Buddhist Pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus) Care Indoors; Watering, Light, Soil, Problems

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Podocarpus macrophyllus also called Buddhist Pine, Yew Plum Pine, Japanese Yew or Fern Pine is one of the favorite tree-like plants, and features narrow, glossy, leathery, strap-shaped, dark-green leaves with a central midrib which are about 6-12 cm long and 1 cm wide.

Buddhist 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 popular 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.

Yew Plum 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.

Is Buddhist Pine Toxic?

Yes, 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, you may obtain these plants online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).

How to Care for Podocarpus macrophyllus Indoors

To care for Podocarpus macrophyllus indoors, provide bright light with 4-6 hours of sunlight, warmth of 15-24⁰C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.

Buddhist Pine requires repotting only when 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 Podocarpus macrophyllus thoroughly during the growing season when 1-2 inches dry out for the optimal growth of the plant. Keep the soil moderately moist but avoid overwatering as it can lead rotting, drooping and yellowing leaves, and leaf loss.

Decrease watering in the cold season because growth at this time is minimal. However, do not allow the soil to dry out completely to prevent wilting, drooping, yellowing, leaf drop and brown leaf tips.

Use room temperature water as consistently watering with too cold water can result in stunted growth, leaf drop and death of the plant. Only water with chlorine-free water to prevent staining and browning of leaf tips and edges.

Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging which can result in root-rot and eventual plant death if not corrected.

Light Requirements

Buddhist Pine thrives in bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight; an east- or west-facing window where it can receive morning or late afternoon sunlight is ideal.

Low light will result in elongated, sparsely spaced leaves which is an attempt by the plant to reach the light source. Therefore, use a grow light if the natural light is inadequate.

Once monthly, give the pot a quarter turn to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and prevent lopsided growth.

Potting Soil

Podocarpus macrophyllus soil should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent sogginess while providing the required nutrients. A blend of 50% potting soil, 30% peat moss or coconut coir, and 20% perlite is perfect for this plant.

Temperature & Humidity

Buddhist Pine prefers a warmth 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; a humidity of 50-55% is ideal for this plant. However, if you note brown leaf tips and edges, the air is too dry. Therefore, to scale up humidity set the pot on a wet pebble tray, group the plants together or use a cool mist humidifier. Ascertain that there is good ventilation to prevent fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

Feed your Podocarpus macrophyllus 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 & Maintenance

Pruning Yew Plum Pine involves removal of dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy. Pinch off the growing tips to encourage a compact growth and control the height of the plant. Trim leggy or uneven branches to maintain a compact shape.

Occasionally wash the leaves with plenty of water to get rid of dust to expose maximum surface area for light absorption. Cleaning also discourages pests and diseases infestation.

How to Multiply Buddhist Pine

Podocarpus macrophyllus propagation is best done from seeds or from stem cuttings, in the beginning of the growing period (spring to early summer). Learn how to propagate Buddhist Pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus).

Podocarpus macrophyllus problems & remedies

Buddhist Pine problems are drooping leaves, brown leaf tips, elongated leaves, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and their solutions.

Drooping leaves

Drooping leaves on Podocarpus macrophyllus are caused by inconsistent watering, soggy soil or temperature stress.

How to fix it

Inconsistent watering: Water the plant when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry and never leave the soil to dry out completely for a long period.

Soggy soil: Use a pot with a drainage hole and free-draining soil.

Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts to maintain a warmth of 15-24⁰C.

Brown leaf tips

Brown leaf tips and edges on Buddhist Pine are caused by underwatering or low humidity.

How to fix it

Underwatering: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out but do not let the soil dry out completely for too long.

Low humidity: To increase humidity, use a wet pebble tray, a cool mist humidifier or group the plants together. You may also grow the plant in a well-lit kitchen, bathroom, laundry area and other humid places in the home.

Lower leaves long and elongated

Long and elongated lower leaves on Buddhist Pine are caused by too little light. This is an attempt by the plant to reach the light source.

How to fix it

Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunshine or instal a grow lightt if natural light is insufficient.

Pests

Common pests of Podocarpus macrophyllus are scale insects, spidermites, and mealybugs which are prevalent in dry conditions.

How to fix it

1. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other plants and treat it with horticultural oil as recommended by the manufacturer.


2. Regularly inspect the plant for these pests and take timely control measures.


3. Keep the plant well pruned to discourage the pests.


4. Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or group the plants together to raise humidity to depress the pests infestation.

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