How to Grow and Care for Podocarpus Trees

Podocarpus are commonly referred to as yews but they do not belong to the same plant family. There are more than 100 species in the Podocarpus genus with a wide variety of sizes and shapes, from small shrubs to towering trees, although in general, most are large trees.

These conifers produce a fleshy seed cone with two to five scales. The scales swell and become berry-like, serving as an attractive food source for many types of birds. Some, but not all, members of the species are dioecious, which means that plants are male or female and both are required for pollination to occur. Podocarpus trees make wonderful windbreaks, privacy screens, and hedges. Another boon is that they are salt- and drought-tolerant. They can be planted in the spring or fall.

Podocarpus are toxic to pets.

Podocarpus Tree Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing podocarpus: 

• Plant it in full or partial sun and well-draining soil.
• Water it regularly during the first year until the plant is established. Avoid getting the leaves wet.
• Below USDA Zone 8, bring potted plants indoors in the fall.
• Fertilize with a slow-release tree and shrub fertilizer in the spring.
• Prune as needed at any time of the year except in the fall.

Light

This large genus of trees is not fussy about the amount of sunlight they receive. They grow in both sun or shade, although more sunshine will encourage better growth. 

Soil

Podocarpus prefers moist, well-draining, sandy soils but tolerates a wide range of any well-draining soil types and a pH between 4.5 and 7.5. They do not tolerate heavy, soggy soils. 

Water

Podocarpus trees need consistent watering during their first year of growth. These trees like moist soil, but do not fair well in soggy soil. Therefore, water deeply and infrequently, waiting until the soil begins to dry to water again. It is best to water at the base of the plant to avoid splashing water on the foliage, as this can lead to mold or mildew. After they are established, the trees are drought-tolerant and often do not require supplemental water except during prolonged periods of dry weather. 

Temperature and Humidity

Podocarpus trees are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11 and do not tolerate cold temperatures. Temperatures above 55 to 60 degrees F are ideal. These trees do best with moderate humidity levels. 

Fertilizer

These conifers do not require much fertilizer, but yearly light fertilization will encourage lush, green growth. Apply a slow-release fertilizer designed for trees and shrubs in the spring.

Types of Podocarpus Trees

• Podocarpus macrophyllus ‘Maki': This dwarf variety is a small shrub reaching 8 feet in height. It is often used for a hedge.
• Podocarpus macrophyllus ‘Pringles': Even shorter than ‘Maki’, this slow-growing dwarf cultivar only grows 3 feet tall. It has a thick growth habit and is favored for low hedges.
• Podocarpus gracilior: The soft, gray-green fern-like leaves gave this species its common name, fern podocarpus. If not pruned and maintained at shorter heights or in unique shapes. it reaches up to 40 feet in height.
• Podocarpus henkelii: This South African species is an evergreen with long, drooping, flat, needle-like foliage that gives it a palm-like appearance. It grows 25 to 35 feet tall.
• Podocarpus elongatus ‘Monmal’: Also known under the name ‘Blue Ice Yellowwood' or ‘Podocarpus Ice Blue’, this upright cultivar has a pyramidal shade, a rounded crown, and dense, pendant branches. The long, narrow, blue foliage makes it stand out from other varieties, as this is the only podocarpus with blue foliage.

Pruning 

Remove dead or damaged wood at any time. Additional pruning is not required but if you would like the tree to maintain a particular shape, don’t prune in the fall. Pruning late in the season causes the plant to produce new growth that will be more easily damaged by cold weather.

Propagating Podocarpus Trees

Not all podocarpus types may be propagated; some varieties are protected by plant patents and are thus prohibited to be propagated in any form. Otherwise, propagation can be done through stem cuttings, though it is sometimes difficult for the cuttings to root. If you would like to try this propagation method, you will need a pair of garden snips, a small pot, rich, well-draining potting soil, and rooting hormone. Then, follow these instructions:

1. Select a branch of new growth and snip a cutting that is about six inches long. 
2. Remove all leaves at the lower end of the cutting. 
3. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone. 
4. Prepare the small pot with moist, rich, well-draining soil. 
5. Gently push the cutting into the soil. 
6. Keep the soil moist until roots form.

How to Grow Podocarpus Trees From Seed

It is possible to grow podocarpus from seed, though this method requires patience. To do this, you will need sphagnum moss, a plastic bag, potting soil, and a small pot. 

1. Soak the sphagnum moss in water for about an hour, then wring out the extra liquid. 
2. Wrap the seeds inside the sphagnum moss, place them inside a sealed plastic bag, and then place them in the refrigerator. Periodically check the moss to ensure it is still moist. 
3. Keep the seeds in the refrigerator for about two months or until roots appear. 
4. Once roots appear, fill a small pot with moist, well-draining potting soil. Gently plant the seed into the soil, splaying out the roots to avoid breaking them. 
5. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the pot in an area with bright, indirect light. Once the seedling is several inches tall, transplant it into a larger pot.

Potting and Repotting Podocarpus Trees

Smaller varieties are suitable to be grown in containers. Use a pot that is several inches larger than the root system to ensure it has plenty of room for growth and fill it with well-draining potting mix. The container must have large drainage holes.

When the root system fills the container and no longer has room to grow, it is time to repot. Gently tip the pot onto its side and tap until the plant and its roots slide out. Plant it into a larger container filled with well-draining soil and bury the plant at the same depth it was in its original pot. Do not bury it deeper than it was before. Water thoroughly until you see water draining from the drainage hole. 

Overwintering

The plants are not winter-hardy below USDA hardiness zone 8. If you are gardening in a region outside of their hardiness zone, plant smaller species in containers and overwinter them in a greenhouse or indoors in a location that receives bright sunlight.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Podocarpus does not often struggle with diseases or pests. The trees may attract aphids, mites, scale insects, and sawflies.

Common Problems With Podocarpus Trees

Podocarpus trees are known for needing very little attention. They do not often present the gardener with perplexing problems, though a few common issues may arise, leading to foliage discoloration.

Brown Leaves

Although these plants are drought-resistant, brown leaves may be a sign that the tree is suffering from a lack of water. If this occurs, water deeply. Be sure not to let the soil get soggy, as this will cause other problems. 

Gray Leaves

Gray leaves are often a sign of overwatering, which commonly results in root rot and fungal diseases. If you notice gray leaves, reduce watering. If the soil is not draining well enough, try adding finished compost or sand to the surrounding area to improve drainage.