Technical Sheet - Podocarpus

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, dark shiny 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, which are not easily distinguishable.

After flowering in yellow hues (in Spring), some females manage to bear fruit, a purplish berry similar to a grape, which is edible.

Commonly known as "Buddha Pine," it is widely used in Japanese gardens, either in hedges or as shade trees (it 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 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 frosts and prolonged low temperatures (below 0°C) would it need temporary protection.

Watering: Water the soil abundantly until a good amount of water flows out of the drainage holes to uniformly moisten the soil, always from above, never by immersion, using a watering can with fine holes.

Tips on watering, consult the watering technical sheet.

Allow the surface layer of 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 under the Bonsai, never leave any water in it (to avoid root rot).

There is no benefit to spraying the leaves; only do so on days when you fertilize and if the fertilizer is specifically for foliar application, but ensure the leaves dry by night to prevent 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 all year round (Bio Bonsai Activ), which can also be combined with other products from our range.

Detailed information on how to combine these products with others from our range, or for a more specific nutrition plan,  consult the complete nutrition plan technical sheet.

Pruning: Pruning is 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 back budding and compacts nicely.

Tips on pruning, consult the pruning and defoliation technical sheet.

Transplanting: Although it is a conifer, use Deciduous Bonsai Soil in February/March, before the start of budding.

Details about transplanting, post-transplant care, and specific fortifiers you can use, consult the transplanting technical sheet.

When transplanting, 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.

Wiring: As it is very flexible, wiring can be done all year round, but care must be taken not to damage the leaves when passing the wire.

Guidelines on wiring,  consult the wiring technical sheet.