Pino Blanco Plant Care
Podocarpus parlatorei Pilg.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Podocarpus parlatorei is a species of tree in the family Podocarpaceae and native to Argentina and Bolivia, where it grows on steep hillsides on the eastern flanks of the Andes. It has been harvested commercially in the past but is now protected under CITES.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to full sun
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Pino Blanco?
Plant Pino Blanco in bright indirect to full sun (USDA zones 12a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Pino Blanco?
Pino Blanco (Podocarpus parlatorei) belongs to the Podocarpaceae family within the Podocarpus genus. Pino Blanco is native to Argentina and Bolivia. Pino Blanco is also known as Patagonian Yellowwood.
Pino Blanco displays a slow-growing, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Pino Blanco produces insignificant flowers, mainly grown for foliage.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pino Blanco?
Water a young or newly planted Pino Blanco every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Pino Blanco Need?
Pino Blanco thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Avoid placing Pino Blanco in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pino Blanco Prefer?
Podocarpus parlatorei tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Pino Blanco prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pino Blanco?
Well-draining, acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss or compost. Good drainage is essential for Pino Blanco to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Pino Blanco?
Feed Pino Blanco every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Pino Blanco?
Choose a spot with bright indirect to full sun and well-draining, acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss or compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Pino Blanco is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Pino Blanco?
Pino Blanco can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Pino Blanco?
Prune Pino Blanco while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Pino Blanco in Winter?
Pino Blanco is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Pino Blanco?
Pino Blanco can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to yellowwood plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Pino Blanco Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Pino Blanco, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Pino Blanco?
Pino Blanco is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Pino Blanco Need?
Pino Blanco grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Pino Blanco is native to Argentina and Bolivia. In cooler regions, grow Pino Blanco as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Pino Blanco is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Podocarpus genus — compare its care with other Podocarpus species on PlantoScan.
Podocarpus is part of the Podocarpaceae plant family — browse all Podocarpaceae genera and species.
Pino Blanco thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Podocarpus Species
Other Podocarpus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Podocarpus parlatorei Pilg., family Podocarpaceae (first published in Pflanzenr. , IV, 5: 86 (1903)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pino Blanco, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
