Buddhist Pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus) Indoor Care and Common Problems
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Buddhist Pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus) blossoms in bright light with some direct sunlight, average warmth, moderate humidity and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Podocarpus macrophyllus also called Yew Plum Pine, Japanese Yew or Fern Pine is one of the popular tree-like plants and bears narrow, glossy, leathery, strap-shaped, dark-green leaves with a central midrib which are about 6-12 cm long and 1 cm wide.
Yew Plum Pine is a slow-growing plant with upright stems. It does not mind a drafts situation and requires little attention. These factors place it among the best plants for a front porch or entrance where it will create a great first impression.
Japanese Yew is a coniferous plant. The cones are borne on a short stem and have 2-4 scales, usually 1 or 2 fertile, each fertile scale bears a single apical seed 10-15mm.
Fern Pine is highly regarded as a feng shui tree in Hong Kong. The tree can also be trained as a bonsai.
Botanical name: Podocarpus macrophyllus
Family: Podocaroaceae
Common names: Buddhist Pine, Yew Plum Pine, Fern Pine, Japanese Yew
Origin
Podocarpus macrophyllus is native to southern Japan and southern and eastern China.
Size
In its natural habitat Yew Plum Pine can reach a height of 30-40 feet. Indoors it will reach a height of about 6 feet. Regular pruning will keep the plant as a compact shrub.
Toxicity
Buddhist Pine is toxic to both humans and pets as indicated by ASPCA. The fruits and the leaves contain a poisonous substance which causes severe drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pains if ingested.
Where to Buy
If you are looking to acquire Buddhist Pine, they are available online on Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Buddhist Pine Indoor Care
Buddhist Pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus) flourishes in bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, average warmth of 15-240C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose potting soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Podocarpus macrophyllus care requires repotting only when it has become pot-bound. Regular pinching of the growing tips is needed to encourage a compact growth and control the height of the plant. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
Water Buddhist Pine thoroughly and keep the soil moderately moist at all times during the growing season for the optimal growth of the plant.
Decrease watering for the Yew Plum Pine in the cold season as growth at this time is minimal but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can result in root-rot and eventual death of the plant.
Light Requirements
Buddhist Pine grows best in bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight; an east- or west-facing window where it can receive some direct sunlight is ideal.
Low light will result in elongated leaves which is an attempt by the plant to reach the light source. Therefore, you may grow the plant under grow lights where natural light is inadequate. Check out these full spectrum grow lights available on Amazon.
Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and prevent lopsided growth.
Potting Mix
Buddhist Pine soil should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. Most all purpose potting mixes are ideal for this plant.
Temperature and Humidity
Buddhist Pine prefers average temperatures of 15-240C. The plant does not mind cold drafts as it is a cool climate plant.
Podocarpus macrophyllus has no need for high humidity. Average humidity of 50-55% is ideal for this plant. However, where the temperatures are very high which causes the air to be too dry, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to raise humidity.
Occasionally wash the leaves with plenty of water to get rid of dust and discourage pest infestation. Ascertain that there is good ventilation to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Feed your Yew Plum Pine with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing period for a lush growth. Do not feed in the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time can cause fertilizer burn and death of the plant.
Repotting
Repot Buddhist Pine during the growing season only when it has overgrown its current pot. The plant is slow growing and repotting may not be very frequent.
Use a pot one size larger than the current one. Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot. Take a look at these self watering planters with drainage hole on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Yew Plum Pine requires pinching of the growing tips to encourage a compact growth and control the height of the plant.
Propagation
Buddhist Pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus) propagation is from seeds or from semi-hard wood stem cuttings taken during the growing period.
Learn more on how to propagate Buddhist Pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus propagation)
Podocarpus macrophyllus Problems and Remedies
Buddhist Pine problems include elongated leaves, brown leaf tips, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
Pests
Common pests in Buddhist Pine are scale insects and mealybugs. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other plants and treat it with horticultural oil as recommended by the manufacturer.
Lower leaves long and elongated
Long and elongated lower leaves in Buddhist Pine are caused by too little light. This is an attempt by the plant to reach the light source. Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunshine or instal a grow light where natural light is insufficient. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
Brown leaf tips
Brown leaf tips in Yew Plum Pine are due to too wet soil (soggy soil). Maintain the soil moderately moist but not soggy during the growing season. Lessen watering in the cold period to keep the soil slightly moist but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Make sure that the soil is well-drained and that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy. Learn more on how to water houseplants correctly.
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