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Podocarpus Plants

Q.Need A Podocarpua Macrophyllus Rescue

Zone Watertown, MA 02472 | Mikea454 added on February 19, 2021 | Answered

purchased the plant in mid- to late December. I live in Boston so I will keep it indoors until weather is warm enough. Was planning to wait until Spring to repot. First 2 or 3 weeks were great then leaves started get dry and crispy. it started with lower branches and moves up. Initially I was watering once a week and Misting daily. There is no discoloration, sign of root rot, or pests. I increased watering and added a personal humidifier. For a few days it seemed improved. Now the drying as started again and involves lower 3/4 of leaves. The soil hasn’t dried all week so I skipped the last watering. My only guesses are not enough sun (we’ve had many cloudy days), the mineral or chlorine content of my water, or minerals on the roots? I ordered a grow light and a hygrometer and was debating an emergency repot as it’s lost 10% of its leaves in last 3 days and 70% are dry and crunchy. suggestions?

A.Answers to this queston: Add Answer
BushDoctor
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Answered on February 22, 2021

It is best to repot when the stress is low. Unfortunately, adding stress on top of stress will compound and cause the issue to skyrocket.

Usually, when bringing something indoors from outdoors, it must be done slowly. If this is done all at once, the plant will go into shock. The cure to shock leaving it alone until it heals. There are a few things that you can add, sparingly, but it won't make much of a difference without letting the rest of the soil and plant recover. This article will help you with acclimating plants:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/acclimate-plants-indoors-winter.htm

This article will help you with transplant shock:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm

There are going to be a few things that you will want to do, but you will not likely see improvement before it is time to put it out for the year.

The first thing to do will be do correct the watering issue. Make sure that you only water when the top 2 or 3 inches of soil are bone dry. This can take a few days, or it can take a few weeks depending on the climate indoors.

When the watering routine has been put back on track, you will want to treat with a fungicide. There is going to be a significant amount of rotted roots.

This article will help you with fungicide use:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

Once it shows signs of recovery, repotting will be the next step. They are not picky, so they can be repotted without worrying so much about what kind of soil or container to put it in. This article will help you with their general care:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/podocarpus/podocarpus-yew-pine-plants.htm

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