Podocarpus

Family. Podocarpaceae.

Origin. Japan, China, India.

Description. Podocarpus is an evergreen coniferous tree with a highly branched trunk. Young branches are vertical, but droop with age. The leaves are flat, needle-like, leathery with a pronounced central vein, about 7 cm long. Young seedlings have lighter green leaves, with age the foliage darkens.

Height. It grows very slowly, and young specimens are usually kept at home. When grown indoors, the height of this tree can be controlled by pruning.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Podocarpus does not have a pronounced dormant period and can be kept all year round at room temperature; it does not like heat. Do not expose to temperatures below 10°C. 

Lighting

The tree requires bright light throughout the year in the form of reflected sunlight. It does well in light shade, especially during the winter months when growth slows.

Care

This plant is easy to care for, adapts well to various conditions and does not require special care. To form a dense bushy crown, pruning is used, which is carried out in the spring or summer. Podocarpus will appreciate being outdoors in the warm season.

Substrate

For cultivation, use well-drained soil with the addition of leaf humus and perlite or coarse river sand. Representatives of this species adapt well to a wide range of soil types, from very acidic to slightly alkaline.

Feeding

Feed monthly with liquid fertilizers at half strength. In autumn and winter, fertilizing can be stopped. 

Purpose

Podocarpus is a very elegant coniferous tree, which can also be kept indoors without any problems. Easily formed into bonsai style.

Flowering time

Does not bloom indoors.

Air humidity

If the indoor air becomes too dry, for example in winter when the central heating is turned on, use a room humidifier or a tray of wet pebbles to increase the humidity. 

Soil moisture

Watering should be moderate throughout the year, the soil should dry out a little before receiving water again. If the plant is kept cool in winter, then the frequency of watering should be reduced, protecting the soil from drying out completely. 

Transfer

The tree grows slowly and thrives in slightly cramped conditions, so it is not necessary to change the size of the container when replanting. Replant mature specimens every two to three years in the spring. For larger species that are difficult to replant, replace the top layer of soil with fresh soil every year.

Reproduction

Propagated by 8-10 cm long cuttings, using rooting preparations. Before planting, remove the lower leaves from the cuttings and immerse their bases in a damp mixture of peat and sand. Cover the young seedlings with a transparent bag or glass. Rooting can take up to 8 weeks. Seeds are sown in spring, but it will take several years to obtain an adult plant.

Pests and diseases

Podocarpus is a very disease-resistant plant. When overwatered, the tips of the leaves turn brown. When there is insufficient lighting, the lower leaves on the branches become large.

Pests that may appear include scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. When grown outdoors, the tree may be attacked by slugs and snails.

Note

Podocarpus can live indoors for a very long time without any problems, but all parts of the plant contain toxins. Keep the tree away from children and pets.