About this variety
About Buddhist pine
Podocarpus macrophyllus is an accepted evergreen conifer in the Podocarpaceae family. Kew records its native range from southern China to northern Myanmar, Taiwan and central to southern Japan. It develops dense branches and long, narrow leaves and can be maintained as a container specimen while young.
Sowing guide
- Remove any soft outer material and rinse the seed clean.
- Soak in room-temperature water, then sow in a clean, free-draining mix.
- Cover to roughly the seed's thickness and keep evenly moist in bright, indirect light.
- Provide mild warmth and fresh air; do not leave the pot standing in water.
Woody seed can germinate irregularly. Keep the labelled pot undisturbed while the seed remains firm and the medium stays fresh.
Seedling care
Increase light gradually after emergence. Young plants prefer drainage and steady moisture rather than alternating saturation and severe drying. Pot on carefully when roots hold the mix together.
This is a long-lived woody plant. Plan for its eventual size, or prune and repot thoughtfully if maintaining it as a container specimen.
Seed note: Seeds are living material. Germination speed and percentage vary with seed age, temperature, moisture and local growing conditions. Record the sowing date and treatment so later batches can be adjusted.
