Japanese cedar 'Sekkan-sugi' Cryptomeria japonica 'Sekkan-sugi'

Water

The Japanese Cedar requires consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, to prevent the soil from drying out completely. It's best to water deeply once a week, providing about 1.5 gallons of water for smaller plants and up to 2.5 gallons for larger established trees. Adjust frequency to account for rainfall, with less water needed during wet seasons and more in drought-like conditions. Ensure that the soil drains well to prevent root rot, and always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering.

Light

The Japanese Cedar thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. Ideal planting spots are those that receive several hours of direct sunlight daily but are protected from the harshest midday sun, which can sometimes cause foliage burn. The tree will perform best with a minimum of four hours of unfiltered sunlight, favoring the morning and late afternoon light.

Temperature

The Japanese Cedar is a hardy plant, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit, though the ideal temperature range is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to protect the tree from strong winds, which can cause drying and browning of the foliage in colder temperatures.

Pruning

Pruning the Japanese Cedar should be done to maintain shape and remove any damaged or diseased branches, encouraging a strong tree structure. The best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It's generally not necessary to prune every year; every 2-3 years or as needed should maintain its aesthetic appeal and health.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Japanese Cedar is well-draining soil with good organic matter content. Aim for a soil pH between 5.0 and 7.0 to ensure proper growth.

Repotting

Japanese Cedar should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it becomes root-bound and the growth starts to slow down.

Humidity & Misting

Japanese Cedar thrives best in moderately high humidity levels, however, it is adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, good airflow, and room to grow.

• Outdoor

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

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Cryptomeria japonica 'Sekkan-sugi', also known as Japanese Cedar, begins with germination, where seeds sprout in favorable conditions of moisture and temperature. The seedlings gradually develop into juvenile plants, displaying characteristic bright yellow to creamy-white new foliage that contrasts with the older, green leaves. As they enter the vegetative growth stage, they grow rapidly in height and girth, forming a conical shape with dense foliage. Upon reaching maturity, which may take several years, these evergreens start producing small, globular cones that contain the seeds for reproduction. The mature Japanese Cedar enters a long reproductive phase, where it can produce cones annually for many years. As it ages, growth slows, and the once dense foliage may thin, eventually leading to the plant's natural decline and the end of its life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Winter - Early Spring

• The Japanese Cedar 'Sekkan-sugi' is commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time for taking cuttings for propagation is typically during mid-summer to early fall. To propagate by cuttings, a healthy, semi-hardwood branch is selected and cut into sections that are 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 cm) in length, making sure that each cutting has several sets of needles. The bottom end of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of peat moss and perlite. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm location with indirect light until roots have developed, which can take several weeks to a few months. After rooting, the new plants can be hardened off and eventually planted in their permanent location.