Baby Dawn Redwood

Johnathan · Jun 13, 2017

Okay guys a while back I got a baby Dawn Redwood at one of the local Bonsai society meetings. I'm pretty sure the issue with it is water related, not enough probably.

When I got the tree I just put it into a potting soil and perlite mix. It's in a mostly sun area.

I've read that redwoods this size should be kept in shade until established, like to be moist but not wet (how boring

)

After everything I've read recently I've been getting the urge to bare root it and put it into 100% Napa DE, topping it with spaghum and moving into a more shaded area for the rest of the year.

What do you guys think?

Wilson · Jun 13, 2017

I have always had these in full sun, without any real issues. I have one seedling currently spending long hot sunny days with all my other trees.

Johnathan · Jun 13, 2017

Thats what I thought also, which is why it was in full sun. @Wilson is it in a bonsai soil? Maybe its not getting enough air?

StoneCloud · Jun 13, 2017

When was it repotted into the potting mix? Wasn't the best choice of soil but not the end of the world.

It should do much better in a better draining mix. As far as what soil to use well, there is a TON of info on here and I ain't starting a soil war LOL!

Johnathan · Jun 13, 2017

StoneCloud said:
When was it repotted into the potting mix? Wasn't the best choice of soil but not the end of the world.

It should do much better in a better draining mix. As far as what soil to use well, there is a TON of info on here and I ain't starting a soil war LOL!

This was slipped into that potting soil maybe a month or 2 ago, but I didn't do anything to the roots just stuffed the existing stuff into a bigger pot.

Jeez bro yeah don't do that. I've read enough old threads lol! I didn't know any better. I'm stimulating roots and redoing everything this summer into DE.

I guess my biggest question is since this is a deciduous conifer can I bare root it?

StoneCloud · Jun 13, 2017

Johnathan said:
This was slipped into that potting soil maybe a month or 2 ago, but I didn't do anything to the roots just stuffed the existing stuff into a bigger pot.

Jeez bro yeah don't do that. I've read enough old threads lol! I didn't know any better. I'm stimulating roots and redoing everything this summer into DE.

I guess my biggest question is since this is a deciduous conifer can I bare root it?

All I can say is if you bare root it be gentle LOL and use a hose with a good shower setting........not crazy strong to get the soil out. Do try to avoid using a root rake and ripping out roots as much as you can............

I would wait a little bit and focus on getting it healthier before doing all that though.

You could start by poking more holes in the pot its in to give it more drainage. not too big of holes...quarter inch or so alll along the bottom and some holes on the bottom sides of the pot as well. It will help a little with the dense soil it's in.

butlern · Jun 13, 2017

I had a dawn redwood when I was in OKC... water the hell out of it. They can tolerate extra water, but will not tolerate too little. It would go crispy if I missed the evening watering (5-6 pm) in the summer. Put it in a place that is protected (as much as possible) from wind and in the shade by 2-3 pm.

Johnathan · Jun 13, 2017

@StoneCloud and @butlern Thanks for the quick replies guys. I will definitely get all of that done in the upcoming weeks.

StoneCloud · Jun 13, 2017

CHEERS!!!!

Redwood Ryan · Jun 13, 2017

I would NOT repot a deciduous tree that is already in full leaf and growing. Leave it be.

Potawatomi13 · Jun 13, 2017

Stick in pot today grows too fast too stiff to bend. Bend soon if desired at all

.

Johnathan · Jun 14, 2017

Redwood Ryan said:
I would NOT repot a deciduous tree that is already in full leaf and growing. Leave it be.

Hmmm, is that just because this is a conifer? Because, I was also planning on repotting my ficus next month which is why I'm asking.

Potawatomi13 said:
Stick in pot today grows too fast too stiff to bend. Bend soon if desired at all.

Yes I know. I was counting on this being a formal upright. Yes I know its a mind-blowing proposition with this species, but if you look closely I do have a small piece of wire already on it because I was trying to get it straight up and down.

M. Frary · Jun 14, 2017

I would wait until next spring to do any root work to the redwood.
It isn't a fig.

petegreg · Jun 14, 2017

Well, I took this picture to place it to Mike's Ugly trees thread, but ok, its here...
This is my only BC. Did complete bare root in the spring of 2015, substrate is 100% DE, the tree stands in a tray of water spring-fall.
Concerning your tree, I would repot next spring.

Johnathan · Jun 14, 2017

Soooo, call me crazy but I'm convinced you guys know what you're talking about. Here we go...

I will add more holes into the pot as suggested by @StoneCloud Keep it in a good location and well watered as suggested by @butlern then next spring I will bare root repot into 100% DE per @Redwood Ryan @M. Frary and @petegreg

.... LIKE A BOSS!

M. Frary · Jun 15, 2017

Johnathan said:
into 100% DE

I add lava to it now.
It works so much better when mixed with that.
As soon as I get my hands on pumice I will toss that in too.

Johnathan · Jun 15, 2017

Hmm, @M. Frary so do I integrate those things into the pot? I drilled a bunch of holes last night, but its still not free flowing.

Maybe I can try to ease it out of the pot without disturbing the roots and replace the surrounding substrate with the lava mix?

herzausstahl · Jun 17, 2017

M. Frary said:
I add lava to it now.
It works so much better when mixed with that.
As soon as I get my hands on pumice I will toss that in too.

Talk to,@Leo in N E Illinois the dry stall he can get is almost identical size size to the napa & I know he wants to bring some to you & Vance once he gets the chance.

herzausstahl · Jun 17, 2017

@Johnathan water the Dawn Redwood to get it established. I've got a couple I planted in a grow bed that started out your size & are over 6' tall now.

Baby Dawn Redwood

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