Podocarpus cultivation methods and precautions

Farming methods

Soil selection

When potting, use humus soil and never use alkaline soil. Podocarpus prefers loose, fertile and well-drained slightly acidic soil, and is not tolerant to saline-alkali and barren soil.

Water and fertilizer management

Watering: Podocarpus is relatively drought-resistant, so when watering during the growing season, you should follow the principle of "better dry than wet", and keep the soil in the pot just slightly moist. If you water too much and the soil in the pot is waterlogged for a long time, it will cause root rot and yellow leaves. In severe cases, a large number of leaves will fall off and the plant will die. During the hot summer season, water evaporates quickly, so watering is needed more frequently. If the soil in the pot is too high, the leaves will easily dry up, which will also affect the viewing experience.

Fertilization: Potted Podocarpus also needs nutrients. Podocarpus does not like concentrated fertilizer. During the growing season, you can use decomposed organic liquid fertilizer with a concentration of 1:6, 1:8, or 1:10. Apply it once every ten days or half a month. Water it once the next day after fertilizing, which is conducive to root absorption.

Temperature and light

Temperature: Podocarpus prefers warmth and has weak cold resistance. When the temperature drops to 13℃ in winter, it enters a dormant state. At this time, the minimum temperature should not be lower than 10℃.

Light: Podocarpus can tolerate shade, but it should not be kept indoors for a long time during the growing season. Because the indoor light and air humidity are not as good as those outdoors, Podocarpus also needs sunlight and rain to grow and develop.

Reproduction method

Seed propagation: can be carried out in August. It is usually carried out in open field seedbeds. Sow as you harvest. Cover with straw, provide shade, and keep the substrate moist. In winter, cover with plastic film to prevent freezing.

Cutting propagation: can be carried out in spring and autumn. For spring planting, take place in mid-March, select one-year-old sturdy dormant branches as cuttings; for autumn planting, take place in July to August, select semi-lignified green branches as cuttings. All cuttings should have heels and pay attention to shade. March is the most suitable month for transplantation.

Precautions

Anti-spin

During the growth period, pay attention to pruning and pinching the established plants to prevent the branches and leaves from growing too long and to maintain the graceful posture of the Podocarpus. When repotting, be careful to cut off excessive roots and rotten fibrous roots, and at the same time cut off dense branches and overgrown branches.

Prevent frostbite

When the outdoor temperature drops to 5℃ in winter, the plants should be moved indoors. After entering the room, watering should be controlled and fertilization should be stopped.

Pest control

Potted Podocarpus should be placed on a high platform or stone steps. This will reduce the chances of insects such as ants and earthworms drilling into the pot through the holes at the bottom of the pot and harming the plant.