Buddhist Pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus)

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The buddhist pine (*Podocarpus macrophyllus*) is a medium-sized evergreen conifer that can be trained as a bonsai tree, which is a form of Japanese horticultural art. In Feng Shui mysticism, the buddhist pine is considered to be very valuable, a fact that has led to illegal collection. The tree contains a mild toxin, so care should be exercised.

I. Appearance and Characteristics

Podocarpus macrophyllus is a conifer in the genus Podocarpus, family Podocarpaceae. It is the northernmost species of the genus, native to southern Japan and southern and eastern China. Common names in English include yew plum pine, Buddhist pine, fern pine and Japanese yew. Kusamaki (クサマキ) and inumaki (犬槇) are Japanese names for this tree. In China, it is known as luóhàn sōng (羅漢松), which literally means “arhat pine”.

Buddhist Pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus)
podocarpus macrophyllus MeganEHansen CC BY-SA 2.0

It is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree, reaching 20 m (66 ft) tall. The leaves are strap-shaped, 6–12 cm (2.4–4.7 in) long, and about 1 cm broad, with a central midrib. The cones are borne on a short stem, and have two to four scales, usually only one (sometimes two) fertile, each fertile scale bearing a single apical seed 10–15 mm. When mature, the scales swell up and become reddish purple, fleshy, and berry-like, 10–20 mm long; they are then eaten by birds, which disperse the seeds in their droppings.

P. macrophyllus occurs in forests, open thickets, and roadsides from near sea level to 1000 m above it.

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

The Buddhist Pine prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade. Direct sunlight may cause the leaves to scorch, so it’s best to place it in a location with filtered light.

Temperature and Humidity

The Buddhist Pine thrives in temperatures between 60°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C) and prefers moderate humidity. It should be protected from cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C).

Watering

Buddhist Pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus)
羅漢松 Podocarpus macrophyllus [香港荔枝角公園 Lai Chi Kok Park, Hong Kong] 阿橋花譜 KHQ Flower Guide CC BY-SA 2.0

Originating from humid subtropical regions, buddhist pine thrives in environments that mimic its native moist conditions but exhibits a notable resilience to less frequent watering. It maintains a delicate balance, tolerating mild drought by adapting its water storage strategies. Watering for buddhist pine should be done once every 1-2 weeks, ensuring the soil remains lightly moist without becoming waterlogged. Typically grown as an ornamental indoor plant due to its evergreen nature, buddhist pine benefits significantly from periodic misting to replicate the humidity of its natural habitat.

Soil

Other than chalk, the buddhist pine tolerates all soil types. Its roots contain organisms that fix nitrogen to the soil, meaning that it can thrive even in soils that are nitrogen-deficient. The ideal soil pH level varies hugely between 4.5 to 7.5 – the plant will thrive so long as its soil is well-drained.

Fertilizing

Feed the Buddhist Pine with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows.

Pruning

Buddhist Pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus)
podocarpus macrophyllus MeganEHansen CC BY-SA 2.0

The buddhist pine can be pruned in the summer or the fall, with each season having its own set of advantages. While a mid-summer pruning could mean a flush of new, spring-like growth before the season is over, pruning in the fall means better growth in the spring, but at the cost of those beautiful fruits.

Your method of pruning should be based on how you want your plant to look. If you are growing your buddhist pine as a shrub, annually prune back a third of new growth on the plant’s vertical stem. This encourages side branches, giving you a fuller-looking plant. Pruning away lower branches on a tree species will put the plant’s attractive bark on display, while a light pruning on just the outermost growth will enable you to create a hedge.

Propagation

Buddhist pine is a versatile evergreen that thrives under a well-executed propagation routine. This species benefits from cuttings, ideally with semi-hardwood stems. Select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 4-6 inch portion with a sharp, sterilized tool to avoid infection. Remove the lower leaves and treat the base with rooting hormone to expedite root growth. Plant the cutting in a moist, well-draining potting mix, providing consistent warmth and humidity. Rooting typically occurs within a few weeks, after which gradual acclimatization to less controlled environments supports robust development.

Transplanting

The perfect time to transplant buddhist pine is from late summer to early autumn when temperatures are cooler. This evergreen perennial thrives in partial shade to full sun locations. Remember to choose a well-draining site to help ensure successful transplanting.

Winter Care

Buddhist Pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus)
Podocarpus macrophyllus 8zz Photo by David J. Stang CC BY-SA 4.0

Buddhist pine hails from the mild, humid regions of Japan and Southern China, natively adapting to winter by shedding older leaves and prioritizing new growth in the spring. For gardeners, buddhist pine requires well-drained soil and some protection from frosts and extreme cold. Providing a mulch layer for root insulation and minimal winter watering can help buddhist pine thrive until the warmth of spring returns.

Repotting

Repot buddhist pine, a robust, upright grower, every 2-3 years to allow continued root development. Ideal repotting time is during spring, before the growth phase. Use a container size that accommodates the root ball with some additional space for expansion. Post-repot, provide bright, indirect light and ensure consistent moisture without waterlogging. These steps ensure a seamless transition and maintain buddhist pine’s vigor.

Pests and Diseases

  • Spider Mites

Spider mites can infest the Buddhist Pine, particularly in dry conditions. Increase humidity and use miticides if necessary.

  • Scale

Scale insects attach to the leaves and stems, sucking sap and weakening the plant. Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.

  • Mealybugs

Mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses on the plant and can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

III. Uses and Benefits

Buddhist Pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus)
Podocarpus macrophyllus – RJB Madrid (1) jclopezalmansa CC BY-SA 2.0

Kusamaki is the state tree of Chiba Prefecture, Japan. It is a popular large shrub or small tree in gardens, particularly in Japan and the Southeastern United States. The ripe cone arils are edible, though the seed should not be eaten. Because of its resistance to termites and water, inumaki is used for quality wooden houses in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.

Buddhist pine is highly regarded as a feng shui tree in Hong Kong, giving it a very high market value.

This species can be trained as a bonsai. The Buddhist Pine is known for its air-purifying qualities, helping to remove toxins and improve indoor air quality.

Buddhist Pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus) Details

Dimensions 63630675053 × 63630675017 cm
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