Sequoia Bonsai Care [Sequoiadendron Giganteum]

Don’t let your small and cramped yard stop you from growing giant trees. Thanks to bonsai trees, this has now become easier and more possible than ever.

There are a lot of bonsai trees that can now be found all over the world. Among the most beautiful species that bonsai fans fall in love with is none other than the Sequoia Bonsai.

Scientific nameSequoiadendron Giganteum
Average height60 to 275 feet tall
Average spread25 to 60 feet
Origin countryCalifornia
FamilyCupressaceae
LeafEvergreen
WaterModerate
SunlightFull sun
MaintenanceMedium
From Nursery Stock to Bonsai - Giant Sequoia Bonsai 2020

Is my sequoia pot too small bonsai

An ideal pot length in most cases should be around 2/3 of the tree height. If the tree’s height is shorter compared to its width, the pot’s length must be approximately 2/3 the width of the tree’s spread. The pot’s width must also be slightly narrower than the longest branches’ spread on the two sides.

How to take care of sequoia bonsai

Sequoia has three primary types of popular species: the Coast Redwood, Dawn Redwood, and Giant Sequoia. The Redwood bonsai trees boast fragile leaves similar to needles.

The Giant Sequoia tree is also beautiful, although growing it as a bonsai is challenging because of its brittle wood. It is also hard to grow in a particular shape. It is simpler to grow Redwood because of its flexibility.

Here are some tips you should know to properly care for your Sequoia Bonsai.

Giant sequoia climate

Since these are suitable for both outdoor and indoor growth, humidity and the necessary amount of light are the key climate conditions they need for rapid growth. If you are a fan of outdoor bonsai that required full sunlight, please kindly also have a look at willow bonsai, bald cypress bonsai, juniper bonsai tree, wisteria bonsai tree and chrysanthemum bonsai.

Giant sequoia fertilizer

The Sequoia Bonsai is not that hungry for fertilizer compared to other types of miniature species. The most recommended fertilizer for Sequoia Bonsai has balanced amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is also a must to stay away from fertilizers that contain high nitrogen levels since this may lead to problems like canker.

The general rule of thumb here is to use fertilizers rich in iron. While it is true that adding the proper amount of fertilizer at the right time will help your tree to stay healthy and thrive, you can also evaluate the current condition of your Sequoia Bonsai and determine whether or not it needs fertilizer.

Sequoia bonsai wiring and pruning

#11 - Pruning: Giant Sequoia

When wiring, make sure you watch out for any growth, then remove this when the wire starts cutting in. There is no wrong or the right time for pruning your Sequoia Bonsai.

For you to determine if the right time has already come, remember that these trees have a certain period when they remain dormant, it is during late winter. It is the best time for you to prune your tree.

Correct pruning helps you ensure that your tree will get the chance to recover from the previous series of cuts right in time for spring growth.

Growing sequoia bonsai

The tree seeds are hidden in the mature trees’ cones, so you should work with the seeds coming from trees that are 20 or 30 years old at least. Chances of success will be lower if you use seeds from younger trees. When you gather cones for growing your Sequoia Bonsai, it is recommended that you keep these in lower temperatures, such as inside a refrigerator.

This will encourage the cones to open on their own that will expose the seeds required for cultivation. If the cones are placed inside a container, shake this now and then to loosen the seeds.

You can also cut a new starter plant from the older one then plant this in a new pot. This process will require the same level of meticulousness, just like seed planting, since the soil must be moist. It is also recommended to use rooting hormones to guarantee growth. 

Watering sequoia bonsai

You need to water your Sequoia Bonsai regularly. It is vital to water the plant every day while you constantly check the soil’s moisture to prevent overwatering and underwatering alike. Once the soil surface starts getting dry, you can add water to the container.

The frequency of watering is also determined by the specific soil mixture type you used. There are soil mixtures that tend to retain more water than others, so watering is often not required. If the weather is hot, make sure to water the soil to ensure that your tree survives amidst harsh weather conditions.

Bonsai giant sequoia pot size

As mentioned earlier, the most recommended length of pot in most cases must be around 2/3 of the height of your tree. If the height is shorter than its width, your chosen length should be roughly 2/3 the width of the spread of your tree. The width of your pot must also be slightly narrower than the spread of the tree’s longest branches on two sides.

Sequoia bonsai pests and diseases

Make sure to spray your plant against bark pests and wasps. Wasps can end up eating the bark to make their nests. 

Best soil for sequoia bonsai

Since the Sequoia Bonsai is highly demanding when it comes to water, it means that the soil where you plant it must stay moist at all times.

It is not a standard requirement since most Bonsai species tend to have alternate preferences of dry and wet or dry soil. But, in the case of Sequoia Bonsai, moisture is what matters the most.

How long before shallow potting sequoia bonsai

If your tree has good growth and it has already stayed in the same spot for over 3 to 4 years, this is when you can try to shallow pot your Sequoia Bonsai. As you do so, there are several pointers that you need to remember. Shallow potting your Sequoia Bonsai is best done during the summer season.

As you do this, make sure you use a fresh pot with moist soil with iron-enriched fertilizers. The additional roots can also be trimmed as you take your Sequoia Bonsai from its initial pot.

How fast does a giant sequoia grow

Giant Sequoia Update - Grown From Seed

The Giant Sequoia is considered to be the world’s fastest-growing conifer, given the right conditions. It is expected to have an upward growth of 4 feet during the third year for those trees planted in big pots and 1-inch plus growth rings.

These trees have the potential of growing faster per year. The Giant Sequoias can grow tall quickly and even less dense if there is blockage of setting and rising sun.

They also quit growing tall fast when they reach the full sun. The moment they reach the direct sunlight, Giant Sequoias start growing dense foliage, thick turn, and they put on weight rapidly as well.

What time of the year can i bonsai my giant sequoia

Most types of bonsais, including Giant Sequoia, could be repotted during the winter months.

However, the best and most recommended period for doing it is during the weeks right before the early spring revival. This is the time when you can tell that there are no longer risks of intense that may end up damaging the roots of your bonsai tree.

Can sequoia bonsai grow without freezing

How to Grow REAL Giant Sequoia at Home!

You have to be extra careful with your Sequoia Bonsai during the winter months, not only because of frost and also because of the risk of dehydration. See to it that you give enough water to your tree during lower temperatures of the winter months.

Young sequoias are not that sappy and are prone to freeze-drying. This only often discolors and doesn’t cause harm to the trees. However, this may damage or even kill young trees if they are already dry going into winter. Continue watering them until the ground has frozen.

The trees can also be buried in the snow if possible. The young ones in their natural environment are buried throughout winter in the snow. You can create a windbreak or look for a box to be placed over them once the deep freeze has come without snow.

Sequoias turn sappier once these turn mature and less prone to freeze-drying. The problem here is cold, dry wind, and not the cold itself.

How to trim bonsai sequoia roots for small pot

The Sequoias are actually self-pruning in their roots. Root pruning is only necessary if you will be shifting your tree to a smaller pot. Regularly feed the shallow potted Sequoia Bonsai during the growing season. Reduce the frequency during extreme temperatures.

Giant sequoia bonsai tree kit

Just because the Giant Sequoias are native only to California doesn’t necessarily mean that you can no longer grow one right in your own home from seeds. You can buy Giant Sequoia Bonsai Tree Kit that comes with everything they need to nurture this beautiful tree’s ornamental iteration.

The only thing you will need for cultivating your micro-forest is sunlight and water. If you have been blessed with a green thumb or you have always wanted to have one, Giant Sequoia is a very excellent option that calls for care and thought, but you can look forward to one-of-a-kind results.

Why giant sequoia seedling turning brown

The young Giant Sequoias often go through color changes during early spring and winter. Younger trees are more prone to color changes. Trees less than a year old are usually affected. Seedlings buried in snow don’t discolor, and only those with wind exposure, and this can lead you to believe that this discoloration is due to freeze-drying. This discoloration doesn’t harm the tree.

And instead, it will only bring out an already existing pigment. This condition will be gone once the temperatures stay warm for a long time during spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow a giant sequoia in Ontario, Canada?

Yes, you can grow a giant sequoias in Ontario, Canada. It requires lots of sun light and warmth. Also, the soil must be well drained. In addition, the soil should be fertile and rich in nutrients.

Have people successfully grown giant sequoia trees on the East Coast US?

Yes, there are many successful growers who have successfully grown giant sequoias on the east coast of United States. They have done so by planting the seedlings in containers and then transplanting them when they reach maturity.

References

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