Cryptomeria japonica elegans. Indoor cryptomeria Japanese: care and reproduction. Where to put cryptomeria

Those who have been to Japan have probably met this evergreen tree on its territory more than once. The Japanese consider cryptomeria their national tree.

Therefore, it is distributed everywhere there: from mountain forests to extensive forest plantations and alleys in cities, such as this alley of cryptomeria in the Japanese city of Nagano.

Despite the fact that cryptomeria is called Japanese, its homeland is China, where it also grows in vast areas.

Description

The species of cryptomeria (Cryptomeria japonica) is the only one of its kind, and it belongs to the Cypress family (formerly Taxodiaceae, but now both families are united under one name).

This plant is very ancient and impressive in size: by the age of 150 it can reach a height of 60 m with a trunk girth of 2 m. Its crown is dense, from dark to light green in color.

In some cultivated forms, the needles may be yellowish or reddish in winter. On flexible shoots - short awl-shaped needles, with small, almost spherical, cones about 2 cm in diameter. Cones - brownish, solitary, ripening occurs in the first year.

Looking at these forest giants, it is hard to believe that they can be grown at home as indoor plants. But at present, many different garden forms have been bred, among which there are dwarf ones.

Due to the fact that Japanese cryptomeria is easily propagated by cuttings, seeds and grafts, and also gives abundant shoots, it has become quite popular in regions with a mild climate, such as the Caucasus and Crimea.

Here are some dwarf forms(no more than 2 m, and some up to 1.5 m):

"Araucarioides"
"Wandai-sugi"
"Compressa" (round)
Dacrydioides
"Elegans compacta"
"Globosa" (round)
"Vilmoriniana"

Rules for the care of cryptomeria

In summer, cryptomeria feels good at 20-25 ºС on an open terrace or on a balcony with open windows. Find her not too sunny, but a bright place.

Period active growth(from April to August) should be accompanied by abundant watering, without drying the earthy coma.

But winter can be a difficult test for Japanese cryptomeria if you do not provide it with the necessary conditions.

Let's start with the fact that the temperature in the room where cryptomeria will winter should not be higher than +12 ºC (5-12 ºС).

In terms of watering and humidity levels, if you're going to keep the plant indoors in the winter, watering should be pretty much the same as in the summer.

Plus - systematic spraying at least 2 times a day with water with a temperature of 20-25 ºС. Dry and stagnant air is unacceptable for conifers - they need a humidity of 60-80% and regular ventilation of the room.

If cryptomeria will winter in a cool room, as it should be, then watering can be reduced by 2 times.

Reproduction and transplant

Some flower growers claim that cryptomeria propagates by seeds as easily as by cuttings - shoots appear in just 2-3 weeks. To do this, fresh seeds are sown one by one in separate cups with a mixture of sand and peat (1: 1).

But still, more in a simple way reproduction remains cuttings. Only non-lignified cuttings are suitable for propagation. They are treated with a root formation stimulator and placed in water.

After the roots appear, the cuttings are planted in a mixture of leaf and sod land, sand and peat, in a ratio of 2: 1: 1: 2. To prevent stagnation of water in the root area, I spread on the bottom of the pot drainage layer from expanded clay, small shards or large river sand.

Young cryptomeria annually during the first 5 years are carefully (without disturbing the root system) transferred to larger pots.

After they reach 5 years of age, transplantation is recommended no more than 1 time in 3-4 years. And so you can only change upper layer soil up to 5 cm.

In the first few days after transshipment (transplantation), coniferous plants must be sprayed 2-4 times a day.

top dressing

Although coniferous trees room conditions and will not grow to their natural size, but still it is better to restrain their growth. Therefore, discard too large pots and frequent fertilizers, especially nitrogen ones.

Cryptomeria will suffice with a dose of liquid mineral fertilizer 1 time in 3-4 weeks (between May and September). And if the plant has just been transplanted, then during the year it does not need to be fertilized at all. Rating 5.00

Japanese cryptomeria (lat. Cryptomeria japonica), Japanese cedar is an evergreen coniferous plant of the Cypress family. In the natural environment, Japanese cryptomeria is common in the subtropical regions of China and Japan. In the country rising sun tree is national symbol, in connection with which, it is found under the name Japanese cedar, although it has nothing to do with the genus Cedar. The Japanese themselves call the plant "sugi", and in China it is called "shan". Whatever you call cryptomeria, this does not detract from its majestic beauty.

Giant on the windowsill?

Having met cryptomeria in the vastness of the wild forest, it is difficult to imagine that it is able to settle in the garden, and even more so, on the windowsill. This is by no means due to the difficulties of growing and caring.

Similar thoughts evoke the impressive size of the tree:

• The straight trunk tends to rise up to a height of 60 meters. The colorful fibrous bark has a red-brown hue.
• The trunk can hardly grasp one person - its diameter reaches about 2 meters.

Garden cryptomeria are limited to a height of 2-3 meters. Bred decorative varieties Japanese cryptomeria make it possible to form even miniature trees (bonsai) at room conditions.

Of course the owners garden plots appreciate each square meter and try to grow more fruit crops. But the picturesqueness of the plant does not leave indifferent. There is a resemblance to araucaria. The crown of cryptomeria is pyramidal in shape. The needles are soft to the touch. Three-, tetrahedral needles of an emerald shade, on the shoots are located spirally. Brown fruits-cones remain on the plant for a long time even after shedding seeds.

Cryptomeria Japanese variety Cryptomeria japonica ‘Golden Promise’ photo

Heat-loving cryptomeria was brought to Europe in 1842. In open ground, it is cultivated only in the south (the Black Sea coast, the Caucasus), where it has become an indispensable embellishment for parks and gardens. Even a long period cultivation did not help to adapt to cooler climates. However, there were cases when it withstood a short-term drop in temperature to -12 ° C.

Adaptation to room conditions

Flower growers, who love their work with all their hearts, have adapted to grow cryptomeria indoors:

• To do this, you will need ceramic flowerpots, preferably black or grayish (to keep the roots warm).
• A generous layer of drainage must be laid at the bottom of the tank.
• The soil requires light (for example, a mixture of soddy, leafy soil, sand and peat).
• To restrain growth, the container should not be taken too voluminous, also do not indulge in much top dressing.
• It is favorable to spend the spring-summer period for cryptomeria in the fresh air - it will become a charming decoration of the veranda, gazebo, terrace, garden.
• From winter cold the plant is saved by keeping it in a heated room.

Useful properties of Japanese cedar

Releasing into the air essential oils, which have a bactericidal and antiviral effect, cryptomeria serves as a means of protection against diseases. This is so important during the cold season. We contemplate beauty and at the same time improve our health.

The wood of the plant has beautiful drawing, resistant to rotting, soft, due to which it is malleable in processing.

Cryptomeria japonica is often planted to create windbreaks.

Where to put cryptomeria

Japanese cryptomeria is photophilous. Stick to a diffused level of lighting, direct sunlight can burn delicate needles. Slight shading is allowed, but it is better to grow in fairly bright light. For example, in a room, a plant can be placed in the wall between the windows.

In the garden, choose a place where direct sunlight will fall only in the afternoon. Needles can also fade from the winter sun, we recommend using reflective screens.

How to care for cryptomeria at home

Air temperature and ventilation

It is better for a tree to spend the warm period of the year in the fresh air. If this is not possible, cryptomeria will quite tolerate room temperature (the optimal range is 22-25 ° C). Wintering is required cool, the thermometer mark should be at the level of +12 ° C.

Do not forget about the regular ventilation of the room. Avoid direct exposure to an open window or door in winter, as well as a draft at any time of the year.

Watering and spraying

Room cryptomeria must be balanced. Stick to the rule of the golden mean: don't let earthen coma dry out a lot and do not make swamps. From waterlogging root system will begin to rot (loosen the substrate a little and you will smell rot). If the process is strongly launched, the chic ephedra will die - a big loss for an enthusiastic grower.

Sugi is very fond of water procedures. When growing indoors, regularly spray the tree a couple of times a day, with a decrease in temperature in winter, "bath" less often. In the summer, especially on hot days, spray garden cryptomeria with a hose, but by the evening it should have time to dry.

For watering and spraying, be sure to use warm water temperature 20-25 °C. Water quality significant role does not play, but let it be at least settled for 1-2 days.

top dressing

In order for home cryptomeria to grow normally and at the same time have a compact size, it is enough to feed it once a year at room conditions. Take a complex mineral fertilizer, dilute half the dose recommended by the manufacturer in water and pour under the root. Fertilize during the spring and summer months.

When cultivating outdoors, feed cryptomeria every spring mineral fertilizers(full dose) or organic. young plant you can not feed a couple of months after planting, then spend 2 top dressing with a frequency of 1 month.

crown formation

Regular young shoots, then cryptomeria will be better to bush. In the spring, cut off damaged and bare shoots. The plant lends itself well to formative pruning. To form a tree, you need to cut off the side and lower shoots. Branches that are far from the trunk are tied with twine (wire can be used in summer).

Transplantation of room cryptomeria

It is advisable not to transplant garden cryptomeria, appropriate place for her choose immediately.

When grown in a tub or flowerpot, the plant needs to be transplanted every spring for the first 2-3 years of life. This is done mainly for the purpose of updating the substrate. If you transplant cryptomeria regularly and at the same time take a container of even a slightly larger size, it will "make" into a giant. The result will be the same as when planting in a bulk pot. Therefore, at each transplant, the container should be only slightly larger than the size of an earthen coma.

Be careful with the root system, use the transshipment method.

Adult plants are transplanted about 1 time in 5 years. Every year in the spring, the top layer of the substrate should be replaced with a new one. Remove it carefully so as not to damage the roots.

We prepare the soil mixture from equal proportions of leafy, soddy soil, peat and sand. At the bottom we lay a layer of drainage with a thickness of ¼ of the total volume of the container. Expanded clay, pebbles, small pebbles, broken bricks will be used as drainage.

Why do cryptomeria turn yellow and fall needles

Japanese cryptomeria, releasing essential oils, not only purifies the air, but also protects itself from pests and diseases.

The condition of the plant worsens with care errors:

• The needles turn yellow in too bright light. Do not post on south side, hitting straight sun rays contraindicated;
• The needles fall off if the air in the room is too dry. It is necessary to regularly spray the plant even in winter. In no case do not place the charming sugi near working batteries and heating devices;
• Excessive watering combined with high temperature air leads to rotting of the root system. An emergency transplant will be required with the removal of the affected areas and the replacement of the substrate. You will have to trim the roots, which are very susceptible to damage and may not recover. Water moderately to prevent this;
• Regularly inspect twigs and needles for the timely detection of pests. Occasionally, scale insects appear or spider mites. It is necessary to treat with an insecticidal preparation (topa Bi-58, Aktara).

Diseases of cryptomeria

From the Japanese cedar can get sick with fungal infections. This will manifest itself in yellowing, darkening of the needles and dying off of the branches. Moreover, this phenomenon is quite rapid, so it is absolutely impossible to delay treatment. Even with appropriate measures, the plant may die.

Measures to save dying cryptomeria:

1. Cut off all damaged parts of the plant: dry and yellowed branches.
2. Remove the plant from the pot, carefully remove the soil from the roots, inspect carefully and cut off any rotten parts.
3. Transplant into fresh soil (be sure to do drainage), disinfect the pot with a solution of potassium permanganate or boiling water.
4. After transplanting, water the plant with a solution of phytosporin, and also treat it with needles and branches from a spray gun.
5. After transplanting, put in a place where there will be diffused lighting.
6. Treat with phytosporin or other fungicide at intervals of 7-10 days 4-5 times.

Even a recovered tree will need to be regularly inspected and, at the slightest sign of disease, treated with a fungicide.

Growing cryptomeria from seeds

It is not difficult to grow cryptomeria. This method is more often used to reproduce plants for sale, because it allows you to get at the same time a large number of trees. Seeds have excellent germination, and young shoots appear after 2-3 weeks.

• Traditionally, sowing begins in late February-early March.
• Take any wide container - plastic or wooden box, special-seedling, etc.
• Lay a layer of drainage on the bottom and fill to the top with a substrate consisting of equal proportions of river sand and peat.
• Moisten the soil by spraying from a fine sprayer.
• Distribute the seeds at a distance of 3-4 cm from each other.
• It is not necessary to deepen them strongly, press them into the soil to a depth of the size of the seed itself.
• To create a greenhouse effect, crops should be covered with glass or transparent film on top. The shelter will need to be lifted daily for ventilation.
• Also provide diffused lighting, maintain temperature regime within 22-25 ° C, spray crops as necessary.

After the appearance, the shelter is removed. The grown seedlings are planted in separate containers. In open ground can be transplanted next spring.

Vegetative propagation of cryptomeria

Reproduction by cuttings

At home, cryptomeria is most often propagated by cuttings:

• from non-lignified shoots at the end of summer.
• Remove the needles from the bottom and place the stalk in a growth stimulator solution (Epin, Kornevin) for several hours.
• After the done manipulations, plant in a mixture of sand and peat.
• The cuttings can be individually trimmed plastic bottle or glass jar. When rooting in a common container, they are covered with glass or film.
• Ensure the temperature and lighting level are the same as for seed germination.
• Do not forget about the need for daily ventilation, water periodically.
• After rooting (this is evidenced by the appearance of young shoots), transplant the cutting into separate container with a suitable substrate.

Reproduction by layering

Adult plants in the garden are also propagated by layering:

• In the spring, bend the lower extreme shoot to the ground.
• In the place of its contact with the soil, remove the needles, you can make a small incision, fix it with a bracket, and pour a hill of earth on top.
• The top of the shoot should be above the soil surface.
• Throughout the season, make sure that the soil does not dry out.
• The next spring, separate the young sprout from the mother tree and grow as a standalone plant.

Garden forms can also be propagated by grafting.

Planting cryptomeria in open ground

Cryptomeria in open ground better in spring. The Japanese cedar needs to be given a sunny place, it tolerates partial shade. Depleted rocky soils are ideal.

• The site should not be flooded; with a close occurrence of groundwater, make the bed high.
• The soil requires a neutral or slightly acidic reaction.
• Prepare a landing hole according to the size of the root system and transfer the seedling along with earthy clod, on top, press the earth a little with your palms and pour.
• The root neck should be at the same level as before.

Care of cryptomeria in the open field

Watering

Japanese cedar does not like excessive moisture, but prolonged drought should not be allowed. With a frequency of precipitation of 2-3 times a month and maintaining a slightly damp state of the soil, watering is not required. AT hot weather the plant will need abundant watering, preferably in the afternoon. Cryptomeria responds well to fine irrigation on needles (do this early in the morning or in the afternoon so as not to cause burns).

top dressing

Top dressing can be carried out in the fall (end of August-September), using potash-phosphorus fertilizers: per 1 sq.m. trunk circle, take 2 tbsp. l. superphosphate and 1 tbsp. l. potassium salt. Scatter fertilizer over the surface of the earth, close it with a chopper. From above, mulch with a layer of organic matter 10-15 cm. This will be enough to provide the plant with the necessary substances for successful wintering and active growth in spring.

Wintering

Cryptomeria hibernates only in southern regions where the air temperature does not fall below -12°C. Young seedlings require shelter. Mulching is also mandatory for mature plants.

Is cryptomeria growing in the Moscow region, look at the video:

As you can see, one desire to decorate your site is not enough: you should choose plants based on your climate zone and winter hardiness of selected plants and varieties.

Cryptomeria in landscape design

Cryptomeria in landscape design photo Grade Cryptomeria japonica Globosa Nana

Japanese cedar or Japanese cryptomeria is used for landscaping parks and gardens. In all its glory, it is revealed in vast spaces. The alley, planted in a checkerboard pattern, creates a stunning monolithic effect.

The bred varieties allow the use of cryptomeria for less humble plots. They are planted near recreation areas, in rocky gardens and mixborders, as a tapeworm on the lawn.

The best varieties of cryptomeria

The colossal work of breeders is crowned with excellent results. In addition to the main species, it became possible to grow a wide variety of decorative varieties.

Cryptomeria Japanese golden variety Cryptomeria japonica ‘Vilmorin Gold’ photo

Golden - the variety is distinguished by a yellow-golden hue of needles at a young age.

Vandai-sugi - the variety is incredibly popular among European landscape designers. The tree is limited to a height of 2 m. The branches are sprawling and fluffy. The needles are green with a bluish tint.

Cryptomeria Japanese elegans Cryptomeria japonica ‘Elegans Compacta’ photo

Elegans compacta is a slow-growing tree up to 2 m high. During the warm season, the needles are green-brown, and in winter it becomes green-purple or burgundy-bronze. The plant is drought tolerant. Growing in adoption does not affect development.

Vilmoriniana - annual growth plants is a few centimeters. The shade of needles by autumn becomes lilac-red.

Cryptomeria Japanese Cryptomeria japonica ‘Globosa Nana’ photo

Globosa nana is a plant with a spherical crown shape. The tree reaches a height of 2-2.5 m. The shoots are uniform, dense, slightly raised. Needles of unequal length, thick, evenly spaced. The plant is able to withstand temperatures as low as -12 °C.

Cryptomeria Japanese Cryptomeria japonica ‘Green Pearl’ photo

A real green pearl, which corresponds to the name of the variety: large needles of charming beauty are collected in fluffy thick branches. Likes acidic or neutral soils, does not tolerate over watering. Lighting requires bright diffused.

This variety grows almost spherically and attracts attention with very short needles, grows well, mature plants reach a height of about 1 m.

It is thermophilic: -15°C is already a critical winter minimum for it, so the first 3 years after landing on the South Coast and Black Sea coast Krasnodar Territory the soil around the metasequoia is mulched with humus. When planting, they set a stake and tie (eight) a tree to a support with a soft twine. It develops best in sunny locations and constantly moist, but without stagnant water, fertile soils, so it is very important to ensure regular watering in the first 3 years. It tolerates transplantation, summer drought, but it is necessary autumn watering. Every year in the spring, at the beginning of shoot growth, they are fed with a special fertilizer for conifers. If necessary, carry out sanitary pruning and remove (as they appear) near-trunk shoots. Propagated by freshly harvested seeds (ground germination up to 30%, seeding depth 1-2 cm) and vegetatively by cuttings.

It is interesting:

• Glyptostroboid metasequoia was discovered in the mountainous regions of central China, first in a fossil state - in 1941, growing in nature - in 1944, in culture - since 1947, in Russia - since 1950, in Nikitsky botanical garden- since 1950 of the last century.

• This is a rare species of the world dendroflora.
• In China, the metasequoia is called water fir, as it grows along the banks of mountain streams, and in the UK - mahogany dawn or blood red tree (Dawn redwood).
• Metasequoia glyptostrobe - the fastest growing conifer tree planets, an annual increase of up to 1.0 m!
• It is a deciduous tree whose summer growth (short shoots) falls like leaves in autumn.

Taxodium two-row, or Taxodium two-row

Taxodium two-row, or swamp cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a wide cone-shaped branch-fall tree with a thick trunk 20-40 m high and 6-9 m wide.

It comes from North America, where it is distributed in the lowlands of the southeastern United States. The needles are linear, soft, light green, spiral-double-row, up to 2 cm long. The cones are almost spherical, dark brown, 2-3 cm long. The seeds are tetrahedral, slightly winged.

Taxodium spiky or Mexican swamp cypress (Taxodium mucronatum) - tall tree(up to 20-30 m) with a thick trunk and a cone-shaped crown.

In nature, it grows in mountain valleys from Texas to Guatemala. The needles are green. AT winter period the crown is decorated with very large dangling racemose collections of greenish male cones.

Both taxodiums are thermophilic: the winter minimum for them is at -15°C. And even on the South Coast and the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Territory, warm places near the water are determined for them, closed from all sides from the winds. Both species develop well and grow in moist, fertile, well-drained soils. They prefer sunny places, but tolerate partial shade well. Transplant tolerant. Both species are propagated by seeds and cuttings.

It is interesting:

• Twigs of summer growth in taxodiums acquire a reddish color in autumn and fall off.

• Quite large female cones crumble when falling to the ground.

Sciadopitis whorled

Sciadopitis whorled, or Japanese umbrella pine (Sciadopitys verticillata) is an evergreen coniferous tree 10–20 m high and up to 6–8 m wide. in room culture - even more compact.

Sciadopitis whorled: general form and escape

In my desktop encyclopedia, in relation to sciadopitis, belonging to two families is indicated - Sciadopitis / Taxodie. He comes from Southern Japan. The needles are dark green, 5-12 cm long, collected in whorls at the ends of the shoots, stored for 4 years. Cones (female) ovoid, solitary, 5-8 cm long, male cones are collected in apical capitate formations.

Features of growing in open ground

Thermophilic: -15°С its temperature threshold in winter. On the South Coast, on carbonate soils, there is often chlorosis.

Sciadopitis whorled ready to land on permanent place, after planting chlorosite

Reaches normal development in shaded areas of southern dachas with deep fertile drained soils. Propagated by seeds. Seedlings up to 3-5 years old are grown in containers.

It is interesting:

• In fact, sciadopitis does not have needles, but phylloclades - modified leaves.

Sequoia evergreen

Evergreen sequoia (Sequoia sempervirens) is a majestic tree up to 112 m high and 6-9 m wide with a cone-shaped crown and red-brown bark.

She hails from the USA. The needles are flattened-needle-shaped, similar to yew, pressed, scaly, shiny, 2 cm long. Cones (female) spherical or oval, reddish-brown, 2-3 cm long; ripen in September.

Features of growing in open ground

Prefers deep, fertile, moderately moist, neutral soils and sunny locations; tolerates shading when young. On the South Coast grows well on carbonate soils. Propagated by freshly harvested seeds (ground germination is low - 2-16%) and cuttings, preferably from near-stem shoots. Planting material is preferably grown in containers.

It is interesting:

• For the first time evergreen sequoia forests were discovered by Europeans in 1769 on the coast Pacific Ocean. Seeing the reddish color of the wood, they began to call them red trees(Redwood).

• In 1847, the sequoia got its name in honor of the Sequoyah (Sequoyah) - the leader of the Iroquois (1770-1843), who gave the tribe the alphabet; isolated in an independent genus by the Austrian botanist Stefan Endlicher.
• This is a long-lived tree: specimens are known that are more than 4000 years old. The oldest evergreen sequoia in the South Coast has been growing since 1887 (the year of planting) on ​​curtain 16; now it is 32.5 m high and 18 m wide (crown projection).

Are you familiar with Taxodiaceae plants? Have you ever been tempted by this coniferous exotic in garden centers?

If you are interested in the fascinating and diverse world of conifers, this selection will surely come in handy.

Cryptomeria - evergreen tree with a pyramidal crown. The bark peels off in long strips and is brown-red in color. The buds grow densely, arranged in a spiral in 5 rows, small, consist of three leaves, without scales.

The needles live for about seven years, are very stiff, five-row, pointed, 15 to 25 mm long, grow in a spiral, yellow-green in summer and dark green in winter.

The needles are flattened on the sides, rounded-triangular, the tips are bent inward, stomatal strips on both sides.

The male spikelets are twisted at the ends of the shoots, the stamens are scaly, oval, anther sacs are located on the underside, pollen has no air sacs.

Female spikelets are located at the end of the shoots and are surrounded by leaves at the base, which also cover and seed scales are almost completely fused at the base. Under each scale there can be from 2 to 5 ovules.

Cones are located at the ends of the shoots, club-shaped or rounded-ovoid. Seeds are trihedral, flattened, oblong, have 2 wings.

It grows in China and Japan, withstands short-term temperature drops to -28 °, the normal climate is humid subtropical. In the right conditions, it grows quite quickly.

Cryptomeria belongs to exotic types of plants and requires special care in our climate. She loves the sun and heat, but excessive heat can greatly harm her.

Most good conditions for growth will be at a constant temperature in a slightly shaded place, with well-drained soil.

Since the plant is not resistant to prolonged frosts that are typical for our climate, it is customary to plant it in deep ceramic containers that can be placed in winter garden or on the street.

Cryptomeria needs regular and abundant watering in the period from spring to autumn, only for the winter it is necessary to reduce the amount of liquid, but the complete drying of the soil is unacceptable.

You also need to make sure that excess water did not stagnate at the bottom of the pot. In addition to regular watering, it is necessary to carry out sprinkling twice a day. A sure sign of a lack of moisture is yellowing and falling of the needles.

Young seedlings can be fed organic fertilizers twice a month, once will be enough.

Landing Cryptomeria

Most right time for transplantation - early spring. The soil mixture is equal parts turf, hardwood, sand and peat.

A layer of small stones is laid at the bottom of the ceramic container to ensure good drainage. Young plants need to be repotted every year, older trees - every three years.

Reproduction of cryptomeria

Cryptomeria is propagated by layering, cuttings or seeds. When cuttings, only young shoots are used.

For the initial formation of the root system, they are left for some time in a container of water. Then they are planted in a proportional mixture of river sand, turf and foliage.

Cryptomeria grows wild in China and Japan; in Russia, its cultural forms can be found in parks and gardens on the Black Sea coast. In nature, this slender tree can reach 50 m, and its dwarf varieties great for growing bonsai.

The trunk of Cryptomeria is covered with a reddish fibrous bark. The needles are evergreen, dense, tender and not prickly. The needles are short, spirally arranged, last for about five years, then gradually change. With age, they become darker and denser. Cones are rounded, small, located at the ends of the branches. The crown is easily shaped by pruning and other special techniques, thanks to its slow growth it remains compact for a long time.

Cryptomeria heals indoor air, is not demanding on lighting, therefore it is suitable for decorating offices, corridors and apartments on the lower floors. In nature, it lives up to 300 years. The tree is one of the plant symbols of Japan; various decorative products are made from its light and decay-resistant wood.

cultivation

Cryptomeria does not tolerate an alkaline environment, so it is preferable not to use ceramic containers, as lime accumulates in their walls. Pick up quite spacious in size pots and bonsainitsa. The first five years the transplant is annual, in the spring. More mature and large trees transplanted every three to four years or less often, updating the topsoil every year. A sufficient drainage layer is placed at the bottom.

Diseases and pests

Spider mite, scale insect.

reproduction

Cuttings, seeds.

First steps after purchase

It is very important to buy first healthy tree in a trusted store. After transplantation, the plant needs rest, for several days it is not watered or moved unnecessarily. Fertilizers begin to be applied in a month.

Success Secrets

For Cryptomeria, it is necessary to create cool conditions of detention. Optimum temperature air around +8–15°C throughout the year. The lighting is preferably dim, diffused, the plant tolerates shading well, and under the bright sun the needles turn yellow. Water Cryptomeria moderately, but often, as the topsoil dries. Water for irrigation should be soft, filtered, at room temperature. The tree needs high humidity air, especially during the hot season, so daily spraying is useful. In autumn and spring, special fertilizers for coniferous plants are added to the water for irrigation. For the formation beautiful shape crowns are pruned. Cryptomeria needs fresh air, so the room with the plant should be regularly ventilated.

Possible difficulties

The needles turned yellow

Reason: 1) too bright sunlight.

needles fall off

Reason: 1) insufficient air humidity.

branches rot

Reason: 1) the room is too warm.