I have three cryptomeria about 20+ feet tall. They were planted in the spring of 2004 and were about 10 feet tall at that time. I noticed that the interior leaves of close to center branches are brown. In some cases the entire branch and with others just about half starting from the trunk. The parts which are brown break off to the touch. Some branches have time brown growths or leaves at the tip. Is this natural progression during growth? Or do I have trees in trouble? See pictures attached. Thanks, Joe
While we're on the subject of C.J. Yoshino, I have one that started in a one gallon pot early last year. I repotted it immediately in a 3-gallon, and by year's end, with fertiliser, good soil, and regular waterings, it had filled the 3-gallon with roots, but I really didn't have any appreciable top growth. It was then repotted into a 7-gallon to get rid of the tilt it had, and only just now looks to be growing a bit. Poured a half pot of coffee on it a week or two ago... Are these things just slow as a stone when they're young or what?
No, it should grow fast - it is a cultivar selected in Japan for fast growth for timber production. It'll do a lot better if you plant it in the ground; a two year old tree would normally have roots over two metres long. A pot just isn't large enough for good growth. Pic of Yoshino Sugi in Japan: http://www.pref.nara.jp/nara/kaido/eg/syugen/d5_trad/trad1.htm
Michael, I have friends in Nara, as well as business contacts, which is one of the reasons I was thrilled to find it here in the first place! That, and primitive conifers are well up on my list of interests. Just don't know what to say about this one. I'm thinking part of the prob may be that it is growing three leaders instead of the customary one. Looked into clipping off two of them and attempting a root, but left unsure of the situation. Any ideas? Can get a photo up tonight (early morning your time).
