Chinese Yew / Big leaf / Chinese podocarpus
(Podocarpus macrophyllus)
Country of Origin : Japan, China
Bonsai Styles : Informal upright, semi-cascade, cascade, slanting
Zone : 7 – 10
Chinese yew, also known as ‘Buddhist pine’ or ‘kusamaki‘ (in Japanese), is a slow-growing evergreen conifer. It is among the most popular ornamental garden shrubs in the Far East.
The Chinese yew bonsai tree is perfect for bonsai enthusiasts who love the classic bonsai styles.
In nature, it is common for podocarpus trunks to split into several vertical branches. Each of these branches produces several horizontal secondary branches. These secondary branches are covered with pads of dense foliage. Bonsai created by copying this habit can be extremely interesting.
This plant has lush, glossy dark green foliage that persists for several years and becomes very dense over time.
The leaves are lighter beneath, and held in upright shoots known as candles.
Its thin leaves curl upwards and are arranged in whorls on the branches, giving it a look that’s similar to that of yew foliage.
This species of podocarpus develops into a conical, rather upright tree with attractive red-brown bark.
Female Podocarpus macrophyllus plants bear red-purple berries in the fall.
In indoor bonsai, there are two types of Chinese yew used to make bonsai – Podocarpus mocrophyllus ‘Nivalis’ (with short leaves) and Podocarpus macrophyllus ‘Maki’ (with long leaves).
Chinese yew bonsai are commonly made by Chinese bonsai enthusiasts. On the other hand, Japanese bonsai enthusiasts mostly work with Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata) bonsai tree. Japanese yew is relatively more controllable with fine foliage.
Best location to keep Chinese Yew Bonsai
In temperate regions, this species is half-hardy. Even so, it prefers relatively cool temperatures, regardless of the season.
In outdoor settings, keep your Chinese yew bonsai in full sun. However, protect it from direct sunlight by keeping it in shade.
Also, you can cover the bonsai soil with some moss if possible. This will further reduce water evaporation.
A suitable temperature range for growing Chinese yew bonsai tree is between 70°F (21°C) to 85°F (29°C) in spring and summer.
The tree can survive a brief period of frost, but in winters, avoid subjecting the tree to temperatures below 41°F (5°C).
In indoor settings, you can keep the tree in a window. Don’t expose it to direct sunlight through the glass of the window.
Keep the surrounding of the tree humid by spraying some water on it or keeping the pot on a tray of water.
Refer sunlight requirements for indoor plants for more indoor gardening ideas. Also, refer to do bonsai trees need sunlight for more indoor and outdoor bonsai location ideas.
Propagation of Chinese Yew
Chinese Yew can be propagated by stem cuttings and air layering.
Watering Chinese Yew Bonsai
Ensure that this podocarpus is always well watered so that the bonsai soil stays moist all year long.
Summer foliage can be misted or ‘showered’ using a watering can with a rose, which keeps the foliage clean and fresh.
Reduce the watering frequency in winter and after repotting.
Read watering bonsai tree for more details about immersion technique.
Wiring Chinese Yew Bonsai
You can wire Chinese yew bonsai at any time of the year.
When branches are young and flexible, you can wire them. These branches become brittle once they harden, and they can snap.
You can remove the wires after 8 to 10 weeks.
Pruning Chinese Yew Bonsai
When to prune Chinese Yew bonsai?
How to prune Chinese Yew bonsai?
It is possible to prune branches at any time during the growing season.
As you prune the candles, be sure to use sharp tools. This will prevent the bark from crushing. Also, when blunt tools are used, the fibrous stems will split and crush.
It is critical not to cut through the needles, as this will cause them to discolor and could result in die-back.
It takes the Chinese yew a long time to regenerate new growth from old wood (sometimes it won’t grow any). They will produce new shoots from branches which have old foliage. Hence, take care when you cut the bark.
Early in the bonsai design process, you should allow the branches to grow naturally. After some growth is achieved, cut these branches back to the new buds that are close to the trunk. This will encourage nice branch taper and speed branch development.
Once the basic structure of the tree is established, prune the buds as they grow in spring.
There will be plenty of bud development further back on the branches and it will give the tree a full appearance.
Despite the slow growth of this tree, it’s a good idea to keep up with this regimen to foster dense foliage instead of long, leggy growth.
Pinching Chinese Yew Bonsai
Finger pinching is not possible due to the tough and fibrous shoots and dense foliage.
Trim the new shoots with a pair of very sharp nail scissors, leaving about five or six new leaves.
Repotting Chinese Yew Bonsai
When to repot Chinese Yew bonsai?
Chinese yew bonsai tree can be repotted in late spring, every 3-5 years.
The species is sensitive, and pruning the roots aggressively will harm it.
When pruning the root at the time of repotting, be very gentle with the roots while untangling, and do not remove more than 1/8th of the root system (just remove 10-15%).
In the event of root damage, the Chinese yew tree is likely to lose some branches and shoots.
To encourage root growth, water sparingly in the first few weeks after repotting.
You can use a basic free-draining bonsai soil mix as a potting soil or Akadama.
OR
You can also use a soil mix consisting of 40% grit and 60% organic matter.
Must Read: Bonsai Soil Recipes
Must read : Choosing the right bonsai container
Feeding Chinese Yew Bonsai
Fertilize weekly with a balanced fertilizer at half strength in summer and spring.
Podocarpus likes acidic soil. To achieve slight acidity in the soil, apply a fertilizer meant for camellias or azaleas. The acidic fertilizer can be applied once a month at half strength.
Stop applying fertilizer in winter.
However if temperatures are above 55°F (12°C) in winter and fall, apply the fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Because in these temperatures, the tree will continue to grow.
Read more about bonsai fertilizer and its application.
Diseases and pest of Chinese Yew Bonsai
Woolly aphids may attack the leaves. Pick them off by hand or use a systemic insecticide.
Also, these trees can also be affected by spider mites and scaled insects.
Plants that have dry roots and crowded foliage may develop mildew. So practice good pruning and watering techniques.
Chinese Yew bonsai care
As mentioned earlier, these trees are highly sensitive when it comes to root pruning. Consequently, leaves and branches may drop from the tree. At worst, the entire tree may die.
Excessive watering after root pruning and repotting may cause root rot.
When over-watered, the leaves of the tree will become grey.
While Podocarpus is considered fully hardy when grown in open ground, it dies when subjected to very harsh winters. When grown in bonsai containers, the winter resistance ability of the tree is further reduced. Hence, consider the Chinese yew bonsai tree as half hardy.
These bonsai trees should be protected from heavy frost capable of freezing the bonsai soil.
What to look for when buying Chinese Yew Bonsai
Since they grow slowly, commercial growers count more on the mass of dark green, tightly packed leaves for aesthetic appeal, instead of a well-developed branch structure.
Some growers twist the thin trunks in a weird loop in order to create a unique appearance. Keep in mind that this is not bonsai style. This is just a wooden stick with some foliage on top.
Avoid such “bonsai specimens”.
When making a purchase, try to find a bonsai tree with an undivided trunk and well-developed branches. Even though these may be expensive, they are worth it.
