🌲 Podocarpus macrophyllus

Podocarpus macrophyllus, commonly known as the Buddhist Pine, is a versatile, evergreen conifer native to China and Japan, where it is traditionally used in temple gardens and as a sacred plant. Despite its common name, it is not a true pine, but a member of the Podocarpaceae family, more closely related to yews than pines.

This elegant shrub or small tree features narrow, leathery, dark green leaves that resemble oversized pine needles. The foliage grows densely along upright branches, creating a neat, formal silhouette. In the UK, Podocarpus is valued as a stylish architectural specimen, bonsai subject, or tough, low-maintenance evergreen hedge in milder regions.

It’s ideal for containers, topiary, or clipped forms, and thrives indoors as a refined houseplant, particularly in bright hallways, offices, or conservatories.

🛠️ Podocarpus macrophyllus – Comprehensive Care Guide

🌞 Light Requirements

• Prefers bright, indirect light to full sun.

• Outdoors: thrives in sun or partial shade – best in a sheltered spot with dappled light.

• Indoors: place in a bright position, such as near an east- or south-facing window.

• Can tolerate shade, but will grow more slowly and may become sparse.

💧 Watering

• Water when the top 2–3cm of soil feels dry.

• Spring/Summer: water every 7–10 days, depending on warmth and location.

• Autumn/Winter: reduce watering to every 10–14 days or less.

• Podocarpus prefers even moisture but is more tolerant of dry spells than overwatering.

• Good drainage is essential to avoid root rot.

🌫️ Humidity

• Tolerant of average indoor humidity.

• Can be grown indoors year-round in UK homes without added humidity.

• Light misting may benefit younger plants in dry indoor air but is not essential.

🌡️ Temperature & Hardiness

• Hardy outdoors in the UK in milder regions (RHS H4 to H5; down to approx. -10°C when established).

• Young plants or container specimens should be protected from frost or overwintered in a cool conservatory or cold greenhouse.

• Indoors, it prefers temperatures between 10–25°C and dislikes sudden heat spikes or draughts.

🌱 Soil

• Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.

• Outdoors: tolerates clay, loam or sandy soils if drainage is good.

• Indoors or in pots: use a mix of peat-free compost, perlite, and a little grit.

• Avoid soggy or overly alkaline soils.

🍽️ Feeding

• Feed every 4–6 weeks in the growing season with a balanced, general-purpose fertiliser.

• Alternatively, apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring.

• Reduce feeding in autumn and do not feed in winter.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

• Responds very well to pruning – can be shaped as topiary, hedging, or maintained as a bonsai.

• Prune in late spring or early summer to control size and encourage dense growth.

• Remove any yellowing or dead foliage at the base.

🪴 Repotting

• Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound.

• Best done in spring using fresh, free-draining compost.

• For bonsai, root pruning can be done at repotting time.

🐛 Pests & Problems

• Generally pest- and disease-free.

• May rarely attract:

  • Scale insects or mealybugs in dry, indoor environments.

• Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or poor drainage.

☠️ Toxicity

• Mildly toxic if ingested, particularly to pets (contains yew-like compounds).

• Keep away from curious pets or children.

🌟 Top Tips for Success

• A perfect choice for bonsai, formal garden design, or minimalist interiors.

• Grows slowly and steadily, with minimal fuss and maximum elegance.

• Combine with camellias, azaleas, or ferns for a serene, Japanese-inspired display.