Cryptomeria crisis question

mushashi · White Belt Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Posts: 24

Hi,

I have a small Cryptomeria that was purchased at a local garden center. It is about 8.5 inches tall and in a small bonsai container about 4"x4"x4".

I really like this tree it was inexpensive, the bright green foliage is nice and the shape is nice.

Unfortunately it came with the usual medium sized glued on pebbles. I immediately decided to remove them.

Here is the problem for some reason the glue and rocks held together many of the roots and when I went to carefully remove the rocks many of the roots broke off to a rather short length.

The soil was actually a pretty good bonsai mix but since the root ball was so small, I replaced most of it with my mix.

My question is: with all this shock what are the chances of survival with alot of short roots and a few long ones?

What can I do to increase my chances besides the usual no fertilizer, little watering, reduced sun etc.?

Also how long will the critical period be before I know if this tree will bounce back?

I hope so, because it is a really nice specimen that was growing very nicely. Maybe I should have just left the stones!

Thanks for the suggestions.......

Dick · Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 4:07 am Post subject: Re: Cryptomeria crisis question

Losing a few surface roots is not significant at this time of the year since this is the time of most vigorous growth for a tree and they will beging to be replace almost immediately.

However, it sounds as if you may have repotted the tree in new soil. Is the soil porous so that water will drain freely through it almost as quickly as you water it? If not, then you have the wrong soil and it may do more damge to the roots than the one you pulled off. You will need to get the right soil mix for the tree.

If you repotted the tree and the soil is porous and free draining, place the tree in a shady location for about tow weeks. Keep it evenly moist at all times. Then gradually reintroduce it into the sunlight. Cryptomera can stand almost full sun all day, but they do better if they can avoid the hottest part of the day in full mid-day sunshine.

mushashi · White Belt Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Posts: 24

Thanks for the reply.....

Yes, the soil is a free draining bonsai soil mix However, I did not put it if full shade but a location on my window sill that gets a little bright later in the day, but not full or direct sun. Can I leave it, because that is it's approximate usual location except in a less bright area, or should I give it complete shade for 2 weeks?

One thing I noticed yesterday was in the early evening, I noticed that the very tip of the apex of the tree where the new growth is, began to droop over. This got me a little worried, but by the time I went to bed it had re-straightened again and seems fine again also this morning. Could this be a good sign?

Thanks for the help.....

Stymie · Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 5:31 pm Post subject: Re: Cryptomeria crisis question

The apical droop seems to have emanated from a temporary shortage of moisture which you had remedied. Keep the compost moist at all times and it should not occur again. Be advised that these are not quick growing trees and new growth may seem a little reluctant after the change but will start soon.
You did the right thing in removing the rocks as soon as you could and as this is still re-potting time for evergreen needles, recovery is almost guaranteed. Well done.

steve · Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 1:43 am Post subject: Re: Cryptomeria crisis question

Whoa...
Did you say window sill? Is it indoors? It must be outdoors to survive. Keeping it indoors is far more fatal than losing a few roots.

mushashi · White Belt Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Posts: 24

Thanks for all the great replies. Well, yes it is indoors only temporarily, because the place where I got it had it indoors and I didn't want to induce another element of shock to it right away.

However, the location is in a bright spot where I successfully keep several ficus. Right now I have reduced the light a bit till it recovers. Eventually, I will move it outside, although I have seen people successfully raise them inside, under proper conditions.....

Stymie · Posted: Tue May 17, 2005 6:55 pm Post subject: Re: Cryptomeria crisis question

There are no proper conditions for it indoors. Where it was before included. Your best way forward is to get it outside as soon as possible. Give it a bit of shade for a couple of weeks if you feel the need or else just put it outside during the day for a spell. In any case I say 'get it out' or you'll regret it. Honestly.

mushashi · White Belt Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Posts: 24

Okay Stymie,

I read you loud and clear! Mission accomplished, I have put it outside in a shadier well protected place.

Thanks.....

steve · Posted: Thu May 19, 2005 4:17 am Post subject: Re: Cryptomeria crisis question

There is a cryptomeria listing in the A2Z that may help as they do have some "special" quirks.