Cryptomeria japanese bonsai, Ref. 2831

Cryptomeria japanese "Little champion" (Cryptomeria)
Cryptomeria is a national symbol of Japan and part of Japanese culture, representing longevity, resilience, beauty and harmony.

Features of Cryptomeria:
Exotic evergreen coniferous plant, native to the mountain forests of Japan and China. It is very popular for growing as a room bonsai, in the design of alpine gardens, rockeries, mini gardens and landscape design. Cryptomeria has a positive effect on the microclimate of the room by releasing phytoncides in the air, which have a disinfection effect and protection from harmful microbes. It is believed that this tree protects from evil spirits.

Temperature regime:
Bonsai cryptomeria 'Little Champion' prefers a warm room temperature. Its optimum temperature is approximately 18-24ºC during the day and at least 10-15ºC at night.
Avoid sharp temperature changes and cold winds, which can negatively affect the plant. During the dormant period (from October to the end of March), the recommended temperature for indoor bonsai is 10-13 ºC.

Location:
Cryptomeria prefers bright places without direct sunlight. In the heat, it is better to move the plant to the shade. During the winter months, additional lighting from artificial light sources is required.

Soil:
Prefers moist, nutrient-rich soils that are acidic or slightly alkaline. For example: sod, leafy soil and river sand in the proportion of 2:1:1/. A thick layer of drainage is mandatory, as stagnant moisture or overflow leads to root rot and death of the plant.

Watering:
Regular moderate watering is required to maintain normal soil moisture. Avoid hardening and crusting when the soil dries out. Spraying of the crown is recommended, especially in winter in centrally heated rooms when the air becomes dry. Humidifiers can be used to increase air humidity.
If there is a lack of moisture, the needles of the tree turn yellow and fall off. For watering and for spraying use soft and necessarily warm water.

Fertilizers:
The tree is fertilised once a month in spring using a special bonsai fertiliser. At other times, cryptomeria does not need additional nutrition. You can use liquid or granular fertilizers. In the second case, a special basket will be needed, through which watering will take place and fertilizer will be distributed.

Transplanting:
Transplanting the tree is done in early spring. Young trees (up to 3-4 years old) can be transplanted every year, older trees up to 9 years old - once every 3 years. When transplanting, the roots are pruned and the soil is renewed. You can fertilize the plant after transplanting only after 1 month.

Shaping and pruning:
Branch pruning is being done in the spring, removing shoots at the base of all branches and near the trunk. This will enable the crown to be thinned for better air circulation.