Podocarpus shrub is an ornamental, coniferous shrub that is native to East Asia. It is also known as the Buddhist pine or the yew pine. The podocarpus shrub has a pyramidal growth habit and can grow up to 20 feet tall. The leaves are dark green and needle-like, and the cones are small and round. The podocarpus shrub is tolerant of a variety of soil types and is drought-resistant. It is an excellent choice for hedges, screens, and foundation plantings.
Related plant:
Podocarpus Hedge
About soil condition, podocarpus shrub prefer well-drained, fertile soil, and they are quite drought tolerant once established. They also prefer a slightly acidic soil. If you have these conditions, then your podocarpus should do quite well.
Just like other plants, the podocarpus shrub needs sunlight to grow. According to the University of Florida, this shrub should be placed in an area that gets full sun to partial shade. If you live in an area with very hot summers, it's best to give the podocarpus some afternoon shade.
The temperature condition that is best for a podocarpus shrub is one in which the temperature is not too hot and not too cold. The ideal temperature range for a podocarpus shrub is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 60%. This podocarpus shrub cannot tolerate extremely dry or wet conditions. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to drop. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow.
Discussing fertilizer, usually the plant food is added to the soil to provide essential minerals for the podocarpus shrub to grow. However, because this podocarpus is arootbound plant, the fertilizer may not be able to reach the roots. In this case, you may need to use a rootstimulant.
Pruning a podocarpus shrub is a simple process that can be done with just a few basic tools. First, use a sharp pair of shears to trim away any dead or damaged branches. Next, focus on shaping the shrub by pruning away any straggly or misshapen growth. Finally, use a hand pruners to tidy up the shrub by trimming away any small branches or leaves that are blocking the desired shape.
Propagation of podocarpus shrubs is best achieved through rooting stem cuttings taken from new growth. The stem cuttings should be taken from the tips of the branches and should be about 6 inches long. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants that have been well-watered. The cuttings should be placed in a planting mix that is high in organic matter and has good drainage. After planting, the mix should be kept moist but not wet. Rooting will usually occur within 8-10 weeks.
Usually, the plant growth rate is between 6 and 12 inches a year. A podocarpus that has a good growth rate may put on as much as 18 inches in a year, while a slower growing podocarpus may only manage 6 inches.
Common problems for this kind of plant are caterpillars, aphids, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with Bacillus thuringiensis, neem oil, and horticultural oil. If the problem is severe, you may need to contact a professional pest control company.
Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: PodocarpusÂ…
Podocarpus macrophyllus - Japanese yew or Chinese yew
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Search Results