Does it need a lot of water?

It prefers consistently moist, well drained soil and does not handle prolonged drought well.

While you can prune it, it is a naturally large tree and is best suited for spaces where it can reach its full size.

Plant guide

Japanese Cedar.

Cryptomeria japonica

Pronounced krip-toh-MEER-ee-uh juh-PON-ih-kuh

Also known as Japanese Cedar, Japanese Red-Cedar, Japanese cryptomeria, Japanese redwood, Japanese-cedar

sugi — Photo by zebedeugalinha (CC BY) via iNaturalist

The Japanese Cedar is a majestic evergreen conifer known for its tall, conical shape and reddish, peeling bark. It thrives in cool, moist environments and makes a stunning focal point in large landscapes. You will love how its soft, needle like foliage adds texture to your garden year round.

Another photo of Japanese Cedar — Photo by harum.koh (CC BY-SA) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Conifer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 5 to 10 days
Mature size: 15 to 30 meters
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 5 to 9
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist and protect the tree from harsh, drying winds. Watch for browning needle tips, which often signal that the plant needs more humidity or consistent moisture. Ensure the site has deep, fertile soil to support its rapid growth.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged.
Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring.
Pruning: Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches in late winter.
Repotting: Repot young specimens when they become root bound.
Soil: Deep, moist, well drained, acidic soil
Soil pH: Acidic
Temperature: -23 to 35°C
Humidity: 50 to 80%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Long lived, often exceeding 100 years.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.

Safety

People: The foliage can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals upon contact.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The stiff needles can be sharp, so keep this tree away from areas where small children play.
Contact allergens: Handling the foliage may cause contact dermatitis in some people.
Airborne allergens: The pollen is a common seasonal allergen in its native range during late winter.
Edibility: The foliage and cones are not considered edible and may cause digestive upset.

How to identify it

Tall conical growth habit
Reddish brown peeling bark
Awl shaped evergreen needles
Small woody spherical cones

Height: 15 to 30m
Spread: 6 to 10m
Leaves: dark green, bronze, evergreen
Flowers: yellow, brown, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

Needle BlightCommon
Spider MitesCommon
Leaf ScorchUncommon
PhytophthoraUncommon
Root RotUncommon
CankerRare

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged before the ground freezes. A layer of mulch helps protect the shallow root system from extreme temperature fluctuations.
In containers: It is not suitable for long term container growth due to its massive size.

Cuttings

Take 10 cm cuttings from new growth in late summer.
Remove the lower needles and dip the base in rooting hormone.
Plant in a well draining mix and keep in a humid, bright spot until rooted.

Plant these in a woodland setting with other acid loving shrubs to create a cohesive, low maintenance landscape.

Grows well with

Japanese Maple · They share similar soil requirements and provide a beautiful contrast in leaf texture.
Hostas · These shade loving perennials thrive in the dappled light beneath the canopy.
Azaleas · Both plants prefer acidic soil conditions and look natural together in a woodland garden.

Similar species

Giant Sequoia · It shares a similar evergreen, coniferous habit but grows significantly larger.
Coast Redwood · It has a comparable appearance and preference for humid, temperate climates.

Science

Family: Cupressaceae
Genus: Cryptomeria
Order: Pinales
Class: Pinopsida
Native range: Japan and parts of China.
Conservation: It is not currently threatened, but wild populations are managed for sustainable timber production.

It thrives in deep, fertile, acidic soils in regions with high rainfall and cool, humid summers.

Value to wildlife: provides winter shelter for birds, seeds provide food for small birds
Pollinators: beetles
Uses: ornamental specimen, privacy screen, windbreak, timber production

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 4/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need a lot of water?: It prefers consistently moist, well drained soil and does not handle prolonged drought well.
Can I keep it small?: While you can prune it, it is a naturally large tree and is best suited for spaces where it can reach its full size.

Where the name comes from

The name Cryptomeria comes from the Greek kryptos meaning hidden and meros meaning part, while japonica indicates its origin.

Good to know

Cryptomeria can live for over 600 years in the right conditions.
The name comes from Greek words meaning hidden parts, referring to the flower structure.
It is often planted in temple grounds in Japan for its majestic appearance.

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.