Coastal redwood Sequoia sempervirens

Water

The California redwood, or coast redwood, prefers to be kept in moist soil and requires regular watering. Water deeply once a week, providing about 1.5 to 2 gallons per inch of trunk diameter at chest height. During dry periods or in particularly hot climates, increase watering to twice per week. Always check the soil moisture level to prevent overwatering, as the root system of a redwood does not like to sit in waterlogged soil. Reduce the amount of water in the winter when the tree is dormant, but do not let the soil dry out completely.

Light

The California redwood thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It prefers a spot where it can receive several hours of direct sunlight each day, but it can also tolerate light, dappled shade. Ensure that the tree has enough open space to accommodate its eventual large size without being shaded by other larger trees or structures.

Temperature

The California redwood can survive in temperatures ranging from 20 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 to 35 degrees Celsius), but it grows best when temperatures are consistently between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 24 degrees Celsius). It is hardy and can endure occasional dips below this range, but it should be protected from extreme cold or frost for prolonged periods.

Pruning

Pruning the California redwood is generally for removing dead or broken branches and shaping young trees. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove crossing branches or any that compromise the tree's structure. Avoid heavy pruning, as redwoods heal slowly from large wounds. Be cautious with the timing and technique to prevent unnecessary stress to the tree.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

The best soil mix for the Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. A mixture of two parts loam, one part sand, and one part compost can provide the necessary conditions for healthy growth.

Repotting

The Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) is typically a large landscape tree and doesn't require potting in a traditional sense. In a container, young trees should be repotted every 2-3 years until they are planted outside.

Humidity & Misting

Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) thrives in high humidity environments, ideally above 50%. In their natural habitat, they benefit from the frequent coastal fog which helps maintain the necessary humidity levels for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Not suitable to grow indoors, requires large space, direct sunlight.

• Outdoor

  Plant in moist, well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) begins with the germination of seeds, which typically occurs in the moist soil of a shaded forest floor. Following germination, a seedling grows, relying on nutrients from the soil and photosynthesis to develop a strong root system and a tall, slender stem. As a sapling, the Coast Redwood enters a rapid growth phase, which it maintains for several hundred years, eventually reaching up to 300 feet or more in height. Throughout its maturity, the tree reproduces by producing cones that release seeds and also by sprouting new trees from its roots or basal burls. Mature trees can live for over 2,000 years, continuing to reproduce and contribute to the forest canopy. Eventually, when the Coast Redwood dies, it decomposes and enriches the forest soil, completing its life cycle and supporting the growth of new plants in its ecosystem.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) is commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique typically occurs during the fall season when the tree's growth has slowed. The process involves selecting healthy shoots from the current or past year's growth, each about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) in length. These cuttings should have a few sets of needles and be cut at a 45-degree angle just below a node. It's crucial to treat the cut end with rooting hormone to encourage root development and plant the cutting in a well-draining rooting medium kept moist but not soggy. The cuttings require a high humidity environment, which can be maintained by a humidity dome or a makeshift plastic covering. With the right conditions, roots can develop within a few months, after which the young plants can be transferred to a more permanent location.