Podocarpus neriifolius

The Podocarpus neriifolius is a large conifer

Image - Wikimedia / Amada44

El Podocarpus neriifolius It is a widely cultivated tree for its great ornamental value. An impressive conifer, which remains evergreen and can therefore be used to provide shade to some corner of the garden.

We can't expect it to grow very fast, but it will certainly be worth growing in the garden. What's more, it is able to withstand weak frosts.

Origin and characteristics of Podocarpus neriifolius

Image - Wikimedia / Àlex

It is an evergreen conifer native to Asia, where it grows wild in China, Cambodia, India, Thailand, among others. Although it is not an endangered species, because its wood is highly valued, Nepal requested that its trade be regulated by the CITES Convention, which is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Thus, anyone who wants to export wood from that country will need certificates and also permits.

But how is the plant Podocarpus neriifolius? For It is a conifer that can measure between 15 and 20 meters in height, although it can reach 30 meters on some occasions, belonging to the genus Podocarpus. Its trunk is not too thick: it is about 30-40 centimeters thick, and its bark is brown to greyish in color, and very cracked. The leaves are lance-shaped, and are 10-20 centimeters long by 0,9-2 centimeters wide. These have a short petiole (a stem that connects them to the branches).

It is monoecious. The male cones are solitary, or they are grouped two by two (sometimes 3 in 3), and are between 2 and 5 centimeters long; the female ones are solitary and sprout on a peduncle 1-2 centimeters long.

How do you take care of yourself?

El Podocarpus neriifolius It is a plant that can be kept in gardens, but some things need to be taken into account so that everything goes as expected:

Location

It is a plant that has to be outside. You need to feel the passing of the seasons, as well as the rays of the sun. For this reason, you have to put it in a sunny place.

It would only go into semi-shade if it is not used to direct sunlight, otherwise it would burn.

Earth

  • Garden: it is not very demanding, although it will develop better if it grows in light soils rich in organic matter.
  • Flower pot: can be filled with universal substrate (on sale here), or with a mixture of peat with perlite in equal parts.

Irrigation

The leaves of the Podocarpus neriifolius is an evergreen plant

Image - Wikimedia / Crusier

It does not withstand drought. We advise watering it at least three times a week in the hottest time of the year, and between 1 and 2 a week the rest. If possible, use rainwater, as it is the most suitable for any type of plant as long as it is clean; Otherwise, use soft water, or at least one with a pH between 4 and 7.

Also, if you have your Podocarpus neriifolius In a pot, it is highly recommended that you do not put a plate under it, since if it is made the water will remain stagnant in it and the roots would rot when having constant contact with said liquid.

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From the beginning of spring to the end of summer, it must be paid every week or every fortnight. During these months he will devote almost all his energy to growing, so if we help him by adding a little compost or fertilizer from time to time, without a doubt we will make it a good year for him.

What to wear Well, it will not be necessary to look for anything very special: compost, guano, mulch, worm castings (for sale here), cow dung. Even wood ash, tea bags, chopped eggshells, banana peels will do.

The only thing is that if you are going to have it in a pot, it is preferable to use fertilizers or liquid fertilizers, since in this way the capacity of the earth to absorb and filter water remains intact.

Multiplication

El Podocarpus neriifolius multiplies by seeds in spring. You have to sow them in pots with vermiculite (for sale here) or coconut fiber, and put the seedling in semi-shade. If they are viable they will germinate in about a month.

Planting and transplanting time

If you want to plant your Podocarpus neriifolius to the garden, it is advisable to do it at the end of winter. Find a place where it can grow and develop well, away from other trees and also from walls. In this way, you will get it to grow more or less straight, and not crooked.

If you have it in a pot, you have to plant it in a wider and deeper one every 3 or 4 years, also in late winter or early spring. See if roots grow out of the holes in the pot, or if it has already occupied it all, so when you remove it, the soil bread will not crumble.

Rusticity

The Podocarpus neriifolius has cones

It is a tree that resists frost down to -4ºC, maybe -5ºC once adult. Therefore, it will be able to survive in warm gardens (including tropical ones), and protected.

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