Is this normal for Sekka hinoki?

[Winterwoods]

Hi! I live in Singapore and I’ve just started my bonsai journey yesterday. I purchased a mini sekka hinoki in hope that it’s more manageable than regular sized bonsai.

This bonsai was purchased yesterday, and upon studying it at home, I noticed that the lower part of the leaves are brown (see circled pictures). Are these normal, or do they indicate that these part of the leaves have dried up and that it’s unhealthy? I thought these were branches at first so I did not ask or pay further notice to it at the store.

Sorry if this is a silly question, I’m totally new to this!

Thank you in advance.

 

[ShimpakuBonsai]

This doesn't look like regular Sekka Hinoki to me.
The brown part is probably foliage turning into wood and becoming a branch.

 

[Winterwoods]

This doesn't look like regular Sekka Hinoki to me.
The brown part is probably foliage turning into wood and becoming a branch.

Thank you for your response.
May I know why it does not look like a regular sekka hinoki and what you think it is?

Is it ok to assume that the brown parts are normal (turning into wood)? Some ppl are telling me it’s “normal” because they don’t get enough light down there. I’m just worried that the brown part will spread upwards. Would greatly appreciate it if you could also advise what needs to be done from here.

Thank you for your time!

 

[ShimpakuBonsai]

Your tree has different foliage than regular sekka hinoki.
Because of the needle like foliage it looks more like a Cryptomeria.

But maybe you have the Sekka Miyabi variety discussed in this topic.

 

[penumbra]

It is shedding older interior foliage. Completely normal. It does look like Sekka to me. I have 8 of them.

 

[Winterwoods]

It is shedding older interior foliage. Completely normal. It does look like Sekka to me. I have 8 of them.

Thank you!

 

[Kievnstavick]

Here is a picture of a Sekka Hinoki to compare yours with just in case.

I agree with penumbra for what it is worth

 

[Winterwoods]

Here is a picture of a Sekka Hinoki to compare yours with just in case.

I agree with penumbra for what it is worth

Thank you for your reply!
Now I’m less worried about the yellowing and browning

Is this a rare species? Any suggestion on what I should do to maintain this little one?

 

[Kievnstavick]

I just aquired this species myself, so I am not super versed in its care besides general care of a Hinoki. I believe Eric Schrader has a video on this species and John Eads has some experience.

I do know that they are quite the slow grower.

It's not that the species is especially rare, but it is hard to find in the US as most garden nurseries aren't importing or in general growing them for sale. The only ones pretty much offering them for sale are the bonsai growers themselves.

 

[ShimpakuBonsai]

My favorite YT channel for Sekka Hinoki videos is Asao Koide`s Bonsai channel.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/@chasaokoidesbonsaich3571

 

[JoeR]

I want to see that camellia kokedama, how long have you had that? Both trees are cool!

 

[TomP]

Bjorn has some videos up working with sekka

I have purchased a couple , one from Brussel's in Memphis, and one from Plant City in Georgia. I have also started a number of cuttings. I think they are getting more popular and easier to find

 

[Winterwoods]

I want to see that camellia kokedama, how long have you had that? Both trees are cool!

Sharp eyes! Thank you, I’ve had the camellia kokedama for about 3 weeks.