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Buddhist pine

Podocarpus macrophyllus

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Buddhist pine · Podocarpus macrophyllus

Narrow dark green leaves in an upright habit, great for bonsai and hedges.

Care and placement

Tolerates full sun to part shade in slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soil with moderate watering; takes pruning extremely well so suits hedges and bonsai; not frost-hardy.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 300 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 150 cm

Things to consider

ASPCA lists Podocarpus macrophyllus as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (vomiting, severe diarrhea; toxic principle unknown); NC State rates it low severity. Keep pets and children from chewing leaves or fruit; do not confuse it with highly toxic yew (Taxus).

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Choose well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil; the most common mistake is planting where soil stays wet. Pots or bonsai trays need drainage holes.

  2. Light

    Full sun to part shade; indoors about 4–6 hours of direct sun (east or west window).

  3. Watering

    Keep moderately moist, letting the surface dry slightly between waterings; water regularly in the first growing season, then it is fairly drought-tolerant. Reduce when cool without letting it dry out. Overwatering browns tips and rots roots.

  4. Feeding

    Light feeding: balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks in the growing season, none when cool. Excess gives soft, weak growth and salt buildup.

  5. Pruning

    Tolerates pruning extremely well: trim lightly in the growing season and do structural pruning in late winter or early spring. Suits hedges, screens and topiary; tolerates urban conditions and salt spray.

  6. Propagation

    Cuttings: semi-hardwood in summer or softwood in early spring, set in moist, draining mix at high humidity; cutting bases rot easily. Seed is rarely used.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Scale is the most common indoor pest (waxy coat resists sprays); mealybugs; root rot and brown tips from overwatering.

  8. For plentiful, healthy leaves

    For a dense, glossy canopy: 4–6 hours of sun, moderate water, light feeding and regular trimming in the growing season. It has no showy flowers; grown for foliage and form.