Podrocarpus Lawrencei advice request

[Jan]

A bit late in the season but here we go. I checked the roots on this one (heaps - up to 3inches long) so decided to seperate the layer and replant it.

20220404_150158 Mountain Plum Pine Layer planted.jpg

We can do serious frosts on the Southern Tablelands so thought this one was better seperated, planted into a suitable size pot (until a suitable look/colour pot presents itself)to allow for a bit more root growth, and, to let me move this into the moderate climate of my old fish tank/cold frame for the coming winter. Didn't want to freeze the young roots.

So, now I have two. The original still had two branches below the layer. I am looking to train these scrambling up against a rock as you see them growing in the Snowys. I suspect the habit is to protect them from breaking under snow (additional support from the rock) and to use the rock as a heat simk to moderate the tempreture. For now it remains in its pot where I am hopeful it will begin to heal before I consider suitable rocks and a repot in late winter.

[Jan]

Well, so far, so good with the layer.

20221119_165845 Podrocarpus Lawrenci - Spring.jpg

20221119_165903 Podrocarpus Lawrenci.jpg

The layer has survived the winter and is still looking well. I'll leave it be for this season and continue growing it as an informal upright. I may eventually add a rock for it to shelter against as they do in the Snowys.

I have decided against a root over rock for the parent plant - the roots are just not suitable for that purpose, but I will look for a suitable rock to train its two branches against to mimic the wild plants in the High Country.

Jan