Professional tips for growing podocarp, an easy-to-maintain shrub

The podocarp, or Podocarpus macrophyllus The podocarp is a shrub that has a great presence in gardens. The plant is versatile and, therefore, is ideal for composing walls, hedges, and looks beautiful in pots. Because it is resistant, easy to maintain, and requires little care in cultivation, the podocarp is indicated for people who are beginning in the art of gardening. Below, see valuable tips from an expert to grow this beautiful shrub at home.

What is podocarp?

The podocarp is a shrubby plant native to China and Japan. According to landscape designer Nô Figueiredo, it is known for its columnar shape and its branching is very ornamental.

The most common variety in Brazil is the 'Maki' podocarp, which is a little smaller and more compact than the traditional one. According to Nô Figueiredo, a seedling of the plant, approximately 1.80 m tall, costs an average of R$30. But this price can change, depending on the region and the nursery you choose.

How to care for podocarp

The podocarp is a resistant plant that requires little care during its cultivation. Thus, it is ideal for beginner gardeners. However, as with most shrubs, it needs attention to some aspects in order to grow beautiful and healthy. Below, check out 7 sure tips from landscape gardener Nô Figueiredo to have an excellent experience in growing this plant:

1. fertilization

The podocarp can be fertilized with a simple recipe composed of 3 spoons of cottonseed cake, 1 spoon of bone meal, and 8 spoons of worm humus. According to landscape designer Nô Figueiredo, "this mixture must be applied on the surface of the plant's pot and then watered. In addition, always remember that the application must be done at the end of the day.

2. irrigation

"When in doubt, always put your finger in the soil to check the humidity, this way you can guarantee you won't make a mistake with the water dosage.

3. luminosity

The podocarp is often used in hedges and along walls and walls, so it is common to grow it in full sun or half shade. The landscape designer reminds us, however, that "in full sun the plant is even more beautiful and with fuller foliage".luminosity required.

4. ideal soil

According to the landscape designer, the podocarp is a plant that likes fertile soil and good humidity. Although it is a subtropical climate plant, it is resistant and even tolerates frost. However, always check how the soil is, because eventually it will need fertilization to deliver the necessary nutrients to your little plant.

5. podocarp in pot

Although the podocarp is more 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, because it needs to shelter the plant's roots, which are very deep. Finally, the pot must have a good drainage system in the bottom, which can be made with expanded clay and a layer of sandfine.

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 cultivate it as a living fence 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 on theplace.

7. seedlings

Finally, the landscape designer 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. If you are a beginner gardener, start by buying a seedling or even a more developed plant, so that you get used to the care of the podocarp before venturing out taking seedlings.

With these valuable tips from Nô Figueiredo, you will certainly succeed in growing podocarps.

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 orientations from landscape designer Nô Figueiredo regarding the main doubts when it comes to cultivating a shrub:

Tua Casa - How long does it take for the podocarp to grow?

Nô 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 living fence, the ideal is to prune it frequently to stimulate its growth.

What is the maximum height of the podocarp?

Besides being a shrub, it is also possible to grow the podocarp as a tree in a pot or in the garden. In this way it can reach up to 15 meters in height.

What to plant along with the shrub?

The podocarp can be cultivated with mini-blossoms. These flowers can be planted in front of the shrub and thus guarantee a beautiful effect in the room.

What is the ideal distance to plant the podocarp?

The best way to plant podocarp as a living fence is at a distance of 3 seedlings per meter.

What to do when the podocarp leaves are drying up?

This can happen due to the plant adapting to a new environment, but it can also happen due to too much sun or water, as well as a lack of nutrients in the soil. Analyze all these conditions and adapt the plant's new care.

By following all these guidelines, you will have a healthy and beautiful podocarp for a long time at home. You can grow it in pots, outdoor gardens, and as a living fence, which guarantees a beautiful and modern effect to the environments.

Videos about podocarp cultivation

To make your experience in growing podocarps even better, check out a series of videos with more information about the plant. Besides basic care, the selection brings tips on pruning and how to use the shrub in some decorations. Watch:

More care tips for the podocarp plant

In this video you will find more tips on how to grow the podocarp. The vlog shows the main soil, watering, and lighting care for the plant, as well as tips on pruning and pest control for the shrub.

How to plant podocarp in a pot

Here, gardener Flávia Kremer teaches how to plant the podocarp in a pot. This decoration makes the plant even more beautiful and guarantees a beautiful effect in the environment and, best of all, with a healthy aspect. In the vlog, you will follow the step-by-step of planting and the ideal substrate for this type of cultivation.

How to make podocarp seedlings

In this video you will learn step by step how to choose the best branches to make podocarp cuttings and plant them in the right way, so you can even give them as a gift to a loved one or create a decoration project with these new cuttings.

Tips for pruning plants correctly

Finally, to ensure that your shrub grows properly for your garden, it is necessary to prune frequently and in the correct way. Therefore, check out Nô Figueiredo's tips for pruning your plant. The vlog teaches the best time to prune and the moon phases that influence this technique. It is worth watching and checking the landscaper's guidelines.

With these tips and a lot of care, you are sure to have great results with the cultivation of the plant. In the next topic, see how to use this beautiful shrub in various environments in your home.

45 Podocarp photos to inspire your decoration

Finally, enjoy a series of inspirations to add the podocarp to your decoration. The selection of photos brings modern and very beautiful decorations with the plant. Check it out:

1. if you appreciate the beauty of living fences

2. and you want to create a modern environment

3. and elegant at home

4. for sure, you need to grow podocarps

5. they are increasingly present in landscape projects

6. and have great ornamental value

7. native to regions in Asia, such as China and Japan

8. this shrubby plant is versatile

9. very resistant

10. easy to grow

11. and is therefore ideal for beginning gardeners

12. it also has ornamental leaves and trunks

13. that despite developing slowly

14. they grow upright

15: Guaranteeing a beautiful effect in outdoor areas and gardens

16. in 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. it makes any environment even more beautiful

20. the shrub can also stay indoors

21. as long as it is in a ventilated environment

22. and that it receives good illumination

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 composing walls

27. because it gives the place a tropical look

28. brings color and life to the environments

29. and is ideal for those who wish to have more contact with nature

30. the shrub can also play an important role in other areas of the house

31. as in sidewalks

32. can be used to decorate corridors

33 Bringing charm to common environments, such as ramps

34. and for the entrance to residences

35. another outstanding characteristic of podocarps is their versatility

36. the shrub can be combined with various styles

37. and cultivated with other plants

38. moreover, it looks beautiful in combination with other species of shrubs

39. around foliage

40. and even more beautiful with stones and ornaments

41. finally, don't forget to make the living fence

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, podocarp is a wild 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 the environment is the areca-bambu. It is ideal for outdoors and is perfect for those who want to compose a tropical garden!