Podocarpus

iaN. · Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 5:54 pm Post subject: Podocarpus

Hi!
I'm new to this site and to Bonsai so I'll try my best not to get on anyone's nerves! My girlfriend brought me home a bonsai tree (it's a podocarpus/chinese yew) about three days ago and I was surprised to learn how beautiful bonsai trees are.
From what I've been reading in books and on the Internet, Bonsai tree's bought from shops haven't had the same care or attention as 'home made' Bonsai'. Never the less I feel as though I have to try my best to keep this tree alive as my girlfriend bought it as a gift and also I have become to love this tree now it's been sitting in my room so I wouldn't really like to see it die!
On the box that the tree came in it said it was an indoor bonsai although what I've gathered from books and the net, there is no such thing as an indoor bonsai or at least, indoor bonsai need time spent in full sunlight. Does anyone know whether I could put my tree outdoor permanently or for short periods of time?(I don't mind if the tree goes indoors or out).
I'd also like some general information on how to keep my tree healthy.
Could anyone recommend another tree to get. I'd prefer to get a young tree that is (so to say) a 'semi-trained bonsai'?
(The tree is 10yrs old. If that's any help.)

Thanks alot!
iaN.

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Stymie · Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 6:35 pm Post subject: Re: Podocarpus

Hello iaN.
It isn't really a Yew although it has Yew-like foliage. It's evergreen but grows slowly and almost stops during the shorter days. I've always considered them as outside material. They enjoy sun (as much as they can get) and you might like to give some winter protection but you have the advantage of the gulf stream down there and it may not be necessary. Assuming that its been indoors for some time, make the transition to outside gradually, starting with a few hours during the day. Keep the planting material moist but not wet. In the correct kind of mix, this will probably mean daily watering. You can feed it every two weeks up to the end of September then cut back to monthly or even longer as growth slows down and it doesn't need it. Pruning to maintain shape is best done with a finger and thumb pinch but it will not need much more of that this year. When you re-pot, the best time would be early spring before any growth 'spurt' occurs. Don't feed for six weeks after this. As its a comparatively mature tree, that should only be every second year. It would be nice to see the shape of your tree before any styling suggestions can be made.
As a companion tree which is fairly easy to maintain, you might look for a Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia). I'm sure that there'll be other suggestions forthcoming. Don't be a stranger, come back frequently.

iaN. · Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 8:11 pm Post subject: Re: Podocarpus

Thanks alot Stymie! The information you've provided me with is very helpful!
I think I'll keep the tree outdoors as I hear trees grow healthier outdoors. I'll aslo take up your advice on a chinese elm. I've been looking at pictures of them and they look fantastic with age. I have gone out and bought some Tokonoma liquid fertilizer. I don't know if that'll do but it's something isn't it?
Thanks again for the advice and I'll be sure to come here for any other future information!

iaN.

Stymie · Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 8:20 pm Post subject: Re: Podocarpus

You're welcome iaN and your fertilizer sounds fine.