Fern Pine Podocarpus 'Young Rusty' (f)
ABOUT
Podocarpus 'Young Rusty' is an evergreen shrub with a naturally dense and upright growth habit. Its foliage is a standout feature, consisting of narrow, lance-shaped leaves that gracefully droop at the tips. These leaves showcase a unique color transition as the plant matures; young foliage emerges with a rusty or coppery hue, lending this variety its name 'Young Rusty.' As the leaves age, they transform into a darker green shade, providing a beautiful contrast against the newer growth. The plant's overall texture is somewhat fine, creating a soft visual effect. Despite its growth habit, the Podocarpus 'Young Rusty' remains compact, allowing it to fit well in a variety of garden settings. It can tolerate a range of soil types, assuming they are well-draining. When it comes to seasonal changes, the plant maintains its foliage year-round, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add evergreen elements to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Podocarpaceae.
Synonyms
Yellow Podocarpus, Golden Podocarpus, Young Rusty Fern Pine, Young Rusty Yew Pine, Young Rusty Buddhist Pine, Young Rusty Japanese Yew.
Common names
Nageia nagi, Podocarpus nagi, Podocarpus nagi var. nagi.
ToxicityTo humans
Podocarpus, commonly known as the Yew Pine or Buddhist Pine, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no significant risk of poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant for adults and older children. However, caution is advised since parts of plants can still be choking hazards, especially for young children, or might cause mild stomach upset if ingested in significant quantities.
To pets
The Yew Pine is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets, such as cats and dogs. It should not cause serious harm if pets chew on or ingest small quantities of this plant. However, it is always prudent to monitor pets for any signs of discomfort, gastrointestinal upset, or unusual behavior after they have been in contact with houseplants, and to keep any potentially harmful plants out of their reach.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varies
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Adds visual interest to landscapes with its unique rusty-red young growth.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of dryness, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond basic watering and occasional pruning.
- Versatility: Can be used in various landscape designs, including hedges, screens, or as a stand-alone specimen.
- Long-Lived: Has the potential to thrive for many years, providing lasting enjoyment in a garden setting.
- Adaptability: Capable of growing in a range of soil types, provided they are well-draining.
- Wildlife Habitat: Birds may enjoy the shelter provided by its dense foliage.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Privacy Screens: Podocarpus is often used to create dense, evergreen privacy screens in gardens due to its upright growth habit and rich foliage.
- Topiary Art: Due to its dense foliage and ease of pruning, Podocarpus can be shaped into various forms for ornamental topiary gardens.
- Backdrops for Garden Beds: The rich green foliage of the Podocarpus can serve as a lush backdrop to highlight colorful flowering plants in a mixed bed.
- Windbreaks: Planting Podocarpus in a row can act as a windbreak, protecting other plants and outdoor living areas from strong winds.
- Sound Barrier: The dense foliage can help dampen noise when Podocarpus is planted along property boundaries adjacent to streets or noisy areas.
- Container Plant: Podocarpus can be grown in large containers to decorate patios, balconies, or as indoor potted plants given adequate light.
- Bonsai: Podocarpus is a suitable candidate for bonsai, offering enthusiasts a chance to create miniature tree-scapes with this versatile plant.
- Shade Provider: When grown as a tree, Podocarpus can provide shade in gardens or yards due to its thick foliage and height.
- Foundation Planting: Podocarpus can be planted near buildings to help hide foundations and create a visual base for homes and structures.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The plants can offer shelter and nesting sites for birds and other small animals within a garden ecosystem.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Podocarpus, commonly known as Buddhist Pine, can be used in Feng Shui to enhance the flow of Chi and create a sense of peace and stability. It is often placed in the wealth area to attract prosperity or in front of a sharp corner or angle to soften the energy and reduce negativity.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Buddhist Pine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: The Podocarpus genus is known for its long-living species, with 'Young Rusty' inheriting that symbolism and thereby representing endurance and the passage of time.
- Peace: In Eastern cultures, Podocarpus is often associated with peace and serenity, likely due to its evergreen nature and calming presence in gardens.
- Fertility: With its lush green leaves, Podocarpus 'Young Rusty' symbolizes growth and fertility, suggesting an abundance of life and vitality.
- Strength: The robust nature of the plant, along with its woody stems and vigorous growth habit, signifies strength and resilience.
- Prosperity: Sometimes considered a plant that brings good fortune, Podocarpus 'Young Rusty' can symbolize prosperity and success, particularly in business or personal endeavors.
WaterThe Fern Pine should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Typically, you should check the moisture level once a week, and water if the top inch of soil feels dry. Depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions, this may equate to roughly 1 to 2 gallons every 7 to 10 days. During the growing season in spring and summer, the plant may need more frequent watering, while in fall and winter, water less often as the plant's growth slows. Always avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
LightThe Fern Pine does best in bright, indirect light. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive plenty of light without being exposed to direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. A northern or eastern-facing window often provides ideal lighting conditions, or if placed near a southern or western window, ensure the light is diffused with curtains or blinds.
TemperatureThe Fern Pine thrives in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer a stable temperature and should be kept away from drafts and sudden temperature changes. The ideal conditions will ensure robust growth and a healthy plant.
PruningFern Pine pruning is essential to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or diseased foliage. The best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth. Lightly trim the plant to the desired shape and size, being careful not to remove more than a third of the plant at a time. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to keep the plant looking tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Podocarpus (commonly known as Fern Pine or Yew Pine) 'Young Rusty' is a well-draining, airy potting mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 5.5 and 7. A mixture of two parts pine bark to one part potting soil and one part coarse sand or perlite is suitable to provide proper drainage and support root health.
RepottingFern Pine 'Young Rusty' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to prevent it from becoming root-bound and to replenish its soil. The best time for repotting is during the spring or early summer when the plant is entering a period of active growth.
Humidity & MistingFern Pine 'Young Rusty' thrives best in moderate to high humidity conditions. Aim for a humidity level around 50-60% to maintain optimal health and growth for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, sheltered from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA.
Life cycleThe Podocarpus 'Young Rusty', commonly known as the Fern Pine or Yellowwood, begins its life cycle when seeds, typically dispersed by birds, germinate in moist, well-drained soil. Seedlings emerge with juvenile foliage that is initially soft and fern-like, gradually maturing into harder, narrow adult leaves as the plant enters the vegetative growth stage. During this period, 'Young Rusty' exhibits a slow to moderate growth rate, eventually forming a bushy evergreen shrub or tree with a distinctive rusty-brown hue to the new growth, for which it is named. As the plant matures, it enters the reproductive phase, flowering inconspicuously with male and female cones produced on separate plants (dioecious), necessitating a nearby male plant for pollination. Once fertilized, female plants produce berry-like fruits containing seeds that continue the cycle when dispersed. Over many years, Podocarpus 'Young Rusty' may reach significant heights, offering ornamental value and shade in garden settings.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Podocarpus 'Young Rusty', commonly known as Fern Pine or Yellowwood, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is during the late summer to early fall when the plant's growth starts to slow down and the wood is partially matured. To propagate, a 6 to 8 inch cutting should be taken just below a leaf node, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cut end of the cutting is then dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. After that, the cutting should be inserted into a well-draining potting mix or a sterile rooting medium such as perlite or vermiculite. The cutting should be kept under high humidity conditions and consistent but moderate light, with soil moisture maintained to avoid drying out, until rooting is established, which can take several weeks to a few months.
