Species originating from China and Korea, belonging to the Podocarpaceae family.
It is an evergreen tree with long oval leaves, dark shiny green in color, arranged spirally around the branches. For Bonsai, two varieties are used: one with larger leaves (about 5 to 8 cm in length) 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
Characterization: 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, not easily distinguishable.
After flowering in yellow tones (in Spring), some female plants produce fruit, a berry of purplish color similar to a grape, and it is edible.
Commonly known as "Buddha Pine," it is widely used in Japanese gardens, either 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 considered an indoor plant, in our climate it must live outdoors, always well exposed to the sun, where it receives 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) should it be temporarily protected.
Watering: Water the soil abundantly until a lot of water runs out through the drainage holes, to moisten the soil evenly, always from above, never by immersion, using a watering can with fine nozzles.
For watering tips, consult the watering technical sheet.
Let the surface layer of soil dry slightly between each watering (to check if the plant needs water, touch the soil with your fingers).
If there is a tray under the Bonsai, never leave any water in it (to avoid root rot).
There is no advantage in misting the leaves; only do it on days you fertilize and if the fertilizer is specific for foliar application, but ensure the leaves dry by nightfall to prevent fungi.
Nutrition: From February to October/November, follow a basic plan composed 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 others in our range, or for a more specific nutrition plan, consult the complete nutrition plan technical sheet.
Pruning: It is done above a spiral of leaves, trying not to cut the leaves in half. Pruning can be done at any time of the year, as it responds well with back budding after pruning and compacts very well.
For pruning tips, consult the pruning and defoliation technical sheet.
Repotting: Although it is a conifer, use Deciduous Bonsai Soil in February/March, before bud break.
When repotting, small nodules are found along the roots; this is not a problem but a symbiotic relationship between the plant and a fungus that facilitates nitrogen uptake, fixation, and assimilation.
Details about repotting, post-repotting care, and specific fortifiers you can use are available in the repotting technical sheet.
Wiring: As it is very flexible, wiring can be done all year, but care must be taken not to damage the leaves when passing the wire.
For wiring instructions, consult the wiring technical sheet.
