Podocarpus Plant (Podocarpus macrophyllus)

A Podocarpus is a very dense, upright, slow growing evergreen plant that originally came from China and Japan. It has long slender dark green leathery leaves. A Podocarpus grows straight up with very little side branching unless it is actively pruned. This plant is relatively simple to care for and adapts well to various conditions. It is easily trained to be a bonsai or a topiary. When planted outside in the ground a Podocarpus grows quite large, but when used indoors or on the porch as a potted plant, it remains a small tree or shrub.

LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: A Podocarpus requires very bright indirect light. If it is not getting enough light the lower needles on the branches become large and elongated.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Keep the soil moist but not soggy; allow the top two inches to dry out before watering. Brown leaf tips or gray needles indicate over- watering.

FERTILIZER: Feed a Podocarpus every two weeks in the spring and summer when it is actively growing. Use a plant food that is designed for acid loving plants such as Miracid at 1/2 the recommended strength.

TEMPERATURE: Podocarpus prefer cool temperatures between 50-75 degrees.

HUMIDITY: These plants do best in medium humidity. If your home is very dry, especially in the winter, set a small humidifier near your Podocarpus or place it on a bed of wet gravel. Be sure the plant is sitting on the gravel and not in the water.

FLOWERING: The flowers of this plant are very small and inconspicuous.

PESTS: Podocarpus are susceptible to Mealy Bugs and scale.

DISEASES: Although the soil should be kept somewhat moist, over watering leads to root rot. sooty mold is another disease that can infect a Podocarpus.

SOIL: Use a well-aerated acidic soil. Add perlite or sand if your soil seems too heavy or clay-like.