Podocarpus

Podocarpus macrophyllus

Big-leaf Podocarp

Podocarpus macrophyllus is an evergreen conifer tree from the warm-temperate to subtropical forests of East Asia, with dense, narrow leathery leaves and a slow, upright habit. It prefers a brightly lit spot near a window with some indirect sun, and an even but unsaturated root zone — water when the top inch or two of mix has dried, as it dislikes sitting wet. It tolerates ordinary household humidity and benefits from good drainage and steady, moderate temperatures.

Podocarpus totara

Totara

Podocarpus totara is a slow-growing coniferous tree from the temperate forests of New Zealand, where it tolerates a range of conditions but favors cool, even moisture and good drainage. It wants bright light with some protection from harsh midday sun indoors, and resents sitting in soggy mix. Let the top inch of soil dry before watering, then water thoroughly.

Podocarpus latifolius

True Yellowwood

Podocarpus latifolius is a coniferous evergreen tree from the mist-belt forests and slopes of southern Africa, where it grows as an upright, slow-building plant with fine needle-like foliage. Indoors it wants bright indirect light and a free-draining mix that is allowed to approach dryness between waterings — water when the top inch or two of mix is dry to the touch. It tolerates ordinary household humidity and resents standing water, which rots its roots.

Podocarpus elatus

Plum Pine

Podocarpus elatus is a coniferous evergreen tree from the warm forests of eastern and northern Australia, slow-growing and forgiving when kept on the dry side. Give it a bright spot with some indirect light and let the top inch or two of mix dry before watering again, as its roots dislike sitting wet. It tolerates ordinary household humidity and benefits from a free-draining mix.

Podocarpus henkelii

Henkel's Yellowwood

Henkel's yellowwood is an evergreen conifer tree from the moist montane forests and mistbelt slopes of southern and eastern Africa, where it grows slowly under even, mild conditions. Give it a brightly lit spot with some indirect light and let the top inch or two of mix dry before watering again, as it tolerates a brief drying but resents standing wet. Its drooping needle-like foliage and forest origin point to steady moisture rather than drought.

Podocarpus costalis

Arius

Podocarpus costalis is a slow-growing coniferous shrub native to coastal cliffs and headlands of the Nansei-shoto, Philippines, and Taiwan, where it endures wind, sun, and sharp drainage. Give it bright light with some direct sun tolerated, and a gritty, free-draining mix that never stays soggy; water when the top inch or two of mix has dried, roughly every 7 to 14 days. As a coastal plant it handles ordinary household humidity and dislikes sitting in cold, wet soil.

Podocarpus nakaii

Nakai Podocarp

Podocarpus nakaii is a coniferous evergreen tree native to Taiwan, with a slow, woody habit that suits it to long indoor life when not overwatered. It prefers bright indirect light and an evenly moist but never soggy root zone; let the top inch or two of mix approach dryness before watering again. Provide free-draining soil, as standing water at the roots invites rot.