What are the cultivation methods and precautions of Podocarpus

Growth habit of Podocarpus

Podocarpus is a neutral shade-loving tree species that can accept strong light and can also grow in a relatively shady environment. The most suitable growth temperature is 15-28 degrees. It has strong shade tolerance, but is not cold-tolerant. It likes loose, fertile, well-drained sandy soil. It has strong adaptability to soil and can survive in saline-alkali soil. It has strong resistance to various harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide and hydrogen oxide.

Podocarpus cultivation method

Temperature: Podocarpus likes warmth and has weak cold resistance. The suitable temperature for its growth is 15-28℃. When the temperature drops to 13℃ in winter, it enters a dormant state. At this time, the minimum temperature should not be lower than 10℃.

Soil: It likes loose, fertile and well-drained slightly acidic soil. It is not tolerant to saline-alkali and barren soil. When potted, use humus soil and never use alkaline soil.

Light: Podocarpus can tolerate shade, but it should not be kept indoors for a long time during the growing season, because the light and air humidity indoors are not as good as those outdoors. The growth and development of Podocarpus also requires sunlight and rain.

Watering: Keep the soil moist during the growing season. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry. Water thoroughly in the morning and evening in midsummer to prevent the leaves from wilting. Keep the soil dry in winter.

Fertilization: Apply well-rotted organic fertilizer as base fertilizer when repotting, apply thinly several times during the growing season, apply well-rotted organic fertilizer in February-March and September-November, and apply Panax notoginseng fertilizer and water 3-4 times.

Pruning: When the buds are in bloom, it is best to remove them in time to avoid consuming nutrients. For shaped bonsai, attention must be paid to pinching and pruning to prevent the branches and leaves from growing too long to maintain the original posture. Pruning and pinching are best done during the spring and autumn growth periods.

Things to note when growing Podocarpus

Avoid overwatering: Podocarpus's roots are afraid of waterlogging. If you water it too frequently, it is spring, the temperature is low, and late spring cold is prone to occur, so the amount of water needed is not much. If you water too much, the water will dissipate slowly and it will easily accumulate water and cause root rot.

Avoid root burn due to fertilization: Fertilization is very particular, especially for potted Podocarpus. Too high a concentration can easily burn the roots. Also, fertilize to the edge of the pot and not around the root system, which can also burn the roots. Watering after fertilizing can also easily burn the roots.