The podocarp, or Podocarpus macrophyllus, is a shrub of great presence in gardens. The plant is versatile and so it is ideal to compose walls, hedges and also looks beautiful in vases. Because it is resistant, easy to maintain and requires little care in cultivation, podocarp is indicated for people who are starting in the art of gardening. Here are valuable tips from an expert to grow this beautiful shrub at home.
What is Podocarp?
The podocarp is a shrub plant and native to regions of China and Japan. According to the landscaper No Figueiredo, it is known for its columnar shape and its branches are very ornamental. In addition, it is widely used to compose living fences, which makes it a plant resistant to pruning and easy to grow.
The most present variety in Brazil is the ‘Maki’ podocarp, which is a little smaller than the traditional one and more compact. According to Nô Figueiredo, a plant seedling measuring approximately 1.80 m, costs an average of R$30. But this value can change in price, depending on the region and nursery you choose.
How to care for podocarp
Podocarp is a hardy plant that requires little care during its cultivation, so it is ideal for beginner gardeners. However, like most shrubs, it needs some attention in order to grow beautiful and healthy. Next, check out 7 accurate tips from landscaper Nô Figueiredo to have an excellent experience in growing the plant:
1. Fertilization
The podocarp can be fertilized with a simple recipe consisting of 3 spoons of cotton cake, 1 spoon of bone meal and 8 spoons of earthworm humus. According to landscaper Nô Figueiredo, “it is necessary to apply this mixture on the surface of the plant’s pot and then water it”. Also, always remember that the application should be done at the end of the day.
2. Irrigation
“Irrigation of podocarps is influenced by the time of year and also by the place of cultivation. However, it is possible to water it properly 3 times a week on warmer days and 2 times a week on cooler and wetter days”, explained the landscaper. When in doubt, always put your finger in the soil to check the humidity, so you can guarantee that you won’t go wrong in the water dosage.
3. Brightness
Podocarp is widely used in hedges and along walls and walls. Thus, it is common for it to be grown in full sun or partial shade. The landscaper recalls, however, that “in full sun the plant is even more beautiful and with its fuller foliage”. So, the ideal is to check the solar cycle of the place where you intend to place your plant to find out if the space will provide the necessary light.
4. ideal soil
According to the landscaper, the podocarp is a plant that likes fertile soil and good humidity. Although it is a subtropical plant, it is hardy and tolerates even frost. However, always check how the soil is, because eventually it will need fertilization to deliver the necessary nutrients to your plant.
5. Podocarp in pot
While podocarp is most common in gardens and hedges, the plant can also be grown in pots. According to Nô Figueiredo, “in this type of planting, the pot must be large, wide and high, as it needs to shelter the roots of the plant, which are very deep”. Finally, the pot must have a good drainage system at the bottom, which can be made with expanded clay and a layer of fine sand.
6. Pruning
The podocarp is a plant that tolerates pruning well and, in fact, is widely used in sculptures with plants. According to the specialist, “to grow it as a hedge, it is possible to prune it in the front so that it grows vertically, or prune it at the top so that it returns around its base”. It is also interesting to prune the leaves and branches that are already weak, to let green leaves grow in their place.
7. Seedlings
Finally, the landscaper explains that the plant multiplies by cuttings that must be cut at the end of winter. In addition, it is possible to make seedlings by means of seeds. But if you are a novice gardener, start by buying a seedling or even a more developed plant, so that you adapt to the care of the podocarp and then venture out trying to create seedlings.
With these valuable tips from Nô Figueiredo, you will certainly succeed in growing podocarps. Go to the next topic and check out the most frequently asked questions about growing this plant.
Questions about podocarp cultivation
Starting to take care of a new plant can generate doubts, after all, each species requires unique care. Therefore, check out other guidelines from landscaper Nô Figueiredo regarding the main doubts when growing the bush:
Tua Casa – How long does it take for the podocarp to grow?
No Figueiredo – The podocarp is a plant that takes time to grow and can reach an ideal height after two years of planting. However, if you want to grow it as a hedge, the ideal is to perform pruning frequently to stimulate its growth.
What is the maximum height of the podocarp?
In addition to being a shrub, it is also possible to grow podocarp as a potted tree or in the garden. In this way, it can reach up to 15 meters in height.
What to plant along with the bush?
Podocarp can be cultivated with mini-ixoras. These flowers can be planted in front of the bush and, in this way, guarantee a beautiful effect in the environments.
What is the ideal distance to plant the podocarp?
The best way to plant podocarp as a live fence is through a distance of 3 seedlings per meter.
What to do when podocarp leaves are drying?
This can happen due to the adaptation of the plant to a new environment. However, it can happen due to excess sun or water, as well as lack of nutrients in the soil. Analyze all these conditions and adapt the new plant care.
Following all these guidelines, you will have a healthy and beautiful podocarp for a long time at home. You can grow it in vases, outdoor gardens and also as a living fence, which guarantees a beautiful and modern effect to the environments.
Videos about podocarp cultivation
To make your podocarp growing experience even better, check out a series of videos with more information about the plant. In addition to basic care, the selection includes tips on pruning and how to use the bush in some decorations. Watch:
More podocarp plant care tips
In this video you will check out more tips for growing podocarp. The vlog brings the main care in relation to soil, watering and lighting of the plant. In addition, you will get tips on pruning and pest control in the bush. It is certainly worth watching, as some tips apply to other plants.
How to plant podocarp in a pot
Here, gardener Flávia Kremer teaches how to plant podocarp in a pot. This decoration makes the plant even more beautiful and ensures a beautiful effect in the environments, and best of all: healthy looking. In the vlog, you will follow the step by step of planting and also the ideal substrate for this type of cultivation.
How to make podocarp seedlings
Cutting is the most common way to make podocarp seedlings and in this video you will learn the step by step of this technique. The vlog teaches how to choose the best branches to make seedlings of the plant and also to carry out the planting correctly. That way, you can even gift a dear person or create a new decoration project with these new seedlings.
Tips for pruning plants correctly
Finally, to ensure that your shrub grows properly for your garden, you need to prune it frequently and correctly. Therefore, check out Nô Figueiredo’s own tips for pruning your plant. The vlog teaches the best time to prune and also the moon phases that influence this technique. It is worth watching and checking the landscaper’s guidelines.
With these tips added to a lot of affection, you will surely have great results with the cultivation of the plant. In the next topic, see how to use this beautiful bush in different environments of your home.
45 podocarp photos to inspire your decor
Finally, enjoy a series of inspirations to compose the podocarp to your decoration. The selection of photos brings modern and very beautiful decorations with the plant. Look that:
1. If you appreciate the beauty of hedges
2. And want to create a modern environment
3. And stylish at home
4. Definitely need to grow podocarps
5. They are increasingly present in landscape projects
6. And they have great ornamental value
7. Native to Asian regions such as China and Japan
8. This shrub plant is versatile
9. Very resistant
10. Easy to grow
11. And that’s why it’s ideal for beginning gardeners
12. It also has ornamental leaves and trunks
13. That despite developing slowly
14. Grow upright
15. Ensuring a beautiful effect in outdoor areas and gardens
16. At your home, you can also grow it in pots
17. And use creativity in decoration
18. Growing the plant in pots guarantees a sophisticated effect
19. And it makes any environment even more beautiful
20. The bush can also stay indoors
21. As long as it is in an airy environment
22. And may it receive good lighting
23. The plant looks beautiful in interior corridors
24. And in indoor gardens
25. Podocarps also mark their presence in outdoor areas
26. The plant is perfect for building walls
27. It leaves the place with a tropical look
28. Brings color and life to environments
29. And it is ideal for those who want to have more contact with nature
30. The bush can also play an important role in other areas of the house
31. As on sidewalks
32. Can compose the decoration of corridors
33. Bring charm to common environments, such as ramps
34. And for the entrance of residences
35. Another outstanding feature of podocarps is their versatility
36. The bush can be matched to different styles
37. And grown with other plants
38. Also, it looks great in combination with other shrub species
39. Around foliage
40. And even more beautiful with stones and ornaments
41. Finally, be sure to make the hedge
42. This type of decoration brings privacy to the environments
43. And at the same time a sophisticated and modern effect
44. With many functions and a unique charm
45. Without a doubt, the podocarp is a wildcard plant to have at home!
Did you like the tips for growing podocarp? This shrub is really beautiful and guarantees many possibilities for your garden. Another plant that brings charm to environments is the areca-bamboo. It is ideal for outdoor environments and is perfect for those who want to compose a tropical garden!
