Question
plant for id
Dear Will Creed,
I have had the pictured plant indoors for at least 8 years; it was a gift and if I once knew what it was, I no longer do. Its current shape is odd, because it was becoming very tall and someone lopped a foot or two off the top.
The problem: during the winter indoors it appears to 'shed' sap onto the surrounding floor, a problem that largely disappears after a summer (July-Aug) outdoors (upstate NY), only to reappear again during the summer.
AnswerHi Kira,
Your plant is a Podocarpus macrophyllus, more commonly called Buddhist Pine.
This is a plant that struggles some as an indoor plant as it prefers cool temps - cooler than most of our homes in winter. It also should be close to a sunny window when indoors.
The stickiness is probably due to a scale insect infestation. Scale insects appear as small, slightly raised ovals usually on the undersides of leaves and on stems. They are translucent when young and develop a hard brown shell when mature. They don't look like insects, but they do suck sap from plants and then secrete a sticky substance called honeydew.
Scale is difficult to treat on a large plant with lots of fine leaves. I suggest that in the fall before you bring it inside, spray it thoroughly with a solution of 5 parts water, 1 part rubbing alcohol and a squirt of liquid dish soap. Drench the entire plant so that all leaf and stem surfaces are dripping wet. If you are really thorough, you may not have to spray it again after you move it indoors.
I have written an article on treating indoor plant pests that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at
[email protected].
Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC
Visit my website at www.HorticulturalHelp.com
