Cryptomeria japonica aka Japanese Red Cedar

Taxonomy

Cryptomeria japonica, also known as Sugi or Japanese cedar, is a slender, pyramidal evergreen conifer that belongs to the cypress family Cupressaceae. It is a monotypic genus that includes only one species that is native to forested areas in Japan and China, where it grows up to 150 feet tall with an 8-foot trunk diameter. It is also called Japanese redwood in English and is the national tree of Japan, where it is often planted at temples and shrines. The tree has tiered horizontal branching that is slightly pendulous at the tips. Its sharply-pointed, awl-shaped, fragrant needles are green to blue-green in color and grow spirally arranged on the branches. The foliage is soft to the touch and may bronze in cold winters. Spherical fruiting cones appear at the shoot ends, and the reddish-brown bark exfoliates in strips. It is a prized timber tree in its native habitat and has been extensively introduced and cultivated for wood production on the Azores. Japanese cedar is easy to grow and has a graceful habit, reaching 50-70 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide with a conical to pyramidal shape. It prefers rich, moist, well-drained, acidic soils, and can tolerate conditions from sun to partial shade. It is resistant to damage by deer and is slightly salt-tolerant. Despite its name, it is unrelated to true cedars (Cedrus).

Common names

Japanese Red Cedar, Japanese Cedar, Cryptomeria

How to care for Japanese Red Cedar

Difficulty

Caring for Japanese Red Cedar is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Japanese Red Cedar should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Japanese Red Cedar loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Japanese Red Cedar requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Japanese Cedar is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

The Japanese Red Cedar is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Japanese Red Cedar as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Japanese Red Cedar’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan.


More info:
Wikipedia