The Buddhist Pine (Podocarpus), is a tree native to tropical mountainous regions where it can grow to 130' tall. It is very commonly used as an extremely large Bonsai in Asian cities where it is placed in huge concrete pots outside parks, buildings and hotels.
The Buddhist Pine is a great indoor Bonsai and if you can provide your Buddhist Pine with at least a half-day sun, it can continue to thrive year-round indoors. Otherwise, it is best to keep it in a colder room to slow down growth in winter.
Pruning can be done when needed, ensuring not to cut roots. Wiring can be done year-round as well, just make sure the shot you're wiring is established enough.
When it comes to watering the Buddhist Pine does best when maintaining a little moisture, so don't let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Soil (Substrate)
Bonsai soils are usually a mixture of organic potting compost (Pine Bark or Forest Floor), Akadama, pumice, lava rock in varying amounts.
It is important for the soil have good water retention while also draining well, along with very good aeration. The quality of the soil directly affects the health, size and growth of your tree. One of the worst things you can do to your tree is plant it in regular garden soil. Garden soil hardens when it drys and can often lead to a disadvantage when growing a Bonsai.
Soil mixtures can be purchased here, but given their weight and cost of shipping, you can also easily make your own.
Depending on the type of Bonsai you're growing, here are the general formulas for successful mixtures.
Deciduous Tree (Leafy and looses leafs in the fall)
10% Potting Compost
Coniferous Tree (Evergreen like Juniper, Cedar)
If you are not able to check on your Bonsai's moisture levels daily, add more Akadama to the mix.
Given how these soils erode over time, repotting every 2-3 years is required.
Here are some suitable replacements if you cannot find the recommended types of soil.
One of the best and easiest ways to fertilize your Bonsai, is to add a liquid fertilizer mix when water your Bonsai's once a month during the spring/summer. If your Bonsai looses leaves in the winter there is no need to fertilize it then. If you have a coniferous tree, fertilizing the tree once in the beginning of winter and once in the middle of winter should be sufficient.
Ready to shape and already vigorous!
Thank you guys! :)
Buddhist Pine
Buddhist Pine
Buddhist Pine came in great condition. Packing was absolutely perfect with winter protection for shipping, no freezing during the travel. Is still healthy and already growing. I’m very satisfied 😊
Received the Buddhist Pine in excellent condition. It was and still is healthy and doing fine. It has some nice curves and a good start to a nice bonsai.
