Podocarpus prefer a well-drained soil. When young they'll require some water to establish roots, however are quite drought tolerant when established. As with so many other ornamental shrubs and trees, constantly soggy or wet soils can harm Podocarpus plants.
So be careful not to over-water them!
How much water does a Podocarpus need?
Press the hose nozzle into the ground once a week and allow the hose to tickle slowly until water stands on the soil The Friends of the Urban Forest website specifies that Buddhist pine's relative Podocarpus gracilior requires
15 to 20 gallons of water a week for the first two years
, the amount cut back by half for the …
Is Podocarpus drought tolerant?
The plant is tolerant of shade but intolerant of wet soils. This plant likes medium relative humidity and has a slow growth rate. This plant is
salt tolerant, drought tolerant
, and displays some tolerance to heat.
How far apart should you plant Podocarpus?
Plant the Podocarpus (Japanese yew pine) shrubs
about 2 feet (60 cm) apart
and trim them regularly to create a hedgerow. With regular trimming, the Podocarpus shrubs become a beautiful formal soft hedge with thick, dense growth.
Is Podocarpus a fast growing tree?
From eastern Africa, this Podocarpus gracilior is a versatile,
fast-growing plant
popular with homeowners looking for good privacy screens, windbreakers and background plants for their landscape. … Podocarpus gracilior can be trimmed down to fit into tighter forms, or be left alone to reach heights of up to 40-feet.
Why are my Podocarpus dying?
They can suffer from
root rot if the soil is
kept too wet, though. This might be the case if you watered more often than once a week or if they are near a lawn or flower bed that is watered frequently. Symptoms of root rot are browning foliage.
Can you top a Podocarpus tree?
Answer from Pat:
Yes
, you can prune your fern pine (Podocarpus gracilior) hedge now to keep it flat. Once it gets out of shape then it's more difficult to correct. Most non-flowering hedges can be pruned year round, but they will grow faster in warmer weather.
What makes podocarpus grow faster?
Podocarpus can go without bright or direct light for long stretches but will grow taller and faster
under the bright light of the sun
. Like any plant, they do need regular watering, though they can stand long periods with no water, especially if the soil is particularly dense.
Is Epsom salt good for podocarpus?
Podocarpus likes slightly acidic soil so a dose of Miracid several times a year is helpful. These plants need additional iron and magnesium; iron is partially supplied by the Miracid. … To prevent magnesium deficiency, use
2-3 applications
of Epsom Salts ( 1 tbs per gallon of water) a year.
How do you bring a podocarpus back to life?
If the roots are dead or dying, cut away the most obviously affected roots and replant your tree after
amending the soil with organic matter
to help it drain quickly. Then replant the tree and water it well to help it get situated in its new home.
What can I plant next to podocarpus?
The fern-like needles of your podocarpus would make a wonderful background for
Hidcote lavender, phlox, bee balm, globe thistle and delphiniums
. This combination will provide gentle height graduation, a profusion of blooms, and contrasts in foliage to add interest to the area.
Do podocarpus have invasive roots?
An added advantage, Podocarpus has
non-invasive roots
so it can be planted close to a sidewalk, and appears to resist wind damage. It will grow on a range of moist but free draining soils, preferring those that are slightly acidic.
What is the best fertilizer for podocarpus?
Podocarpus are fertilized according to size. Trees with less than a 6-inch trunk diameter will require 2 to 3 pounds (4 to 6 level coffee cups) of a
6 – 6 – 6 type fertilizer or its equivalent
, per inch of trunk diameter.
How tall will Podocarpus grow?
podocarpus gracilior
To
20-60 feet tall, 10-20 feet wide
. Among the cleanest, most pest-free trees for street, lawn, patio, garden; good as big shrub, as hedge, in container.
What is the growth rate of Podocarpus?
Podocarpus gracilior, or fern pine, can reach 60′ in old age, but grows
very slowly (less than 6′′ per year)
. In fact they are often sold as basket or dish plants, and many are espaliered. So, to keep your plant small, prune periodically while it's young.
Is Podocarpus messy?
The inconspicuous flowers are followed by fleshy, purple, small, edible fruits (very good to eat) on female trees which are quite attractive to birds but
not really messy on sidewalks or pavement
. Leaves are recurved, unlike the straight leaves on the species. Scientific name: Podocarpus macrophyllus var.
