Japanese cedar 'Elegans Aurea' Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Aurea'

Water

The Japanese Cedar 'Elegans Aurea' prefers consistently moist soil, so it is important to water it thoroughly when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. This might mean watering once a week during periods of drought or less frequently during rainy seasons. Make sure to provide deep watering, which encourages roots to grow downward; this could amount to around 1 to 2 gallons for young trees every week during dry spells. During the winter, reduce the amount of water to match the plant's reduced growth rate and prevent waterlogging.

Light

The Japanese Cedar 'Elegans Aurea' grows best in full sun to partial shade. An ideal spot would provide a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight each day, with some dappled shade during the hottest part of the afternoon. However, the plant can tolerate a range of light conditions, and too much hot, intense sun can sometimes scorch the foliage, particularly in hotter climates.

Temperature

The Japanese Cedar 'Elegans Aurea' is hardy and can handle a range of temperatures, surviving minimum temperatures of around -20°F. It grows optimally in temperatures between 40°F and 70°F. While it can endure short periods of heat above 90°F, prolonged exposure to extreme heat could stress the plant.

Pruning

Pruning the Japanese Cedar 'Elegans Aurea' is primarily for shape and health, removing any dead or diseased branches. It can be pruned in late winter or early spring, just before the new growth begins. This is a less vigorous grower so it doesn't require frequent pruning, but an annual check to remove any problematic branches is a good practice.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Japanese Cedar 'Elegans Aurea' thrives best in acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0. The ideal soil mix should be well-draining with a combination of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark for optimal root health.

Repotting

Japanese Cedar 'Elegans Aurea' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to ensure healthy growth. Younger plants may require more frequent repotting, while older, more established specimens can be repotted less often.

Humidity & Misting

Japanese Cedar 'Elegans Aurea' prefers moderate to high humidity levels. Maintaining a humidity level around 50-60% is ideal for this plant to grow healthily.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Not suited for indoor growth; prefers full/partial sun outside.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full to partial sun with well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-7 USDA

Life cycle

Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Aurea', commonly known as Japanese Cedar, begins its life cycle as a seed, housed within a cone that opens to release the seeds, typically in the fall. After germination, which requires well-drained soil and partial to full sun, the seedling emerges, exhibiting initial juvenile foliage that is soft and light green. As the seedling grows into a sapling, it develops into a pyramidal shape with somewhat dense foliage that turns golden-yellow during the growing season. The tree matures over several years, showing more of the bright golden color for which 'Elegans Aurea' is named, and gains height and girth, with bark that becomes deeply furrowed. The mature Japanese Cedar will eventually produce male and female cones on the same tree (monoecious); pollen released from the male cones fertilizes the female cones to produce seeds. The tree's life span can extend over several centuries if growing conditions are optimal and it is not subject to disease or adverse environmental conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method for propagating the Japanese Cedar, Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Aurea', is by taking semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in late summer to early fall. To propagate by cuttings, a healthy branch is selected, and a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long is taken with several nodes. The lower needles are stripped off, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then inserted into a mix of half peat and half perlite or a similar well-draining rooting medium. The cutting needs to be kept in a humid environment with indirect light and consistent moisture. With proper care, roots usually form within a few months, after which the new plants can be transplanted into individual pots or their final location in the garden.