Alpine Totara (Podocarpus Nivalis) is a perennial shrub in the Podocarpaceae family with easy care difficulty. It requires moderate watering and full sun or partial shade light in USDA hardiness zones 7-9. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach of pets. It can be grown indoors.

A low, spreading, evergreen shrub native to New Zealand's alpine and subalpine regions.

Alpine Totara

Alpine Totara

Podocarpus Nivalis

A low, spreading, evergreen shrub native to New Zealand's alpine and subalpine regions.

Quick Facts

Type
shrub
Lifecycle
perennial
Care Difficulty
Easy
Water Needs
Moderate
Light
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Hardiness Zones
7-9

Safety

⚠️
Not Pet Safe
⚠️
Not Child Safe
☠️
Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:loamy, sandy, rocky
Indoor:Yes
Outdoor:Yes
Garden Use:groundcover, specimen, erosion control

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Alpine Totara

Jan
Prune
Feb
Fertilize
Mar
Repot
Apr
Water+
May
...
Jun
...
Jul
...
Aug
...
Sep
...
Oct
...
Nov
...
Dec
...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

Alpine Totara
Alpine Totara detail

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Taxonomy

Family:Podocarpaceae
Genus:Podocarpus