Buddhist pine bonsai, Ref. 3033

Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus) is an evergreen tree with dense foliage. It grows in Japan, China, and other parts of East Asia. It has become very popular as a feng shui tree and therefore has a high market price.

Age: 7 years
Height: 28 cm

The foliage of the pine tree releases phytoncides, which purify the air of harmful substances. It can only be taken outside after the frosts. It can grow in the sun, but needs shade during the bright midday sun. Not only that, but it does not tolerate heat well.
The best temperature in summer is +18...+20 °C, in winter +13...+18 °C.

If there is not enough light, the leaves will become longer and thinner, and the needles on the lower branches will turn yellow.

Water daily or every other day in summer with soft water; at other times, keep the soil moist. If the room temperature is too high, mist the crown with a spray bottle. It does not like dry air indoors, so humidification is necessary.
If the color of the leaves has changed from bright green to pale gray, there is excess moisture in the soil.
In winter, reduce the frequency of watering by half.

Fertilize once a month from spring to fall. The tree also benefits from the application of chelated iron once or twice a year, with a soil pH of 6.8–7. Fertilize in spring and summer once every 15–30 days. In winter, fertilize once every 1.5–2 months.

Pruning. During growth, the tree produces shoots with light green foliage. They can be pruned or pinched to help awaken dormant buds on the branches. Old, yellowed leaves can be removed to give the tree a fresh look. Wrap the branches with wire carefully, as they can be fragile, especially the old ones.
The crown is formed by pinching the upper parts of the branches. To do this, carefully bend and cut the twig in the right place, then treat the cuts with charcoal powder or a disinfectant.
Guide the branches of the tree in the desired direction while they are still flexible.

Transplant young plants in the spring once a year, and mature plants once every 2 or 3 years. There are small nodules on the roots that promote nitrogen absorption.