Podocarpaceae
Podocarpus macrophyllus
Bring a luxury, resort-style look to your space with Podocarpus macrophyllus. Its dense, deep-green foliage and clean topiary form instantly elevates entrances, patios, and modern interiors. Easy to maintain, tolerant of pruning, and always stylish—this is the perfect statement plant for homes, hotels, and professional reception areas.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Buddhist Pine
Botanical Name: Podocarpus macrophyllus
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub/tree (Conifer)
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0447
Alternative Names:
Yew Plum Pine
Kusamaki (Japanese)
بودوكاربس (Arabic)
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Pinales
Family: Podocarpaceae
Genus: Podocarpus
Species: P. macrophyllus
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to southern Japan and southern China.
Cultivated widely in warm temperate and subtropical regions worldwide.
Hardy in USDA zones 7–10.
4. Visual Characteristics
Evergreen conifer with a dense, columnar to pyramidal habit.
Leaves: Lanceolate, leathery, glossy dark green, 6–12 cm long.
Bark: Smooth and grey-brown, becoming slightly fissured with age.
New growth often paler green, providing subtle contrast.
5. Size & Dimensions
Mature height: 10–20 m in landscape, but typically maintained at 1.5–3 m as a hedge or topiary.
Mature spread: 2–4 m if unpruned; narrower when regularly clipped.
Container height: 1–2 m for standard nursery specimens.
6. Light Requirements
Full sun to part shade.
Best performance in bright, indirect light when grown indoors.
Tolerates afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch.
7. Watering Needs
Regular watering to keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Allow top 2–3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings.
Drought tolerant once established, though growth may slow under prolonged dry conditions.
8. Soil & Potting
Prefers well-draining, acidic to neutral soils (pH 5.5–7.0).
A mix of loam, peat, and coarse sand or pine bark enhances drainage.
Ensure container has adequate drainage holes to prevent root rot.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal temperature range: 15–29 °C (59–85 °F).
Tolerates brief dips to −12 °C (10 °F) when dormant.
Prefers moderate to high humidity; misting can benefit indoor specimens.
10. Fertilization
Apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 NPK) in early spring and again in mid-summer.
Alternatively, feed monthly with a diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Avoid high nitrogen late in season to prevent tender new growth before winter.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care Level: Low to Moderate.
Prune regularly to maintain desired shape and size; best done in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Remove dead or crossing branches to improve air circulation.
12. Growth & Propagation
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate (30–60 cm per year under optimal conditions).
Propagation: Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer; use rooting hormone and keep cutting bed moist and shaded.
Seeds may be sown fresh in a well-draining medium but require stratification and several months to germinate.
13. Common Problems
Overwatering can lead to root rot and yellowing foliage.
Pests: Scale insects, spider mites, and aphids may infest new growth.
Leaf drop may occur if exposed to sudden temperature or light changes.
14. Benefits & Uses
Excellent as formal hedges, screens, or topiary specimens in landscapes.
Ideal for container plantings on patios and entrances.
Provides year-round structure and deep-green backdrop in garden design.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Considered non-toxic to humans and common household pets (cats, dogs).
No significant poisoning incidents reported; seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities.
Podocarpus macrophyllus
Bring a luxury, resort-style look to your space with Podocarpus macrophyllus. Its dense, deep-green foliage and clean topiary form instantly elevates entrances, patios, and modern interiors. Easy to maintain, tolerant of pruning, and always stylish—this is the perfect statement plant for homes, hotels, and professional reception areas.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Buddhist Pine
Botanical Name: Podocarpus macrophyllus
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub/tree (Conifer)
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0447
Alternative Names:
Yew Plum Pine
Kusamaki (Japanese)
بودوكاربس (Arabic)
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Pinales
Family: Podocarpaceae
Genus: Podocarpus
Species: P. macrophyllus
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to southern Japan and southern China.
Cultivated widely in warm temperate and subtropical regions worldwide.
Hardy in USDA zones 7–10.
4. Visual Characteristics
Evergreen conifer with a dense, columnar to pyramidal habit.
Leaves: Lanceolate, leathery, glossy dark green, 6–12 cm long.
Bark: Smooth and grey-brown, becoming slightly fissured with age.
New growth often paler green, providing subtle contrast.
5. Size & Dimensions
Mature height: 10–20 m in landscape, but typically maintained at 1.5–3 m as a hedge or topiary.
Mature spread: 2–4 m if unpruned; narrower when regularly clipped.
Container height: 1–2 m for standard nursery specimens.
6. Light Requirements
Full sun to part shade.
Best performance in bright, indirect light when grown indoors.
Tolerates afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch.
7. Watering Needs
Regular watering to keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Allow top 2–3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings.
Drought tolerant once established, though growth may slow under prolonged dry conditions.
8. Soil & Potting
Prefers well-draining, acidic to neutral soils (pH 5.5–7.0).
A mix of loam, peat, and coarse sand or pine bark enhances drainage.
Ensure container has adequate drainage holes to prevent root rot.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal temperature range: 15–29 °C (59–85 °F).
Tolerates brief dips to −12 °C (10 °F) when dormant.
Prefers moderate to high humidity; misting can benefit indoor specimens.
10. Fertilization
Apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 NPK) in early spring and again in mid-summer.
Alternatively, feed monthly with a diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Avoid high nitrogen late in season to prevent tender new growth before winter.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care Level: Low to Moderate.
Prune regularly to maintain desired shape and size; best done in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Remove dead or crossing branches to improve air circulation.
12. Growth & Propagation
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate (30–60 cm per year under optimal conditions).
Propagation: Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer; use rooting hormone and keep cutting bed moist and shaded.
Seeds may be sown fresh in a well-draining medium but require stratification and several months to germinate.
13. Common Problems
Overwatering can lead to root rot and yellowing foliage.
Pests: Scale insects, spider mites, and aphids may infest new growth.
Leaf drop may occur if exposed to sudden temperature or light changes.
14. Benefits & Uses
Excellent as formal hedges, screens, or topiary specimens in landscapes.
Ideal for container plantings on patios and entrances.
Provides year-round structure and deep-green backdrop in garden design.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Considered non-toxic to humans and common household pets (cats, dogs).
No significant poisoning incidents reported; seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities.