How to Grow and Care for the Green Plant Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Maki' (Shimaji)

Podocarpus macrophyllus is a special tree species native to Nantong, China. It is a primary material for making bonsai. The value of potted podocarpus bonsai is extremely high. So, how do you grow podocarpus? The editor will now introduce the main methods for you, let's take a look!

Cultivation Methods and Precautions for Podocarpus macrophyllus

1. Soil: Podocarpus macrophyllus prefers acidic, loose soil; you can also prepare the soil yourself.

2. Watering: It tolerates drought and is not afraid of moisture, but do not let the pot become so wet that the roots rot. It can also withstand moisture and watering during the growing season, but it is not suited to waterlogging. In summer, the leaves should be sprayed with water frequently so that the foliage is bright green and grows well.

3. Lighting: It likes sunlight and good ventilation. Generally speaking, Podocarpus macrophyllus is a shade-tolerant tree species, but podocarpus is not afraid of sun; the more sunlight, the more vigorous the branches and leaves, and the easier the roots grow. Without sunlight, the branches are weak and the roots grow slowly. Good ventilation helps reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases.

4. Fertilizing: It likes fertilizer; fertilizing during the growing period is beneficial to the growth of podocarpus. You can apply fertilizer yourself, and remember to apply it lightly and frequently, which is beneficial to the growth of seedlings. After the bonsai has been shaped for viewing, water and fertilizer should be withheld to avoid excessive growth.

5. Pruning: Podocarpus macrophyllus is pruned twice a year, once in spring and once in autumn. Pruning is usually done after the fall. It is usually pruned mainly by cutting off long branches and dead branches to maintain a beautiful tree shape. It is better to remove flower buds promptly when it blooms, so as not to consume nutrients and affect growth potential.

6. Temperature: Podocarpus macrophyllus should be protected from freezing. It is not cold-tolerant, so it should be brought indoors in winter and kept above 0°C. Be careful not to let it freeze, and in spring the tree should be taken out after the cold.

Tips

Podocarpus macrophyllus is resistant to drought and moisture, and it grows in acidic sand. It is adaptable to light and can be grown under different climatic conditions.