Legcarp. Podocarpus, Podocarp. Care, Cultivation, Reproduction. Houseplants. A Photo

2023 Author: Ava Durham | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 07:13

The podocarpus, or podocarpus chinensis (Podocarpus chinensis) from the family of Podocarpaceae, or podocarpids, is found in botanical gardens and private collections under the name “podocarpus maki” (Podocmpus maki), which is “illegal” from the point of view of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. Like all East Asian species of the genus, it bears little resemblance to a coniferous plant. Lanceolate bluish-green dense leathery leaves, reaching 10 cm in length, are located on the branches of this low, highly branched curved dioecious tree in a dense spiral. A bunch of young leaves, even from a short distance, can be mistaken for a kind of creamy greenish flower. The whole appearance of the plant, its bizarrely twisted shoots evoke images of ancient parks in Japan and China, where the leg has really been grown since ancient times. The cultivation conditions of the Chinese legacarium are similar to those of the Bidville araucaria, only the former is much more shade-tolerant and does not like direct sun. By the way, there are no typical for most coniferous cones in the footcarp. If in your apartment a lush Chinese footcarp grows, then upon reaching the age of 20, small bluish seeds on fleshy bright red legs are easily formed on the female specimen. But if your Nogoplodian belongs to the "strong half" of the representatives of his species, then on a mature tree small cylindrical "earrings" appear - male strobilus producing pollen. Chinensis is an ideal bonsai plant, especially for indoor bonsai cultivation. The simple requirements of this plant are complemented by some biological features,valuable from the point of view of bonsai lovers. The Chinese legcarp grows evenly, perfectly tolerates both deep and profiling pruning, has flexible shoots, which, without much risk, can be given the desired shape using a wire. In addition, at a very young age, a real stem is formed, giving the very young plant the appearance of a solid tree.

And finally, another important advantage is longevity. Like many of its brethren, the Chinese footcarp can live for several hundred years. Some old specimens in parks in Kyoto and cities in China's Zhejiang province are believed to be over 1000 years old. In private collections in the south of Japan, bonsai of the Chinese footcarp are known, the age of which also probably exceeded ten centuries. True, we are talking about garden bonsai, which received the obscure name "container plants" in Europe and Russia. For most of the territory of our country, the eastern technology of garden bonsai is unacceptable, but nothing will prevent you from growing a legume as an add-on crop - in the cold season in the room, and in the summer - in the fresh air. In the southern regions of Russia, the "summer period" for the Chinese footcarp can last from early spring to late autumn,but even in the middle lane, this spectacular plant can give your summer cottage an extraordinary oriental flavor from May to September. If you do not have the opportunity to take your pet out of town, he will be satisfied with the fact that you will keep him on the balcony all summer. The nipple will gratefully respond to periodic spraying in the evening. If you live in the center of a large city - regularly dusting the leaves. By the way, unlike many other evergreen breeds recommended for indoor bonsai culture, the Chinese footcarp very easily transfers "moving" from street to house (and vice versa), easily tolerates low indoor humidity in winter. And when it comes to giving your home the spirit of the Far East, the Chinese footcarp is undoubtedly unmatched.

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