Incense cedar Calocedrus decurrens

Water

The Incense Cedar should be watered regularly, especially during its first few growing seasons to establish a deep, extensive root system. After establishment, it's more drought tolerant and requires less frequent watering. Generally, it should receive about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, whether from rainfall or irrigation. In the absence of rain, a deep soak every two weeks with approximately 15 to 30 gallons of water per watering session is often adequate. Adjust the amount and frequency during extreme weather conditions; more water may be necessary during periods of high heat and less during cool, damp seasons.

Light

The Incense Cedar thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day but can also tolerate some light shade. For optimal growth and health, the best spot would be an area that gets full morning sun and some partial afternoon shade to protect it from the intense late-day sun, particularly in hotter climates.

Temperature

The Incense Cedar grows well in a wide range of temperatures, from about 30 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for many climates, but its ideal growing temperature lies between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Pruning the Incense Cedar is generally done to shape the tree or remove damaged or diseased branches. It's best to prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning once a year is often sufficient, focusing on maintaining a single leader and well-spaced branches to allow light into the interior of the tree.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Incense Cedar prefers a well-draining soil mix with acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of loam, sand, and organic matter like peat or compost is ideal to provide the necessary nutrients and drainage.

Repotting

Incense Cedar, being a large and long-lived tree, is not typically repotted as it is often planted directly in the ground. If grown in a container, repotting may be necessary every few years or when the tree outgrows its pot.

Humidity & Misting

Incense Cedar is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity, making it suitable for most outdoor environments without specific humidity adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light; water when soil feels dry.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil, full sun.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

Calocedrus decurrens, commonly known as Incense Cedar, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs when conditions are moist and warm, usually in spring or early summer. The germinated seedling grows into a young plant, developing a deep taproot and establishing itself over several years, during which it is vulnerable to environmental stresses. As it matures, the Incense Cedar enters the juvenile phase, characterized by rapid vertical growth and the development of its distinct pyramidal shape, taking several decades to reach full size. During its adult phase, the tree produces small, inconspicuous male and female cones on the same tree; pollination occurs typically in late winter, and the wind plays a crucial role in dispersing the pollen. The fertilized female cones take one to two years to mature, after which they release seeds to start a new generation. The Incense Cedar can live for several hundred years, continuing its reproductive cycle annually and remaining resilient to many pests and diseases.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter

• Propogation: The Incense Cedar, known scientifically as Calocedrus decurrens, can be propagated most effectively via seed. The best time to collect seeds is in autumn when the cones have dried and opened, releasing the seeds. To propagate Incense Cedar, it is recommended to start with fresh seeds, which can be sown directly into a prepared seedbed or into containers. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and maintained under cool and moist conditions. Stratification, a process of treating seeds to simulate natural winter conditions that a seed must endure before germination, may improve germination rates. This is commonly done by placing the seeds in a moist substrate and refrigerating them at 34 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (1 to 4 degrees Celsius) for a period of 30 to 90 days before planting. Once sown, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to encourage germination and growth.