Species originating from China and Korea, belonging to the Podocarpaceae family.
It is a tree with evergreen leaves, long oval, shiny dark green in color, arranged spirally around the branches; for Bonsai two varieties are used: one with larger leaves (about 5 to 8 cm long) and the "Maki" variety with smaller leaves (3 to 5 cm). It is also known as Buddha Pine.
The Podocarpus Bonsai is an outdoor plant.
Common Name: Podocarpus
Scientific Name: Podocarpus spp
Description: Originating from China and Korea, it belongs to the Podocarpaceae family.
An evergreen tree with long oval leaves, shiny dark green in color, arranged spirally around the branches.
In Bonsai, two varieties are used: one with larger leaves (about 5 to 8 cm long) and the "Maki" variety with smaller leaves (3 to 5 cm).
It is a dioecious plant with male and female flowers on separate trees, with no easy differentiation.
After flowering in yellow tones (in Spring), some females manage to bear fruit, a berry with a purplish color similar to a grape, and it is edible.
Commonly known as "Buddha Pine," it is widely used in Japanese gardens, whether as hedges or even as shade trees (can reach up to 20 meters), and Feng Shui enthusiasts attribute many positive properties to it.
Location: Although it is pointed out as an indoor plant, in our climate it must live outdoors, always well exposed to the sun, where it gets 2 to 3 hours of direct sunlight per day (ideally in the morning or late afternoon), protected from strong winds and frost.
Only in cases of extreme frost and prolonged low temperatures (below 0°C) would it need temporary protection.
Watering: Water the soil abundantly until plenty of water drains out through the drainage holes, to evenly moisten the soil, always from above, never by immersion, using a fine rose watering can.
Tips about watering, see the watering technical sheet watering.
Allow the surface layer of the soil to dry slightly between each watering (to check if the plant needs water, touch the soil with your fingers).
If you have a tray underneath the Bonsai, never leave any water in it (to prevent root rot).
There is no advantage in misting the leaves; only do so on days when you fertilize and if the fertilizer is specific for foliar application, but ensure the leaves dry by nightfall to avoid fungi.
Nutrition: From February to October/November, follow a basic plan consisting of a complete fertilizer (Fertil Bonsai Humic, or Green & Gold Bonsai Organic or Biogold), and a biostimulant (Bio Bonsai Activ), which can also be combined with other products from our range.
Detailed information on how to combine these products with the rest of our range, or for a more specific nutrition plan, see the complete nutrition plan technical sheet.
Pruning: Done above a leaf spiral trying not to cut the leaves in half; pruning can be done at any time of the year, as it responds well with regrowth after pruning (back budding), and compacts very well.
Tips about pruning, see the pruning and defoliation technical sheet.
Repotting: Although it is a conifer, Bonsai Soil for Deciduous is used in February/March, before the start of bud break.
When repotting, small nodules are found along the root; this is not a problem, but a symbiotic relationship between the plant and a fungus that facilitates the capture, fixation, and assimilation of nitrogen.
Details about repotting, post-repotting care, and specific fortifiers you can use, see the repotting technical sheet.
Wiring: Since it is very flexible, it can be wired all year round, but care must be taken not to damage the leaves when passing the wire.
Instructions about wiring, see the wiring technical sheet.
