature
Very adaptable. It likes cool weather.
Feed
Once or twice in spring, and once or twice in fall
Do this when you get home
- Put it somewhere bright and airy. In summer, keep it out of harsh sun.
- When the soil surface is dry, water it through. Don't leave water in the bottom of the pot.
Day to day
- It likes cool, humid air. In summer, mist the foliage to cool it.
- It likes slightly acid soil. If the leaves yellow, water with a little iron sulfate.
- It grows slowly. It doesn't need pruning often.
Common questions
Can a yew really absorb formaldehyde and prevent cancer?
Yew is the source of the cancer drug paclitaxel, but that's an industrial extract. A pot in the house does not prevent cancer, and it doesn't do much for formaldehyde either. Don't take that claim too seriously.
The needles yellowed and dropped?
Usually too much water, stuffy air with no breeze, or too much sun. Move it somewhere bright and airy, and let the soil dry a bit between waterings.
