Overwintering of Podocarpus and Zanthoxylum

[Steinar]

Hello!

I have a Podocarpus and a Zanthoxylum (sichuan pepper) that are both healthy. The podocarpus was repotted in the spring, has been growing since the summer and still has a few growing tips, with the majority of new growth having hardened off. The zanthoxylum is actively growing, but is really in need of a repot. They are both currently indoors, with good lighting, and they both really enjoyed being outdoors for the summer.

The question is what's the best overwintering location for these. I can offer them either indoors (living room temperature) with enough light, or basement (10-15 degrees C, 50-60 F) with a plant light. I find lots of conflicting info online. Please note - the question is not where they could be, but what's best for them long-term.

Thanks!

 

[0soyoung]

I have done nothing to determine what is best for them.
I've kept both outside all year long, but I'm in a slightly warmer climate. With the pots simply set on the ground, they got through nights with temperatures of -10C (15F).

I'm not sure if podocarpi have bud chilling requirements, let alone what it might be. Zanthoxylum undoubtedly does, though all I can tell you is that the 1500 to 2000 hours here is sufficient. IOW, you might be able to keep an evergreen podocarpus indoors, but it is certainly better to keep the zanthoxylum outside for all but the colder times of the winter.

 

[Steinar]

I have done nothing to determine what is best for them.
I've kept both outside all year long, but I'm in a slightly warmer climate. With the pots simply set on the ground, they got through nights with temperatures of -10C (15F).

I'm not sure if podocarpi have bud chilling requirements, let alone what it might be. Zanthoxylum undoubtedly does, though all I can tell you is that the 1500 to 2000 hours here is sufficient. IOW, you might be able to keep an evergreen podocarpus indoors, but it is certainly better to keep the zanthoxylum outside for all but the colder times of the winter.

Thank you very much. Bud chilling requirements is a new concept for me (my second winter with bonsai). Any tips on where I can find more specific info per species?

And then - the second question - for instance bonsai empire clearly states that neither should go below 10C. How on earth is a beginner supposed to know what info is reliable?

 

[rusticana]

Hello!

I have a Podocarpus and a Zanthoxylum (sichuan pepper) that are both healthy. The podocarpus was repotted in the spring, has been growing since the summer and still has a few growing tips, with the majority of new growth having hardened off. The zanthoxylum is actively growing, but is really in need of a repot. They are both currently indoors, with good lighting, and they both really enjoyed being outdoors for the summer.

The question is what's the best overwintering location for these. I can offer them either indoors (living room temperature) with enough light, or basement (10-15 degrees C, 50-60 F) with a plant light. I find lots of conflicting info online. Please note - the question is not where they could be, but what's best for them long-term.

Thanks!

Podocarpus has a wide range. So it will depend on where it originated. The Maki ones most common for bonsai are the hardier ones. The ones sold as housplants are not the hardy form. I had one outdoors for years and it never grew. Brought it inside and that winter it took off. I belieive a good rule is "the warmer you keep your place the more light it'll need to be happy."

 

[Russ1]

I have left small rooted cuttings in my cold frame all Winter without issue but i have been keeping the mother plant in my attic in a window which runs mid 30s to mid 40s for decades. I do believe that at least the ones i have are hardy to zone 6 but being in a pot knock off 1 zone so hardy in a pot to zone 7.

 

[Steinar]

Podocarpus has a wide range. So it will depend on where it originated. The Maki ones most common for bonsai are the hardier ones. The ones sold as housplants are not the hardy form. I had one outdoors for years and it never grew. Brought it inside and that winter it took off. I belieive a good rule is "the warmer you keep your place the more light it'll need to be happy."

Thanks. I'm well aware that more light is needed for higher temperatures. Now only if I knew where it originated... But still, my main question is, would it be best to have it growing, or would it benefit from a dormancy at cooler temperatures?

 

[Steinar]

I have left small rooted cuttings in my cold frame all Winter without issue but i have been keeping the mother plant in my attic in a window which runs mid 30s to mid 40s for decades. I do believe that at least the ones i have are hardy to zone 6 but being in a pot knock off 1 zone so hardy in a pot to zone 7.

Thanks. Do you think the mother plant benefits from the dormancy?