Podocarpus Plant

A Podocarpus plant, also called a Buddhist Pine or Japanese Yew, is a very dense, upright, slow growing evergreen that originally came from China and Japan. It has long slender dark green leathery leaves. A Podocarpus plant 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. These plants are considered poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children. Read more about common houseplants that are poisonous in Don’t Feed Me to Your Cat: A Guide to Poisonous Houseplants. When planted outside in the ground a Podocarpus plant grows quite large, but when used indoors or on the porch as a potted plant, it remains a small tree or shrub.

Plant Care

Light

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

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°F (10°-23.9°C).

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.

Pruning

A Podocarpus must be actively and aggressively pruned to maintain any kind of shape. Pruning back the new growth on the vertical stem encourages side branches and a fuller bushier plant.

Propagation

Propagate a Podocarpus using soft wood stem cuttings in the early spring.

Poisonous Plant Info

A Podocarpus has a level #1 toxicity if eaten. However, various parts of the plant, especially the seeds within the berries are very harmful to dogs, cats, and horses. This plant should be kept away from small children and animals.

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