How to Grow Podocarpus Seeds? A Detailed Guide to the Planting Method
AbstractFirst, soak the seeds for about 4 days, then sow them at a spacing of 20 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants. If the seedlings grow too densely, they can be transplanted into flower pots. Keep the soil moist during growth, and in the later stage, train the main trunk into shape, then prune away stray branches and old leaves, and apply an appropriate amount of nitrogen fertilizer, phosphorus fertilizer and potassium fertilizer. If pests or diseases are found, control them promptly.
1. Soaking the Seeds
Before sowing, soak the Podocarpus seeds for about 4 days so the seeds fully absorb water. During this time, cooled boiled water can be used for soaking, which helps increase the germination rate of the seeds.
2. Sowing Method
Sow at a spacing of 20 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants, then backfill the soil and cover with a layer of thatch to retain moisture. During this period, spray the seeds with water once a day, and after 8-9 days the grass cover can be removed.
3. Seedling Management
After the Podocarpus seeds are sown, they will germinate in about 40 days. If the seedlings grow too densely, they can be transplanted with the soil into flower pots. Note that newly emerged seedlings should not be drenched with water; when the seedlings have grown to about 6 leaves, a little diluted biogas water can be applied appropriately.
4. Transplanting the Seedlings
Generally, transplanting in spring from March to April is best. Small seedlings need to be transplanted with soil, and large seedlings with a soil ball. After planting, water the soil thoroughly, and keep the soil moist during growth. In the hot summer, keep them in a semi-shaded place for care, and apply fertilizer once every 2 months. If grown in pots in winter, take care to protect them from the cold and reduce the frequency of watering.
5. Selecting Material
The trunk material of Podocarpus should have well-spreading roots on all sides, with the trunk tapering evenly from the base upward and with uniform curves, and with reasonably arranged branches. The first branch point is at 1/3 or 2/3 of the trunk, which better matches the golden ratio and also gives a better ornamental effect.
6. Shaping
Podocarpus has whorled branches. Based on the already shaped main trunk, prune away stray branches, keep 2-3 branches at suitable positions, then bind the branches with metal wire so that the main branches droop slightly. Pruning can be done once each year in June and July, and at ordinary times mainly pinch the tips.
7. Watering
In summer, water once every morning or evening, and add one spraying of water on the leaves in the afternoon. In spring and autumn, when the temperature is below 25°C, water once every 2-3 days. In winter, the pot can be buried in the ground, and water appropriately according to the dryness and moisture inside the pot.
8. Fertilizing
Podocarpus is mainly grown for its leaves. During the growing period, mainly apply nitrogen fertilizer, phosphorus fertilizer and potassium fertilizer. In spring, apply sufficient base fertilizer when repotting, and in the peak growing season apply some thin alum fertilizer water, along with 01% urea and 3% leftover beer, which helps the leaves become thick and emerald green.
9. Leaf Removal
To improve its ornamental value, the old leaves of Podocarpus can generally be removed in March, keeping the leaf stalks during this time to stimulate the axillary buds to grow new, tender and emerald green leaves.
10. Pest and Disease Control
Common diseases of Podocarpus include leaf spot and anthracnose. During this period, spray 50% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder at 500 times dilution for control. The main pests include scale insects, red spider mites and bagworm moths, and generally 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate at 1500 times dilution can be sprayed for control.