Brown Cedar Needles

[Trout Bum]

My cedrus libani brevifolia “Kenwith” was acquired this spring. Should I be concerned about the brown needles? It was trimmed a couple of times, and just wired, but it has been putting out new growth since I got it. I know it needs to get out of that plastic pot, but I'm not touching it till next Spring. I'm guessing its rather unsubstantial root system would prefer drier feet.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

It will shed the older needles as the tree grows and matures. This tree has been worked pretty heavily and at least some of the needles are browning due to physical damage. I wouldn't put it through any more abuse until I could get it potted in decent soil and the tree was showing signs of strong growth with nice extending fine foliage.

BTW - I find it unusual that it is a grafted tree. Is it a special cultivar? Do you know what they are using for rootstock?

 

[WNC Bonsai]

It will shed the older needles as the tree grows and matures. This tree has been worked pretty heavily and at least some of the needles are browning due to physical damage. I wouldn't put it through any more abuse until I could get it potted in decent soil and the tree was showing signs of strong growth with nice extending fine foliage.

BTW - I find it unusual that it is a grafted tree. Is it a special cultivar? Do you know what they are using for rootstock?

I am surprised to see you question whether it is an unusual or special species or cultivar. I have searched for brevifolia and can’t find them outside the west coast and most of those are grafted. A few specialized bonsai nurseries may grow them but seed propagation is not usually true and cuttings can be unpredictable so grafts are the most common way to propagate them.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I am surprised to see you question whether it is an unusual or special species or cultivar. I have searched for brevifolia and can’t find them outside the west coast and most of those are grafted. A few specialized bonsai nurseries may grow them but seed propagation is not usually true and cuttings can be unpredictable so grafts are the most common way to propagate them.

Actually, I was thinking Cedrus libani (Lebanon cedar) and not Cedrus libani var. brevifolia (Cyprus cedar) - so you are right to correct me, since I have never looked for the Cyprus variety.

 

[Trout Bum]

It will shed the older needles as the tree grows and matures. This tree has been worked pretty heavily and at least some of the needles are browning due to physical damage. I wouldn't put it through any more abuse until I could get it potted in decent soil and the tree was showing signs of strong growth with nice extending fine foliage.

BTW - I find it unusual that it is a grafted tree. Is it a special cultivar? Do you know what they are using for rootstock?

Thanks for the reply- Yeah, I know I had damaged a bunch of needles while wiring (my first effort in 26 years), but others were browning (from the tip, down) before that, and not just in the oldest locations. I think I've been keeping it too wet, considering the plastic container. It is showing strong new growth, and it's hands off now for sure. However, I do plan to very carefully transplant it into unglazed ceramic later this summer, after this newest flush of growth has finished. I've read from a grower the timing is permissible if you don't go overboard by cutting roots and removing all the old soil.
I don't know the stock, but the tree is a cultivar- "Kenwith" with even smaller needles and growth than brevifolia. It was originally from the wholesaler nursery Iseli.