{"product_id":"podocarpus-falcatus-cloud-pruned-specimen-niwaki-tree","title":"Podocarpus falcatus Cloud Pruned – Specimen Niwaki Tree","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePodocarpus falcatus\u003c\/em\u003e Cloud Pruned is a specimen-grade tree, hand-trained over many years into distinct rounded foliage pads carried on an open sculptural frame. Cloud pruning, or niwaki, is a Japanese technique that separates the canopy into layered clouds so the branch structure becomes part of the display rather than something hidden by leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a single trained specimen, not a production line item. The trunk movement and pad placement are unique to the individual tree, which is why cloud-pruned stock is used as a focal point rather than in repetition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePodocarpus is one of the best subjects for the technique. The fine dark evergreen foliage is dense enough to hold a clean pad edge, it responds well to repeated clipping, and it holds its form between trims. It performs in full sun to part shade with free-draining soil, tolerates coastal exposure and light to moderate frost, and is drought tolerant once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCloud-pruned specimens suit a courtyard, an entry, a formal water feature surround, or a Japanese-inspired garden where a single tree carries the composition. Two to three light clips a year maintain the pads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease contact us before ordering.\u003c\/strong\u003e At 240L this is a heavy specimen requiring machinery or crane access for delivery and placement, and we will confirm site access with you first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin:44px 0 16px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:14px;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:1.5px;margin:0 0 8px;padding-top:32px;border-top:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);text-transform:uppercase;color:currentColor;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 24px;color:currentColor;opacity:0.65;font-size:14px;font-style:italic;\"\u003eAbout Podocarpus falcatus Cloud Pruned\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eWhat is cloud pruning?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eCloud pruning, known in Japan as niwaki, is a training technique where the canopy is separated into distinct rounded pads of foliage held on an exposed branch framework. The result reads as clouds floating on a sculptural trunk. It takes many years of hand training to develop and cannot be produced quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eIs each specimen the same?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eNo. Every cloud-pruned tree is trained individually, so trunk movement, pad number and pad placement differ from tree to tree. We can send photographs of the specific specimen available before you order.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eHow much maintenance does it need?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eTwo to three light clips a year to maintain clean pad edges and stop the clouds merging. Work pad by pad with sharp shears rather than shearing the whole canopy. Avoid cutting into bare interior wood, which reshoots slowly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eWhy is Podocarpus used for cloud pruning?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eThe foliage is fine and dense enough to hold a crisp pad edge, it tolerates repeated clipping without thinning, and it holds shape well between trims. It is also evergreen and hardy across a wide range of Australian conditions, so the form reads year-round.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eWhere does it grow best?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eFull sun to part shade in free-draining soil. It performs across subtropical Queensland, coastal and inland NSW, Victoria and South Australia, tolerates coastal exposure and handles light to moderate frost once established. Avoid heavy waterlogged ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eWhat access do I need for delivery?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eA 240L specimen is heavy and typically requires machinery or a crane to place. Please contact us before ordering so we can confirm access from the delivery point to the final position, including gates, stairs, retaining walls and overhead clearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eCan it go in a pot?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eYes, and a large decorative urn suits the form well. Use a substantial container with excellent drainage and a quality mix, and be aware the combined weight of specimen and pot will need machinery to position.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Evergreen Trees Direct","offers":[{"title":"240L","offer_id":47068121432263,"sku":"PODFAL240L","price":22000.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/www.evergreentrees.com.au\/products\/podocarpus-falcatus-cloud-pruned-specimen-niwaki-tree","provider":"Evergreen Trees Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}