A single seed or a single branch and leaf is all it takes to grow a beautiful Podocarpus macrophyllus (buddhist pine).

Podocarpus macrophyllus is very beautiful, very tall, and very textured. In the hairpin style of Podocarpus macrophyllus, the leaves are short and densely packed, with graceful foliage, elegant branches, ancient strength, rustic charm, and a touching posture, temperament and beauty. Its ornamental value is extremely high, with another very unique charm; transplanted and planted as cuttings, Podocarpus macrophyllus is a unique bonsai that other flowers cannot imitate.

The shape of Podocarpus macrophyllus can be adjusted by hand, and the adjusted shape brings a sense of accomplishment to the person who adjusts it. Podocarpus macrophyllus has a very long lifespan; it can be made into bonsai to enjoy, and can also be used to green a courtyard. Making a bonsai of Podocarpus macrophyllus at home feels very close to nature. Especially if there are people at home who like to drink tea, placing it next to the tea table feels very good. When guests come to the house and see how well the house is arranged, the host appears very imposing. On the market, the price of Podocarpus macrophyllus is relatively high, and it seems many people cannot afford it; some people want their own Podocarpus macrophyllus, but in the end the price does not easily fall, and they miss out on such a beautiful bonsai. Today, we will introduce how to grow Podocarpus macrophyllus from a single branch or a single seed, with a very peculiar shape.

Cutting propagation

Podocarpus macrophyllus cuttings are done in spring. First, you can break a branch off a Podocarpus macrophyllus tree, choosing a dormant one. It is now autumn, and Podocarpus macrophyllus can also be cut in this season; at this time of year, the choice of branches is very particular. Choose several semi-lignified soft branches, 10-20 cm in length. For the Podocarpus macrophyllus branch, cut off two-thirds of the leaves, leaving part of the upper leaves. Before doing the cuttings, prepare a flower pot with coarse sand, soak the Podocarpus macrophyllus in a prepared naphthylacetic acid fixing solution, and then insert the Podocarpus macrophyllus cutting.

The inserted branch should preferably be 3-5 cm, and it is important to maintain the moisture and air permeability of the potting soil. For Podocarpus macrophyllus that roots and sprouts in 50-60 days, before sprouting, try to avoid exposure and do the shading work well, ensuring a shading rate of more than 75%. Most importantly, during this process before rooting, always maintain air circulation and soil moisture.

Sowing

Podocarpus macrophyllus can actually also be sown; collect Podocarpus macrophyllus seeds in August. Soak the collected Podocarpus macrophyllus seeds in warm water, changing the water every 24 hours, then soak for about 4 days until they shrink. This is to allow the seeds to fully absorb water, which is very beneficial for seed germination. After the water absorption is complete, the seeds can be planted in pots. Note that the front end of the seed must face downward. After finishing, you can water. When watering, be sure to soak the soil. Even if the water poured this time makes it a little wet, you can water again. For future watering, you can start watering once the soil is slightly wet. In about one hour the seeds can take root and sprout. After the seeds sprout, their growth rate is very fast. The survival rate of planted Podocarpus macrophyllus is quite high. You can transplant the small Podocarpus macrophyllus until the Podocarpus macrophyllus reaches 8-15 cm in length.

Podocarpus macrophyllus likes a warm and humid environment, and the soil moisture needs to be maintained at all times. Preferably during the growth period of Podocarpus macrophyllus, buy moss from the market and spread a layer around the Podocarpus macrophyllus, which can keep the potting soil moist. The soil for planting Podocarpus macrophyllus should be fertile, and also have good permeability and drainage. We generally use 20% nutrient soil, 20% leaf mold, 10% coal cinder, 10% coarse sand, and 10% organic fertilizer when mixing Podocarpus macrophyllus soil. The Podocarpus macrophyllus soil made this way has fertility, permeability, and drainage, and is very beneficial for the growth of Podocarpus macrophyllus. What we plant is a spade; by changing the soil once every two years, the nutrients in the soil can be maintained. If it is not changed, phenomena such as soil nutrient depletion, Podocarpus macrophyllus shrinking, and leaf drop will occur.

When watering Podocarpus macrophyllus, to keep the soil three parts wet and seven parts dry, the most suitable growth temperature for Podocarpus macrophyllus is 15-28 degrees, and Podocarpus macrophyllus dislikes cold. When the temperature is low in winter, Podocarpus macrophyllus is in a dormant state. In winter, the temperature for Podocarpus macrophyllus is best kept above 5 degrees. Otherwise, Podocarpus macrophyllus will suffer frostbite, affecting that year's growth, and will become diseased in winter. Podocarpus macrophyllus actually does not have high fertilizer requirements, but in spring and autumn for Podocarpus macrophyllus, fertilizing 2-3 times per season is enough; basking in the sun helps the growth of Podocarpus macrophyllus, but do not expose it to strong sun, and take shading measures.

This image comes from the internet; if there is any infringement, please contact us to delete it.