The Dawn Redwood Bonsai Tree (metasequoia) is an ancient deciduous conifer best kept outside. Dawn Redwoods have soft needle-like leaves and an upright form

tall

outdoor

Dawn redwood (metasequoia glyptostroboides)

Placement

Choose an outdoor location that is sunny but protected from scorching sunlight in the hottest part of summer days. Redwood bonsai trees should be protected from frost during summer so protect your it from temperatures below -5 °C by moving it to an unheated greenhouse or conservatory, or providing insulation during winter. Remember to monitor weather conditions and adjust the placement of your bonsai tree accordingly to ensure its health and vitality throughout the year.

Watering

There is no definitive guide to watering and it should be conducted on an observational schedule, not a routine. This means that it is important to keep an eye on the moisture levels of the soil to avoid over and under watering, both which can lead to dropping leaves and/or root death. The amount of water a bonsai requires depends on pot size, climate, airflow, soil and tree type so it is best to use your eyes and fingers to assess whether the soil is damp, wet or dry. As a general guide, if the top inch or so has dried, it is ready to be watered. When you water, ensure an even coverage over the roots and soil, allowing water to flow out from the bottom of the pot to allow for a good soaking. Never let the soil dry out completely and never let your bonsai sit in water for long periods of time.

During the spring and summer growing months, Redwood bonsais require a large amount of water which could mean watering twice a day. There is not much danger of overwatering during these months as long as a well-draining compost has been used, but take care to use the bare minimum of water during the winter months when the leaves are not photosynthesising. The Dawn redwood also benefits from higher humidity levels. This can be achieved by using a mister to spray the leaves, as well as placing a gravel tray under the pot to create a more humid microclimate around the tree and reduce evaporation from the leaves.

Fertilizing

Using fertiliser on your Redwood bonsai will help encourage healthy growth and this should be done periodically from once a week to every two months and only during the growing season. You can start adding nutrients to your water from March until October and use weekly. If using solid fertilizer, use once every one to two months. With bonsai trees, less is more and we tend to advise using half the recommended dosage to see how your bonsai reacts first.

Using a nitrogen-rich fertiliser will cause a  dawn Redwood bonsai tree to shoot up very fast and give a lot of raw bonsai material, but fertilize more carefully in summer with a balanced fertiliser when looking to develop finer branches and avoid uncontrollable growth.

Pruning and wiring

Pruning your dawn redwood bonsai tree is important not only to create or maintain an aesthetic style but to also ensure optimal health. When working with redwoods, keep in mind that they produce a lot of buds, and you should to move the ones you don’t want immediately. Pruning twigs with long internodes in spring before the buds open is recommended. Redwoods are quick-growing species, so they require frequent pinching back and canopy trimming, typically done 2-3 times a year, to keep them in check.

While you can wire branches, it’s important to note that redwood branches are quite brittle, so it’s better to use guy wires to lower the branches instead. Redwoods are typically styled in the straight up style, so they don’t require much training while growing. However, if you do wire the branches, be sure to remove the wire in autumn once the leaves have fallen off to prevent bark damage.

Repotting

Repotting your tree is an important way to provide a fresh and suitable soil mix and ensure appropriate root health. As a general rule, your Dawn redwood bonsai tree will need to be re-potted every one to two years, and only in spring, but you should check if it has become root-bound before you change pots. You can do this by lifting the tree gently out of the pot by the main trunk, and examining the root system. You will know it is ready if you can see that the roots are circling around each other and the pot. If, however they still appear contained in the soil, you should place it back and wait until the following spring to check again. dawn Redwood bonsai tree have a strong and vigorous root system that tolerates heavy pruning and you can cut back the roots aggressively, but try not to remove more than 25% of the root mass to encourage new growth.

The Dawn Redwood Bonsai Tree (metasequoia) is an ancient, outdoor deciduous conifer. Dawn Redwoods have soft needle-like leaves and a tall, upright form