An elegant evergreen tree that grows up to 70 m tall and 4 m wide in the wild, with reddish-brown bark. The blue-green needles secrete essential oils that have bactericidal and antiviral properties, which is why cryptomeria serves as a defence against disease.

The seasonally changing colour of the needles gives the tree a special appeal. Cryptomerias are very popular in Japanese and Chinese gardens because they are meditative, calming and invigorating.

Cryptomeria are easy to grow from seed. Cryptomeria seeds germinate without stratification after a dormant period of 6 months.

Stratification

1-2 months stratification in moist sand with moss at +1-5°C increases germination and winter hardiness.

Sowing

Sown in February or early March. Cover the seeds with glass or plastic to create a greenhouse effect.
After stratification, germinate at room temperature in the light. The growth period of the new shoots may last from 3 weeks to 2 years.

Plant care

Grow in a sunny position and protect from direct sunlight. Store in a cool, shady place in summer and between +8...+12 °C in winter. Avoid draughts, ventilate regularly.
Ensure diffuse light, a temperature of +22...+25 °C and spray with water if necessary. The soil should be turf with leaf litter, sand, bark and pine humus.
Do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Watering should be reduced in winter. Moisture can be increased by placing the cryptomerias on a tray filled with moist stones. Additional moisture can be created by spraying.
Young cryptomeria can be transplanted in mid or late spring every 1-2 years, adults every 4 years.
Regular, continuous pruning is necessary during the growing season. Do not use scissors or secateurs to cut the leaves as they will cause the needles of the conifers to turn brown.