Grow Light for Podocarpus: Growing Buddhist Pine Indoors
A grow light for podocarpus, the Buddhist pine, gives it steady light when it comes inside for winter. NC State Extension notes that in colder regions Podocarpus macrophyllus can be grown as a container plant brought in from outdoors during the winter months.
The short answer
Podocarpus prefers full sun to partial shade outdoors plus tolerates shade. Indoors, set the light so plant tips sit 6 to 12 inches below it, as Missouri Extension advises for most plants. Run it 12 to 16 hours a day on a timer. Maryland Extension advises no more than 16 hours a day in total.
What is Buddhist pine?
NC State Extension describes Podocarpus macrophyllus as an evergreen up to 6.5 feet tall in North Carolina, while the tree form can reach 50 feet. It has a slow growth rate plus likes medium relative humidity.
How much light does podocarpus need indoors?
NC State lists full sun to partial shade plus notes the plant is tolerant of shade. Illinois Extension rates bright light at about 300 footcandles, found directly in front of an east or west window or up to 5 feet from a south window.
Missouri Extension advises 16 to 18 hours of light for plants that get no outdoor light but 12 to 14 when some window light reaches them. Maryland Extension advises no more than 16 hours a day in total so plants get a dark period.
| Factor | Target | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor light | Full sun to partial shade | NC State |
| Bright indoor light | About 300 footcandles | Illinois |
| Light distance | Tips 6 to 12 inches from the source | Missouri |
| Hours with window light | 12 to 14 a day | Missouri |
| Upper limit | 16 hours a day | Maryland |
Source: NC State Extension, Illinois Extension, University of Missouri Extension plus University of Maryland Extension.
How do you trim podocarpus under lights?
Maryland Extension notes plants in too little light grow spindly or leggy plus lean toward the light. In brighter light the same plant is more compact plus better branched. Bright, even light comes first for a compact podocarpus. Turn the pot often if light reaches it from one side.
How to: step by step
- Bring the pot indoors for winter.
- Place it near a bright east, west or south window.
- Hang the light so tips sit 6 to 12 inches below it.
- Set a timer for 12 to 16 hours.
- Water so the soil stays moist but not wet.
- Check leaves for scale.
Troubleshooting
Leggy growth: too little light. Lower the light into the 6 to 12 inch range.
Yellow leaves: NC State notes chlorosis occurs in alkaline soils.
Leaf drop after moving in: Maryland notes plants need time to adjust to dimmer indoor light.
For more on lights see grow lights for cannabis plus led light distance cannabis. Read grow light timers to set hours. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Podocarpus macrophyllus (Buddhist pine), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Lighting for indoor plants, University of Maryland Extension
- Lighting, houseplants, Illinois Extension
- Lighting indoor houseplants (G6515), University of Missouri Extension
FAQ
Can podocarpus live indoors all year?
NC State Extension describes podocarpus as a container plant brought indoors during winter in colder regions. NC State covers it as a winter houseplant, so plan on bright light indoors through that season.
How tall does podocarpus grow in a pot?
NC State notes podocarpus grows up to 6.5 feet tall in North Carolina plus has a slow growth rate. A pot limits that size further.
What soil suits podocarpus?
NC State Extension advises rich, slightly acidic, moist, well drained soil. It notes the plant is intolerant of wet soils plus can yellow in alkaline soils.
What pests affect indoor podocarpus?
NC State Extension notes indoor plants may develop scale. Inspect the stems plus undersides of leaves through winter.
How many hours should the light run?
Missouri Extension advises 12 to 14 hours when some window light is received. Maryland Extension advises no more than 16 hours of light a day in total.
