Cedar Bonsai Tree

Introduction

Cedar trees make dramatic bonsai trees. Their unique physical appearance and their ability to be styled to different bonsai designs make these a wonderful yet challenging bonsai tree to care for. The cedar tree’s beauty and unique structure is a blessing for most growers however this bonsai tree needs the expertise to grow and care for. If you wish to grow a cedar tree bonsai then you must not just have skills to do so but you must also possess good attention to detail and patience.

There are five distinct species of cedar. You can grow any of these four species into a bonsai tree. This species is a slow grower, therefore, it could take time to see results. This tutorial will help you take care and train a cedar bonsai using basic techniques. You will surely find this tree a rewarding species to work with.

Members of the cedar genus make striking bonsai trees. Their rough, cragged bark is the calling card of the species. And the short needle clusters that grow sparsely along the branches to give them a canopy like no other trees.

But the cedar bonsai’s beauty is both unique and rare. Cedar trees are rarely sold as bonsai. They require care and expertise to grow correctly and therefore are not in great demand. This can make them difficult to find in shops. But if you can get your hands on one you’ll find them easy to grow and an enjoyable challenge to style and shape.

Himalayan Cedar Bonsai Tree
Scientific/Botanical NameCedrus Libani
DescriptionThe Lebanon Cedar tree is one of four cedars that are used in the art of bonsai. Its needles are short, and the foliage is thick. It is a slow grower, however.
PositionThe tree needs to be grown in a location that receives a minimum of six hours of daily sunlight.
WateringAllow the plant to get nearly, but not entirely dry before watering it. If the leaves turn yellow, it is a clear sign of overwatering.
FeedingAs soon as new growth begins in the spring, feed with a fertilizer that is both balanced and organic. The fertilizer should be diluted to half-strength prior to application, and the plant should be watered immediately after being fertilized. Stop feeding the plant when new growth has ceased for the season.
Leaf and Branch PruningBecause the plant grows slowly, pruning is minimal. New shoots and branches respond better to pinching-off than to pruning.
Re-potting & Growing MediumThe plant dislikes being transplanted. As such, defer any re-potting for as long as possible. Five years between re-potting may be best. When re-potting becomes necessary, do so in the spring. Re-pot with an acidic soil that is ideally comprised of sharp sand, loam and peat moss.
WiringThe plant can be wired to define a shape and create a style of growth that can be of an upright or a cascading nature. Wiring can be carried out at any stage of growth, and the wires may need to stay on the plant for a year or two because growth is slow. Do monitor the plant for potential problems, however.
NotesPlants grown in pots retain a thin trunk. If a thick trunk is required, it must be planted in the ground.

What you need to follow this tutorial

A cedar bonsai tree

You can start with an already potted tree or a tree that is ready for styling and grooming. Most bonsai growers start this way and usually, there is no trouble doing so. You can purchase cedar trees from only a few numbers of nurseries and online shops.

Cedar bonsai seeds

You can also grow cedar trees using seeds. There are online shops and local seed banks that sell cedar seeds. You may also harvest cedar cones during winter to get cedar seeds.

Bonsai Pot

There are a variety of pots to use but the best has to be a planter that has adequate drainage holes at the sides or at the bottom of the pot. Select what’s best for a cedar tree bonsai.

Balanced fertilizer

Cedar trees need a balanced and organic fertilizer. You can purchase one from a local garden supply shop or you can buy from online shops.

Sharp scissors

You need a sharp pair of scissors to prune cedar bonsai trees. You also need a pair to prune roots if necessary.

Pliers

You need a pair of pliers to cut wires at a length you need to use. You also need a good pair of sharp pliers to remove wires used for wiring.

Wire for wiring

You need strong wire to train a cedar tree. You can use annealed copper wires for this kind of tree. But if you are new to wiring bonsai, aluminum wires will work better.

Clean water

Cedar trees need to be watered regularly. Your water should be clean and not contaminated by toxins or any dangerous chemicals that can affect a cedar tree’s health. Whether you use rainwater or tap water, have this checked if possible before you water your bonsai with it.

Aggregates

Use aggregates when potting and re-potting to improve soil drainage and aerating properties. There are a variety of aggregates that you can use on cedar bonsai trees. You can use Akadama, decomposed granite, diatomite, pumic, sand with coarse grains and turface.

Growing soil for bonsai

A soil with slightly acidic properties is recommended for growing cedar trees. Acidic soil is composed of sharp sand, loam and peat moss. This is available in the most garden supplies shop.

Step by step instructions

1) Understand fast facts about Cedar bonsai trees

Cedar tree family members make amazing bonsai trees because of their rough and aged bark. These have short needle clusters that develop along the branches which help define the distinct canopy shape of the cedar tree. Usually, growers find this bonsai tree a challenge to grow because it requires unique care and expertise. This makes it difficult for anyone to find cedar trees in shops.

Description

There are five distinct species of cedar. You must learn about these different species to be able to care for this kind of tree better.

Cedrus libani

This is also known as the Lebanon cedar because this is native to Lebanon. These species makes lovely bonsai trees because its needles remain short for the rest of its life. The needles improve the beauty of the tree because it creates dense foliage. The Cedrus libani requires very minimal pruning because it grows very slowly. The downside to cultivating a Lebanon cedar is that it can take time for the tree to take shape.

Cedrus brevifolia

This is more commonly known as the Cyprus cedar because it is native to the country of Cyprus. It is known as the most beautiful of all cedar species because of its dense blue-green needles. These needles can grow up to ½ an inch when the trees reach maturity. Just like the Lebanon cedar, the Cyprus cedar also takes a long time to grow and a very long time to shape as well.

Cedrus deodara

Of all the cedar species, the Cedrus deodora has the quickest growth time. If you are new to growing cedar tree bonsai then this is a nice fast-growing cedar that you must try. But on the downside, you must be able to gain expertise before you can start. Also, if you fail to prune this tree well, it could create patchy growths which can ruin its appearance.

Cedrus atlantica

The Cedrus atlantica or the Blue Atlas is among the most prized bonsai species. It has an easy to form trunk which allows you to modify the tree into different styles. The Cedrus atlantica has striking blue needles that can quickly draw attention in any bonsai show or display. And because this is a very popular and in-demand bonsai, it is very expensive to purchase a growing Blue Atlas.

Growing position

  • Grow cedar bonsai trees in an area with minimal sunlight.
  • The cedar bonsai tree requires six hours of daily sunlight.
  • The cedar bonsai tree may be grown indoors or outdoors but great care should be exercised with the amount of sunlight it receives.

Watering

  • Water cedar bonsai trees only when the soil is nearly dry but not entirely dry.
  • Do not let your cedar bonsai suffer from overwatering.
  • Check for yellowing of leaves because this is often due to overwatering
  • Use only the ideal spot to grow bonsai to allow excess water to drain from the soil.
  • Use the ideal soil to grow or pot bonsai to absorb water well

Feeding

  • Feed cedar trees with balanced and organic fertilizer as soon as new growths appear during springtime
  • Fertilizer should be diluted to half-strength before applying on bonsai trees.
  • Water your trees immediately after feeding.
  • Stop applying fertilizer when you notice that there are no new growths.
  • Follow instructions on how to use fertilizer on cedar bonsai trees.

Leaf and branch pruning

  • The cedar tree bonsai grows slowly so this needs minimal pruning.
  • Cedar tree bonsai branches respond better to pinching than pruning.
  • Use only sterile or clean scissors or clippers on your trees to minimize the spread of diseases or mold.
  • Re-potting & growing medium
  • Cedar bonsai trees do not like to be repotted. Defer re-potting to five years.
  • When you really need to re-pot a cedar bonsai tree, do this during springtime.
  • Use acidic soil to re-pot your trees.

Wiring a cedar bonsai tree

  • Wiring a cedar bonsai tree can style it according to the type of bonsai design you want.
  • Cedar bonsai can be wired to achieve a cascading style or upright style.
  • Wiring may be done at any stage in the cedar bonsai tree’s development.
  • Let the wires stay on the plant for two years until the branches have been trained.
  • Use tough copper wires to train cedar bonsai trees.

Important notes

Cedar bonsai trees grown in pots have the tendency to develop thin trunks while those grown from the ground develop thicker trunks. These changes could be due to the number of nutrients that the tree needs to grow.

2) Distinguishing cedar bonsai trees from other bonsais

One of the most distinguishing features of cedar trees that may be absent in other bonsai trees is its canopy of leaves and needles. This is a distinct feature in bonsai trees that may be perfectly recreated in a bonsai tree. The tree’s trunk is also another distinguishing factor. The trunk looks rough and cragged which is very common in this species. Cedar bonsai trees are also slow growing which means it could take a long time for this tree to shape.

3) Purchasing cedar bonsai trees

It is a good idea to simply purchase cedar bonsai trees considering that it takes a long time to grow one from seeds. However, this presents another challenge.

It is hard to find cedar bonsai trees. This may not be available from local nurseries or from online sites. You may need to buy from specialized retailers and online sites just to get one. And of course, it could be very expensive to do so.

If you are purchasing a cedar bonsai tree online then remember the following:

  • Buy only from reputable bonsai dealers. Check relevant information and reviews about the dealer before you make your purchase.
  • Shop for cedar bonsai trees well. Weigh in your options when buying from site to site. Check for the tree quality and health.
  • Track your order. Ask for a tracking number from the courier or retailer.
  • If possible purchase from a local dealer or nursery to reduce the wait and worry about ordering online.

4) Growing cedar bonsai trees from seeds and cuttings

Japanese Cedar Bonsai Tree

Aside from growing cedar bonsai trees from actual cedar trees, you may use seeds to grow your own tree. By growing from seeds, you can closely monitor the health of your trees and you will be able to train your bonsai at an early age.

It can take time to grow trees from seeds; it can take a decade just to grow a young cedar tree. But growing trees from seeds is a good way to prevent the spread of diseases and the passing on of pests and molds.

You can purchase cedar tree seeds from local seeds shops or from seed banks online. If you are lucky enough to be living near a cedar tree then you may use the seeds of this tree. Harvest cedar cones during wintertime. Inside the barrel-shaped cones are thin scales each one covering two irregularly-shaped triangular seeds. These seeds have wings.

Usually, the scales fall off the cone and release the seeds once these are mature. But you can loosen the seeds faster by first storing the cones in a warm area or by soaking this in warm water for 48 hours. When the scales fall off, remove the seeds by hand or by using a sieve. Use a dry cloth to remove the wings from the seeds.

Growing cedar bonsai trees from seeds

But before you place seeds in soil to germinate, you must separate seeds that are fertile and those that are not. You won’t be able to tell fertile and sterile seeds apart just by their appearance. But a simple technique known as the glass of water technique will help. It will tell you which seeds will germinate and which ones will not. This is a very important step to do especially when you are buying cedar tree seeds online.

  • Fill a glass or a transparent container with tap water.
  • Put the seeds in and wait for the seeds to settle.
  • Some seeds will sink while some seeds will float. Keep the seeds that have sunk and discard those that float.

This test tells you which seeds should be germinated and those that should be discarded. Those seeds that have sunk are seeds that are viable insides. These seeds are fertile and are ready to germinate under the right conditions. Seeds that float are empty because these don’t contain viable insides. These will not germinate even if these stay in the water for a long time.

Now that you know which seeds will germinate and which seeds have to be discarded, you may now germinate your seeds.

  • After you have removed the wings from the seeds, place these in a bowl of warm water overnight.
  • The next day, place the seeds on a piece of paper towel and dry these out in the sun for 15 minutes.
  • Place the seeds in a plastic bag with the top folded over.
  • Refrigerate this at 40 degrees Fahrenheit until the seeds sprout. These seeds sprout in about 30 days.
  • Once the seeds have sprouted, plant the cedar seeds in a deep tray with well-draining medium or half compost and half perlite soil.
  • Plant your seeds about 4 to 6 inches apart at a depth of ½ inch.
  • The pot has to get indirect sunlight to allow the seeds to germinate.
  • Water this lightly as soon as the surface soil dries out.

Once the seeds have opened the taproot will initially emerge. Then the seed will then orient itself and the taproot will burrow into the soil as small leaves and stems will gradually appear from the seeds. You will only be able to transplant cedar tree seedlings to individual pots once these have gained strength and have grown at least 1 to 2 inches tall.

  • A small and shallow bonsai pot will work as a good pot. This should have two holes along sides and at the bottom of the pot to give your tree adequate drainage.
  • Place a layer of coarse substrate or aggregate like perlite inside the pot. This will be the bottom layer which will improve aeration and drainage of excess water and fertilizer.
  • After the layer of aggregates, add bonsai potting soil. It’s safe to start with organic potting soil that will hold more water and contain good nutrients seedlings need. Cedar trees need moist soils as it develops into a mature tree.
  • Place your Cedar tree seedling in the soil. Place another layer of organic bonsai soil and use your fingers to lightly compact the soil.
  • Water your young plants and always keep the soil moist.

Growing cedar bonsai trees from cuttings

Another way to grow a cedar tree is to use cuttings. Cuttings can be taken from healthy cedar trees and cared for to become young trees. When you use cuttings, you don’t need to wait for seeds to germinate and become seedlings.

Growing from seeds vs. growing from cuttings

There are a few advantages of using seeds to grow cedar trees. Trees that grow from seeds develop a tap root, the most important first root for all plants. This is a thick root that first emerges from the seed. This is important in the growth of young plants because this improves stability and the absorption of nutrients from the soil.

Cuttings don’t grow taproots and may not be as stable as trees grown from seeds. On the other hand, this is overcome by supporting the growth of complex root systems of cuttings before these are planted in their individual pots. Here is how to harvest cuttings from cedar trees.

  • Select a healthy cedar bonsai tree to get cuttings from. This tree should be in perfect health. This should be growing new leaves and stems on a regular basis and should be free from pests or diseases. Take note of any nutrient problem, leaf discoloration or any health conditions.
  • Harvest cuttings from the cedar bonsai tree. The stem should be healthy and has no issues.
  • Use a clean or sterile cutter to harvest the cutting.
  • Use a diagonal cut to harvest a cutting.
  • Place the cutting in water immediately after you take it from the donor tree.
  • This prevents air pockets from entering the newly cut stems.
  • Leave the cuttings to develop roots. Let these remain in the water.
  • When the roots have thickened and the cutting is stronger and developing new leave and stems, this is ready to be planted in soil.
  • Water the cuttings daily and keep the soil moist. Water only when the soil is dry and not when it is moist to prevent root rot and mold growth.

5) Caring for a cedar bonsai tree

Cedar Bonsai - Group Planting

Foremost, you must practice growing and care other bonsai types before moving on to a complicated and slow-growing cedar bonsai tree. Research on the needs of the particular cedar species you want to grow so you would know what your tree needs.

Cedar trees are slow-growing so its pretty easy to get tired from caring this plant when you only see very minimal results. Therefore you must exercise a lot of patience when cultivating this tree.

Cedar bonsai trees will be contented growing outdoors but when the temperature drops below 20 degrees, it has to be brought indoors. You can bring it out again once it becomes warmer.

Placement

Place your cedar bonsai in a sunny spot where it has access to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Most species of cedar thrive on the sun. It gives them richer color, fuller canopies and faster growth.

However, certain species of cedar have slightly varying light needs. Some cedar bonsai species like a little more shade and some prefer even more sun. The best way to get to know your cedar tree’s light needs is to research its species. In the mean time you can use your cedar bonsai’s needles as a guide.

If your cedar bonsai starts to look spindly and sparse, it may be getting too much sun. If your cedar bonsai is paler than usual and its needles rotate so that its edges face up, it needs a little more shade.

Water

Feel the cedar bonsai’s soil regularly to see when it needs watering. When the soil is just about to dry out, give it a drink. Not before then. Constantly moist soil will make the cedar bonsai’s roots turn mushy and its needles turn yellow. Also take care not to allow the soil to completely dry out. Dry soil weakens the plant and may cause it to drop its leaves. They will grow back but you can avoid the problem in the first place with regular watering.

Fertilizer

Beginning in spring when your bonsai begins to put on new growth for the season, feed it with a balanced fertilizer. Any organic bonsai fertilizer found at a reputable nursery will be suitable.

Dilute the fertilizer to half strength before applying it. Water the bonsai after you fertilize. Stop fertilizing in winter when your cedar bonsai stops putting on new growth.

Winter Care

Cedar bonsai grow happily outdoors. But when temperatures drop below 20 degrees Celsius, bring your cedar bonsai indoors. You can bring it out again when the temperatures rise again in spring. Avoid bringing it in and out repeatedly. Cedar bonsai trees like stability. Allow it to spend the warm season outdoors if you like and keep it indoors once temperatures drop.

Training

Cedar bonsai trees are as easy to prune and shape as any other bonsai species. They grow slowly but they take well to wiring and cutting back. However, there are a few exceptions that make cedar bonsai’s growth slightly different than that of other species.

Growth

If it spends its entire life in a pot, your cedar bonsai will develop a thin juvenile trunk that it will keep for its life as a bonsai tree. To grow a thick trunk, your cedar bonsai must grow in the ground for three years or so. Its trunk will quickly thicken. But take care to keep pruning to keep its size and shape.

Pruning

Cedar bonsai trees aren’t too fond of pruning shears. Take care of green, new branches by pinching them off at their base.

Wiring

Cedar bonsai take quite a while to set with wiring. But the branches of some slow-growing species must remain wired for 12 to 24 months. Check wires frequently. Branches that grow into their wires will have permanent scars. Cedar bonsai trunks may be wired as well but these trees look best as informal uprights or as beautiful cascading specimens.

Repotting

Cedars are slow growers. Your cedar bonsai will only need to be repotted once every four years or so. The best time to repot a cedar bonsai is in spring just before it typically starts its growth for the season.

When you repot, work carefully. The soil must remain packed around the cedar bonsai’s roots. If the cedar bonsai’s roots are bare at any time it may drop some of its needles. Repot your cedar bonsai in soil that is two-thirds decomposed granite and one-third composted bark mixed thoroughly together.

For six weeks after you repot, keep the cedar bonsai still and stable. Strong winds or a careless nudge may loosen it or knock it over.

6) Soil and re-potting a cedar bonsai tree

One of the most important things that you need to understand about cedar trees is that it does not really want a lot of attention. In fact, it does not want re-potting however you really can’t overlook repotting otherwise tree growth would be out of control. Since cedar bonsai trees do not like to be repotted, defer re-potting to five years. The tree’s slow growth becomes a plus as this helps forgo re-potting for a longer period of time.

When you really need to re-pot a cedar bonsai tree or it is due to be re-potted, do this during springtime. And when it comes to the right type of soil used to re-pot cedar bonsai, Use acidic soil to re-pot your trees only.

For six weeks, keep your tree stable and still and avoid strong winds and knocking the plant over.

7) Watering cedar bonsai tree

Water cedar bonsai trees only when the soil is nearly dry but not entirely dry.

This will control overwatering and the spread of molds and root rot. Do not let your cedar bonsai suffer from overwatering by correcting the first sign of dryness and overwatering. You can check for overwatering by look for yellowing of leaves this is often due to overwatering. Use only the ideal pot to grow bonsai to allow excess water and nutrients to drain from the soil. Use the ideal soil to grow or pot bonsai to absorb water and fertilizer well and to drain the excess.

8) Pruning and shaping a cedar bonsai tree

Himalayan Cedar Bonsai Tree

This tree grows very slowly, therefore, it does not require regular pruning. And pruning is not just about shaping bonsai trees but it also improves the growth of new leaves and stems. Pruning is done by cutting the stems and leaves with the use of a sterile cutter or blade. The blade should be clean so that you will be able to prevent the spread of diseases and molds.

The type of wire to use for wiring

There are two kinds of wires to wire your cedar bonsai tree. Use anodized aluminum or annealed copper wires. These will help your plants. Each wire is different and should be used accordingly. Anodized aluminum is for deciduous trees that have harder and stronger trunks and also for young trees. Annealed copper wires are for trees with harder trunks such as conifers and pine trees.

Wires are available in a variety of thicknesses and the most commonly used ones are the 1 mm to 4 mm wires.

For first-time growers practice wiring using anodized aluminum wires because these are easier to handle and is available from any local hardware store. Wires may cause injury to bonsai branches such as branches of young bonsai tree so you must always be careful.

Raffia is usually used to avoid injuries in trees when wiring. Raffia is palm fiber that you can get from garden stores. Raffia is soaked in water and wrapped around the tips of the branch or bark. Raffia will protect branches from damage because of wiring and bending.

Step by step instructions on how to wire a bonsai

  • Select the kind and thickness of the wire that you wish to use.
  • Measure the length of wire and cut using a sharp pair of pliers.
  • Take one end of the wire and wrap this around the branch you want to wire.
  • Wrap it in a 45-degree angle.
  • Wrap the wire in the extent of the branch, do this in a neat manner.
  • After wiring the branch, cut the excess with the use of pliers.
  • Bend the branches into position. Do this gently to prevent injuring or breaking the branch.
  • If you have branches that are too high use a guy wire. Wrap moist raffia around the branch and place a hook at the end of the branch. Tie a wire on the hook and secure it to a strong root. Secure the wire to lower the high branch.
  • You will do the same thing if you want to lift a branch that is positioned too low.
  • Take the end of this branch and wrap raffia on it; add the hook and place a guy wire on the hook. Attach the end of the wire to anything that is located above the bonsai plant.
  • Remove the wires about one to two years after.
  • After wiring, take note of the growth of your bonsai tree. Put the pot in a shaded area of your garden and water it daily. Place balanced fertilizer to let it recover well.

Important wiring techniques

Wiring will shape and style cedar bonsai trees. Wiring will reposition bonsai branches indifferent styles. There are a number of bonsai styles that you can use to design a cedar bonsai tree.

Shakan Bonsai Style

The Shakan bonsai style will fit a cedar bonsai tree. This is a slanted bonsai tree style that depicts a slanted tree in nature. The trunk of the bonsai emerges from the soil in a slanted way while the rest of the tree is growing in an outward way.

The trunk is in a 60-80 degree angle to create a slanted look. This style is achieved by strong wiring to train the main trunk into a slanted position.

Wiring will control the height of the branch so that it won’t stretch too much.

Applying strong lighting from one direction and tilting the pot is also one way to create that windswept style.

Shari Bonsai Style

The Shari Bonsai Style is all about shaving the bark of the tree to prevent new growth from appearing. Also known as the stair effect, the branches may be long or short in this style. The overall design is achieved with wiring and pruning. Meanwhile leaves found at the top of the tree create a balanced appearance. The Shari bonsai style is all about the development of trees and plants in nature. In this style, a barkless area along the trunk is also seen and this is because of the effects of harsh weather conditions trees.

Seki-joju or Rocky Terrain

The Seki-joju or Rocky Terrain style presents the tree’s aerial roots. It is all about growing bonsai roots through natural obstacles. Obstacles could be anything in like a jagged or smooth rock. The Seki-joju on regular trees happens when the roots of trees grow underneath and along the sides of rocks. Naturally, roots of trees are very adaptable because this will crawl around, along with the sides and even underneath rocks. The trunk of the bonsai is developed as this happens. The rest of the tree will grow in a straight way despite obstacles found along its path. The Rocky Terrain bonsai style is seen in bonsai presentations in bonsai trees that have healthy and well-presented roots.

Literati Bonsai

The Literati style is a bonsai style ideal for cedar bonsai trees. This design has a skinny trunk and curved leaves which will present the lovely canopy of the mighty cedar tree. Bonsai enthusiasts say that this style is all about the struggle for the smallest life form to exist in nature. In the literati style, you will find a few bald spots along the trunk and this will look like dead branches which are common in regular trees. This bonsai style is found in nature when trees grow in densely populated areas such as forests and woodland areas.

Dramatic Fukinagashi

The Dramatic Fukinagashi style is like a windswept head of hair in a storm. A cedar bonsai tree will fit this extra-ordinary style only when this is styled and trained correctly. In the Fukinagashi style, the branches and the trunk will grow to one side. You need wires to position the trunk and minimal but regular pruning to develop that windswept design.

Han-kengai

The Han-kengai bonsai style is a cascading effect. The section of the trunk protrudes in a straightforward manner while a branch grows outward and slightly downward. A small part of the trunk is found along the section where the thick branches are found. The branches will grow in different directions and develop low-lying leaves. This bonsai style must be grown in a deep pot to preserve the cascading design.

When to start wiring

You must start wiring a cedar bonsai tree as soon as it is strong. This may be done any time of the year or any season. Remember to attach wires on the branches carefully because even if this tree has a thick bark, wires can still injure mature barks and trunks. Place wires on cedar trees during the growing season or as the branches become thicker to style it accordingly.

Wiring mature branches can injure trees because it can cut through the bark.

Any injury to the bark can lead to ugly marks and scars.

Always remove the wire when it is due. Overlooking this can badly injure a cedar tree. Don’t forget to check on your tree while it is wired. It should be growing new leaves and stems regularly, should be drinking well and responding to fertilizer feedings. Remove the wires only by cutting it piece by piece to make removal easier and to avoid causing injury to your tree.

Post-wiring care for your Cedar bonsai tree

After wiring, a cedar tree bonsai put this in a shaded area of your garden. Do not place it directly under the sun because it has to regain its health and strength. Leaving the tree under direct sunlight can dry the soil and this could be very detrimental to your cedar bonsai trees. Give balanced fertilizer to help your tree recuperate.

Remove the wires on schedule to avoid damage to the bark and branches. Cut the wire at every turn and don’t remove it completely. Never reuse the wire for wiring other branches because this is already spent. You also reduce diseases and molds that may be passed on from one plant to another.

Monitor tree health after wiring and let your bonsai tree rest before pruning and wiring it once more. Keep a growing diary or photos collage of your pruning and wiring activities so you can monitor your bonsai tree’s shape and appearance as time goes by.

9) How to prevent pests and diseases

Cedar bonsai trees are very hardy and can grow without worries especially from pests and diseases when you give it good care.

Mold and root rot is one of the most common diseases that could be fatal even for the mighty cedar. You can prevent these by not overwatering your tree.

Always use pots with adequate drainage and the right soil. Notice the signs of overwatering early like yellowing of leaves, a pool of water left in the roots and very moist soil. Dry your soil completely before applying fertilizer and before watering once more.

Some pests like caterpillars and mites can affect your cedar bonsai trees. These pests can eat the delicious leaves of your plant to render it defenseless. You can eradicate pests by becoming vigilant. Always inspect the leaves and stems of your plants. Never overlook finding one mite or worm because if there is one, more could be nearby.

Eradicate pests by using an organic and safe pesticide. You may also use a mister or spray bottle to spray pests away. Always monitor your plants to prevent pest infestations.

Conclusion

Cedar bonsai trees are one of the most amazing bonsai tree species which is capable of being styled to a variety of basic bonsai styles. It has a strong trunk and good canopy of leaves which makes it a favorite among growers. But although it is popular for its appearance, it is not so for its other features. It is known to be very hard to train because of its very slow growth. It can take cedar bonsai to finally adjust to pruning and wring about 5 years. Despite this slow growth, this is a rewarding tree to cultivate and train. It will give you years upon years of joy and satisfaction.