Troubleshooting
Alpine Totara problems — and how to fix them
Alpine Totara (Podocarpus nivalis) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Poor drainage
Wet, heavy soils cause root rot; plant in gritty, free-draining ground or a raised rockery.
Excess shade
Too little sun makes growth open and floppy and dulls the bronze winter colour; site in full sun.
Slow growth
Naturally slow to fill in; space accordingly and be patient rather than over-feeding to push it.
No berries on lone plants
Dioecious — the red fleshy arils form only on female plants when a male is nearby for pollination.
Prevent alpine totara problems before they start
Most alpine totara issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for alpine totara in general rather than its problems? Read the full alpine totara care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Alpine Totara problems — FAQ
Why is my alpine totara poor drainage?
Wet, heavy soils cause root rot; plant in gritty, free-draining ground or a raised rockery.
Why is my alpine totara excess shade?
Too little sun makes growth open and floppy and dulls the bronze winter colour; site in full sun.
Why is my alpine totara slow growth?
Naturally slow to fill in; space accordingly and be patient rather than over-feeding to push it.
Why is my alpine totara no berries on lone plants?
Dioecious — the red fleshy arils form only on female plants when a male is nearby for pollination.