African Fern Pine

African Fern Pine Care

Afrocarpus Gracilior

What is the plant

Originally assigned the botanical name Podocarpus gracilior, the fern pine has recently been reclassified as Afrocarpus gracilior by some botanists. Only a half dozen species have been described for the new genus, Afrocarpus. The fern pine is still generally sold under the name of Podocarpus gracilior, and most literature likewise refers to it by the well-known former scientific name.The fern pine produces clusters of slender light green leaves that darken as they mature. The evergreen leaves are irregularly spaced and grow up to four inches in length at maturity. The flowers of this species are yellow and not conspicuous. Instead of producing a cone, small fleshy fruit is produced, containing a single seed. The berry-like fruits are green in color, turning to yellow as they ripen.

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Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

min 9a

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
During the first two years, give a fern pine 15 to 20 gallons of water per week. During the third year, give it 15 to 20 gallons of water every other week. After that, water based on the local environment. Fern pines will tolerate drought conditions, particularly when fully mature, but will do better when given water.
Pruning
Young plants should be pruned to maintain a central leader and a healthy branch structure. Once established, pruning is not needed, except to achieve the desired size and shape. If espalier growth is desired, pruning to train it should begin when the tree is very young.
Fertilizer
Fertilize African fern pines in the springtime prior to new growth forming. Use an all-purpose fertilizer according to the instructions on the package.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Fern pines do well in direct sunlight to light shade, but they will grow in almost any light conditions, including full shade. The one type of exposure they will not thrive in is a bright western exposure.
Soil
African fern pines are not fussy when it comes to soil. They tolerate poor quality and compacted soil.
Temperature
The fern pine originated in the mountains of Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, so it favors a warmer climate, doing best in USDA zones 9 through 11. Although it is cold-hardy to as low as 15ºF, it should be protected from freezing temperatures.